The relationship between Taft and REDICO goes all the way back to 1968, when REDICO became a client of the law firm. At that time, the firm—known then as Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss—was located in downtown Detroit at One Woodward Avenue. In the early 2000s, the firm was at a crossroads with their lease. With the high cost of downtown parking, taxes and a client base located primarily in the suburbs, moving out of Detroit made good sense.
The REDICO team presented the firm with a number of suburban properties and when space in the American Center Building became available, a lease was signed and the move was set for October 2004. The initial lease encompassed 56,000 sq ft on floors 23, 24 and 25. As the move commenced, the firm bumped up their total to 60,600 sq ft, with an additional 5,000 sq ft on 23rd floor.
“We’ve enjoyed a lengthy and very positive relationship with Taft,” said David Haboian, REDICO’s Senior VP of Operations. “REDICO has been proud to work alongside the firm through the years as they’ve experienced amazing growth.”
With the 2024 Taft merger, more space was needed for its 140-plus attorneys, so in 2024, a sixth amendment to the lease was signed which provided the firm with the 16th floor, for a total of 87,000 sq ft.
When asked about REDICO as a business partner and property manager, Taft partner, Richard Zussman said with a chuckle, “I can’t say anything bad, they’re a large client of mine.” Getting serious, he stated plainly, “REDICO knows how to run an office building. Their reputation as a Class-A property manager in the city compares to no one else.”
In addition to its excellent location, the prime feature for Taft is the fabulous 25th floor with its high ceilings and breathtaking views. The building’s amenities include a cafeteria, sundry shop, fitness center, conference and training rooms, dry cleaning, secured parking garage, and a well-appointed lobby—a beautiful space, used often by the firm for parties. And according to Zussman, the building is well-maintained, with facilities services provided by REDICO affiliate, Continuum Services.
