Project Purpose and Background

The University of Michigan is undertaking the next major phase of its strategic space optimization efforts by relocating staff from Wolverine Tower to new and reconfigured space at Victor’s Way and other locations. This transition aligns with the Campus Plan 2050 objectives and supports the University’s goals of modernization, improved space efficiency, and a better-aligned hybrid work environment.

As Wolverine Tower winds down its operations, we are committed to ensuring a smooth, well-communicated, and staff-centered relocation experience for all affected departments and employees.

Project Scope

This project covers all communications, logistics coordination, and stakeholder engagement associated with relocating departments and personnel from Wolverine Tower to Victors Way or alternative designated spaces. Specifically, this phase includes:

In Scope:

Partnering with departments to:

• Identify staff workspace needs (e.g., shared, individual, flexible, or specialized spaces)
• Align departmental needs with available space at Victors Way or other designated locations
• Support move readiness through checklists, walkthroughs, labeling, documentation, and training
• Coordinate communications to staff around the timing, rationale, and logistics of the move
• Facilitate reviews of internal paperwork, records, and storage to support physical and digital cleanup
• Support departments in managing:
  • File shredding, imaging, or archiving
  • Equipment or furniture disposition
  • Staff communications
• Execute targeted communications to:
  • Inform staff of milestones
  • Reinforce key expectations (e.g., remote work agreements, space use policies)
  • Provide orientation and welcome materials for Victors Way
• Facilitate executive decision making around:
  • Capital construction or space modifications
  • IT infrastructure implementation beyond standard desktop moves
  • Leasing or high-level space allocation policy decisions

Objectives

• Ensure that all applicable staff are informed, supported, and prepared for their transition
• Deliver timely and clear communications that build understanding and reduce anxiety
• Support departments in identifying and preparing for their future space
• Strengthen internal alignment through check-ins, briefings, and collaboration with local administrative leads
• Reinforce the university’s vision of a modern, shared, and adaptable workplace

Project Governance and Roles

Key Deliverables

• Departmental Move Readiness Checklists
• Communications Toolkit (FAQs, Key Dates, Packing Guide)
• Orientation & Welcome Materials for Victor’s Way
• Space Needs Summary Reports
• Furniture & Asset Disposition Plans
• Staff Transition Support Resources

Timeline (Milestones)

Success Measures

• 100% of impacted staff receive move guidance and communications
• All departments report readiness prior to their move date
• Positive feedback from post-move surveys and welcome events
• No disruption to essential services or operations during the move
• Consistent messaging delivered across all departments and leadership levels

The comprehensive list of Project Communications can be found here

How was this decision made?

Last year F&O commissioned a Facility Condition Assessment of Wolverine Tower.  The results of that assessment indicated that the level of investment needed to sustain the Tower (without enhancements) would be cost prohibitive. This was consistent with the feedback received from multiple stakeholders represented by the Wolverine Tower Utilization Co-chairs group.

Who is on the decision-making committee? How are all U-M Wolverine Tower tenants being represented?

The project is being led by the major stakeholders at Wolverine Tower in collaboration with representatives from smaller groups.  The sponsor team includes representatives from Finance, the Office of University Development, the Office of the Vice President for Research, University Human Resources, the Shared Services Center, and Student Life Administration.  The transition team includes these groups in addition to the Ethics, Integrity and Compliance Office, Audit Services, and the ITS Neighborhood Hub located in WoTo.

Some teams store inventory at Wolverine Tower that campus and Mich Med units periodically pick up from the building. Will the new location have onsite storage?

Storage is being considered, and teams are being asked to identify (and, where possible, pare down) what they have in storage in preparation for a move. As we seek out new space for these teams, storage will be considered.

WoTo is on a direct campus bus line. Will this be the case for a new home for these teams?

The 1000 Victors Way location of the SSC  is very near a bus line and the project team will be working with the Ann Arbor Area Transit Authority (AAATA) to ensure service as close as possible to the building. As we know more about the future homes for all teams, we will share more information about bus routes.

Where will we move to?

Many departments will be moving to the SSC. For those that do not end up moving to the SSC, the university is exploring options, and no decisions have been made yet. The Real Estate Office knows the Ann Arbor market extremely well, and we have done analyses of the floor space each team will likely need.

When will we know where our team is going?

While we don’t know when, we do know we have to be thoughtful and weigh dozens of factors. We will be communicating monthly on our progress, or sooner if we have breaking news.

Why was the decision to move made before a new site was determined?

We want teams in Wolverine Tower to have as much time as possible to consider the ins and outs of relocating. And wanted to be responsive with the information we had as soon as we had it.

What will parking be like?

The parking at the SSC is ample and free. Based on staff feedback, this is a big issue. Our aim is to find a parking arrangement either the same as Wolverine Tower or free.

Will the new location be short or long term?

Moving can be difficult and is always time-consuming, so we are aiming to find a site that teams can occupy for a number of years.

What’s happening to Wolverine Tower?
The university owns the building and the site, and has already begun assessing how it can best be integrated into the campus masterplan.

When should we start to pack up?

Relocating will likely happen at the end of the calendar year, so it’s still early for boxes, but not too early to take stock of what you might need to take with you. Since we’ll be asking teams to assess how much storage they really need, you can begin ASAP working with your supervisor to sort through physical pieces, like equipment, and plan projects for digitizing paperwork with SSC Document Imaging. 

What if my team’s projects make moving out at year’s end impossible?

Since every team is different, we will work with each to gain insights and solutions.