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DTE Renovates Vacant Building Next To Detroit HQ

DETROIT (AP) - DTE Energy Co. has renovated a vacant Art Deco building next to its downtown Detroit headquarters as part of the utility's broader efforts to improve the area.

The three-story, 32,000 square-foot building has been newly named the Navitas House and will be home to about 140 information technology employees. The building has been vacant since the Salvation Army closed it in 2004.

Ron May, DTE's executive vice president for major enterprise projects, says in a statement that "DTE has made a commitment to assist the rebuilding of Detroit." He says: "This beautiful building stands now as a symbol of our work to help energize Detroit."

In a separate development project, DTE says it's expected to break ground this spring on a new green space just east of its headquarters. Plans call for the now-empty lot to become a public gathering place for downtown employees, residents and visitors.

For Navitas House, DTE preserved much of the Art Deco interior elements while also making it energy-efficient and in compliance with current building rules. A rain garden to filter water runoff and provide a habitat for birds and butterflies has been added behind the building.

© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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