In early 2004, Hyundai American Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) named Barton Malow as construction manager for its new 190,000-square-foot Research and Development Technical Center in Superior Township, Michigan. This vehicle testing facility was phase one of a 60-acre development.

HATCI is Hyundai’s design, engineering, and research and development headquarters for the North American market. HATCI’s activities include design (body, chassis, electronics, and trim), evaluation and testing, quality improvement, and powertrain development. The new building is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with high-end finishes including a large presidential suite. Early involvement was key, allowing Barton Malow to assist in the planning and design evolution. Barton Malow’s services included self perform concrete and interiors services and, additionally, Barton Malow Design was responsible for the creation of a mini design studio inside the plant.

Care was taken by Barton Malow’s team to address site challenges and the establishment of preservation and wetland mitigation areas. Indiana Bats, indigenous to the area, also provided a challenge. Clusters of this endangered species were hibernating in the wetlands and had to be safely coaxed by a bat expert from the site prior to the start of construction.

Upon completion of phase 1, Barton Malow Design was retained to lead the international planning team through the development of a master plan and site model. The goal was to help HATCI determine its research and testing needs for phases two and three. The master plan addresses the challenge of a multi-building development totaling 1.3 million square feet on 80 acres of existing woodland and wetland.