
The JLL Detroit report paints a picture of a city facing significant office space challenges. The vacancy rate in the downtown area is at 14.3%, a 1.3% decrease from the previous quarter.
This decrease is largely due to the influx of new office space, with over 1.2 million square feet of new construction completed in the past year. However, this new space is not being absorbed quickly enough to meet the demand.
The report highlights the need for more office space in Detroit, with a growing number of companies looking to relocate or expand in the city. This demand is driving up rents and making it more expensive for businesses to operate in the area.
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Downtown Office Space Challenges
Finding prime office space in Downtown Detroit is now more difficult than ever, with vacancy rates in prime office buildings dropping.
Rents in the Renaissance Center have increased from $23.50 per square foot to $25.50, and overall rents in the area are now at $24.99 per square foot.
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This is an increase of 10.82 percent in the last two years alone, following a similar trend as apartment rentals in the Downtown area where demand and rents are also increasing.
With only a few large blocks of available space left, companies are scrambling to find suitable office space, making the Renaissance Center one of the few viable options.
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Report Highlights Challenges
The report highlights challenges in the downtown office space market, with many buildings struggling to stay occupied.
High vacancy rates are a major concern, with some buildings reporting rates as high as 20%. This is a significant increase from just a few years ago.
Rising construction costs have made it difficult for developers to build new office space, leading to a shortage of available options.
The average rent per square foot has increased by 15% over the past year, making it harder for small businesses and startups to afford.
Many office workers are looking for more flexible and amenity-rich spaces, but finding buildings that offer these features is a challenge.
The lack of parking and transportation options in some areas is also a major issue, making it difficult for employees to get to work.
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Office Space Issues
Finding prime office space in Downtown Detroit is now more challenging than ever.
Vacancy rates in prime office buildings have dropped due to recent developments and companies returning to the city.
The only true large blocks of available space are in the Renaissance Center, where more than 60 percent of the skyline is vacant.
Rents in the Renaissance Center have increased from $23.50 per square foot to $25.50, making it one of the few viable options.
Rents in the area have risen to $24.99 per square foot, a 10.82 percent increase in the last two years alone.
This trend is similar to that of apartment rentals in the Downtown area, where demand and rents are also increasing.
Company News and Hires
JLL Detroit has been expanding its team with experienced professionals in the retail and healthcare sectors. Robert Mihelich, a retail industry veteran, has joined the team as Senior Vice President, bringing over 30 years of experience in commercial real estate.
Mihelich has worked with major clients in Michigan, including drug store chains, urgent care centers, and big-box retailers. He has also handled dispositions and land acquisition assignments for his clients.
The Detroit region is showing promise for retail growth, with new commercial developments in the pipeline. Mihelich is excited to be part of a team that continues to grow with the evolving retail needs of the region.
Miriam Rhein, a healthcare expert, has also joined JLL Detroit as Senior Vice President. She brings 25 years of experience in navigating complex market dynamics and delivering exceptional results.
Rhein will spearhead brokerage and portfolio management initiatives in the market's healthcare sector, negotiating lease renewals and managing property dispositions. She has successfully managed large corporate accounts, including the Ascension portfolio in Michigan.
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Retail Veteran Hired
JLL has just hired a retail industry veteran, Robert Mihelich, as senior vice president of its Detroit retail team. He brings over 30 years of experience in commercial real estate, specifically in retail, commercial, and mixed-use properties.

Mihelich previously worked at Trammel Crow Co. and CBRE, where he helped national and regional tenants across Michigan. His clients ranged from drug store chains to corporate cellular stores and big-box retailers.
At CBRE, Mihelich also handled dispositions and land acquisition assignments for his clients. He's a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers and the Detroit Area Commercial Board of Realtors.
Mihelich graduated from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Arts and received his real estate sales license.
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New Healthcare Expert
JLL's Detroit office has just welcomed a new addition to their team - Miriam Rhein, a seasoned healthcare expert with 25 years of experience. She brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the company.
Rhein will be spearheading brokerage and portfolio management initiatives in the Detroit market's healthcare sector. Her expertise will be invaluable to clients and JLL's growing healthcare practice.
As the leading healthcare real estate expert for JLL in Michigan, Rhein will negotiate lease renewals, manage property dispositions, and conduct fair market value studies. Her diverse professional background includes owning and operating a retail advertising agency for eight years.
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Rhein has successfully managed large corporate accounts, with a particular focus on healthcare real estate in the Detroit metropolitan area. She even managed 1.6 million square feet of the Ascension portfolio in Michigan.
Rhein is also involved in several professional organizations, including the British American Business Council of Michigan and the Women in Healthcare Michigan Chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does JLL actually do?
JLL provides investment management and technology services to investors worldwide, including institutions, individuals, and venture capital funds. From investment management to innovative tech solutions, JLL helps clients achieve their goals in a rapidly changing market.
Is JLL a big 4?
Yes, JLL is part of the "Big Four" in commercial real estate and facility management, a group that also includes CBRE, Cushman & Wakefield, and Colliers. This prestigious group is a benchmark for excellence in the industry.
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