As more urban centers and private companies aspire to environmental sustainability, REDICO is proud to announce a new initiative at its headquarters in bustling Southfield, Michigan. On the grounds where one often catches glimpses of wildlife, birds and butterflies, there are now two thriving beehives!
In June 2024, the hives were installed on the southwest side of the One and Two Towne Square property. Within only a month and a half the hives consistently produced delicious honey! Christened Towne Square Honey, small jars were gifted by REDICO to the building’s tenants.
The hives are part of a long-term REDICO vision, said the company’s Director of Office Properties, Janet Stevens. “Ultimately we hope to repurpose the nearly 2-acre parcel with pollinator plants and create a natural habitat for bees, birds and butterflies.”
After a chance meeting with the owner of Royal Bee Honey, Janet took the idea of beehives to President and CEO, Dale Watchowski and the leadership team at REDICO. By June 2024, two hives were installed and have been regularly maintained by the beekeepers. “The honey was always intended as a gift for the tenants of the building, and REDICO worked with our agency, GO DESIGN+, who created branding and labels for the honey jars,” said Watchowski.
REDICO’s property is adjacent to the Southfield City Centre Trail System, an approximately 8-mile shared-use pathway and urban ecosystem that runs throughout Southfield’s Civic Center Drive, Evergreen Boulevard and north and south of the Lodge Freeway. The pathway is part of Sustainable Southfield, the cornerstone of the city’s 2016 Master Plan. Through oversight by the City Centre Advisory Board (CCAB), the pathway is intended to promote the environment and heart-healthy outdoor activity with adjacent art and history installations, natural beauty and bat and bird houses. An art installation is being planned and will be erected on the pathway near One Towne Square as a tribute to the bees!
“REDICO is thrilled to work with CCAB to contribute to the quality of life of the Southfield community through beautification and environmental efforts,” said Watchowski. “And our tenants have really enjoyed the honey!”
