Comerica Bank (Great Lakes Campus)
A transformative campus consolidation that fosters culture, collaboration, and community impact
NELSON partnered with Comerica to consolidate five locations into a unified 340,000 SF campus for 2,000 employees, transforming two separate four-story buildings into a cohesive workplace. The central element of this transformation was the creation of a two-story “Connector,” which serves as the cultural and functional hub of the campus. This innovative structure houses key shared amenities, including a welcome center, conference center, IT help desk, and a grand stair, fostering seamless collaboration and connectivity among employees.
The design emphasizes functionality and cultural connection, integrating Comerica’s values and history into wayfinding elements and using a refined material palette of walnut, aluminum, and stone to reinforce brand identity. The Connector also accommodates diverse work styles with spaces for focused work, collaboration, and access to amenities like a fitness center, training spaces, and outdoor patios.
Phased construction and strategic planning were critical to maintaining operations during the transformation, particularly the challenge of connecting buildings with different elevations. The project revitalized the City of Farmington, bringing over 2,500 employees to the area and stimulating local economic growth, benefiting retail, restaurants, and services while strengthening the community’s vibrancy.
