GM Plans Major Update to Tech Center

General Motors Co. plans to give its 1950s-era technical center in Warren, Mich., a major overhaul. The project reportedly could cost as much as $1 billion.

GM has asked the city of Warren for tax breaks to aid a major construction project at the 710-acre campus, which houses some 19,000 research, engineering, design and information technology employees.

The $100 million Eero Saarinen-designed complex was touted as the "Versailles of industry" when it opened in 1956. The complex is on the National Register of Historic Places and was designated by the American Institute of Architects as the most outstanding architectural achievement of its era.

The center with its 61 buildings, 11 miles of roads and 22,000-acre reflecting pond was a futuristic marvel in its day. But GM figures a major update of the facility would help attract and retain high-tech talent accustomed to a more contemporary work environment.

Under the reconstruction plan, GM would add as many as 3,000 new jobs at the center by further concentrating its product development efforts and IT operations at the center.