Grand Circus all moved into the Broderick, starting classes this week

Grand Circus, the start-up that offers tech training, events, and co-working space for up to 49 entrepreneurs, has now officially moved into its new home inside the Broderick Tower.
 
Previously housed inside the Madison Building during what Grand Circus CEO and co-founder Damien Rocchi refers to as an "incubation" period, the Broderick is the company's permanent home with three floors of activity located on the lower levels of the building.
 
The 15,000-square-foot space includes one level of classrooms that opens into an event space, a second level of only classrooms, and a third level that is a co-working space. The three floors of the facility feature floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Comerica Park, Grand Circus Park, and the Fox Theatre.
 
Grand Circus was able to manage the development and design of the space themselves, working with Neumann/Smith Architecture (the firm behind the design of the Madison) and Patrick Thompson Design, which has received a lot of buzz for the design of the DIA's new Cultural Living Room. Green Garage tenant Chad Dickinson – Detroit-based builder, developer and designer – made all the furniture. "We wanted to have a lot of Detroit influence in the space," says Rocchi.
 
Grand Circus's classes are held in three main formats: in-depth classes that mirror the format of a three-credit course over a college semester, workshops held over a few days, and seminars that last a few hours. Most classes will have 20-30 students. The first workshop starts on Sept. 25 and everything else starts in October. The community space is already being used for events.
 
Grand Circus's partners include Detroit Labs, Detroit Venture Partners, Downtown Detroit Partnership, Invest Detroit, Opportunity Detroit, Venture for America, and Automation Alley. Automation Alley will also be opening its fourth office (its first in Wayne County) inside the Madison in the space vacated by Grand Circus. 

Source: Grand Circus CEO and co-founder Damien Rocchi
Writer: Nicole Rupersburg

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