Energy and commodities occupiers in Detroit typically cluster in Downtown, plan ~240 sqft per seat at trophy fit-out ($215–305/sqft), and pay around 26 USD/sqft ($26 USD) on Class A.

• Preferred submarket: Downtown.
• Typical fit-out spec: Trophy ($215–305/sqft).
• Plan ~240 sqft per seat for headcount sizing.
• Class A rent context: 26 USD/sqft ($26 USD).
• Typical lease: 10 years with 14 months rent-free.
• Talent depth in Detroit: 70/100.

TL;DR

• Preferred submarket: Downtown.
• Typical fit-out spec: Trophy ($215–305/sqft).
• Plan ~240 sqft per seat for headcount sizing.
• Class A rent context: 26 USD/sqft ($26 USD).
• Typical lease: 10 years with 14 months rent-free.
• Talent depth in Detroit: 70/100.

Where they cluster

Energy and commodities occupiers in Detroit typically anchor in Downtown. Tech (Rocket), banking, professional services, government.

What they pay

Class A rent in Detroit runs 26 USD/sqft ($26 USD) on a 10-year lease with 14 months free. Trophy submarkets command a 20–40% premium above the city index.

Spec and fit-out

Typical energy and commodities fit-out targets trophy specification at $215–305/sqft. Bespoke design, signature feature, top-tier MEP and acoustic packages are standard.

Headcount sizing

Plan around 240 sqft per seat blended (workstation + circulation + amenity). A 100-headcount energy office in Detroit typically targets 24,000 sqft of leasable area.

Talent angle

Trading floors concentrate in CBD trophy product with redundant power and connectivity; engineering teams scale in suburban energy corridors. Strong engineering, automotive, and tech talent. University of Michigan, Wayne State, and Michigan State anchor the regional pipeline. Tech talent has grown rapidly post-2015 driven by Rocket Companies, Stellantis software, and Ford's mobility investments.

Tax and lease context

Headline corporate tax: 26%. Modified-gross structures. 10-year terms standard. Free rent of 12-16 months and TI of $70-$100/sqft typical on a 10-year Class A deal. Concession-rich market.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Where do energy and commodities occupiers lease office space in Detroit?

Most cluster in Downtown. Rent runs ~26 USD/sqft ($26 USD) for trophy and prime stock.

What fit-out spec do energy and commodities occupiers run in Detroit?

Typically trophy at $215–305/sqft.

How much office space per seat should a energy and commodities occupier plan in Detroit?

Plan ~240 sqft per seat blended. A 100-person team typically takes 24,000 sqft.

What NAICS codes describe the energy and commodities vertical?

Representative NAICS 2022 codes: 211, 212, 523130.

What is the talent index in Detroit?

70/100. Use the city profile for full detail.

Related

• Energy and commodities — global overview
• Detroit — full city profile
• Financial services in Detroit
• Asset management in Detroit
• Investment banking in Detroit
• Legal services in Detroit

Editorial provenance

Reviewed by Class A Atlas Editorial Desk — House byline · global editorial team. Last updated 2026-04-15. See our methodology and editorial standards.

Primary sources for this page

• CBRE Marketview reports — CBRE
• JLL Office Insight — JLL
• Cushman & Wakefield Marketbeat — Cushman & Wakefield
• Savills World Research — Savills
• Colliers Global Office Outlook — Colliers

Full sources index · Submit a correction

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