"Hordes of computer geeks" as Compuware CEO Peter Karmonos put it, will overrun downtown Detroit in June 2002, when Walbridge-Aldinger and the building trades complete the company's $800 million headquarters building.

On April 12, more than 300 dignitaries were present for the groundbreaking at Woodward and Monroe. Even more than the Tigers' Comerica Park and the Lions's Ford Field, which are a quarter mile away, the 16-story headquarters is expected to be the major catalysts for revitalizing Detroit's downtown.

"Detroit's future depends on the vision of corporate leaders," said Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer. "With one stroke by Peter Karmonos and Compuware, this gives us the development we've sought for over 30 years."

The 1.2-million-square-foot headquarters at Woodward and Monroe is expected to open in June 2002. Initially, 3,000 employees are expected to work in the building, but Farmington Hills-based Compuware could build space to double that number in three to five years. The development will include a 3,000-space parking garage and stores and restaurants at street level.

"To the naysayers, I have three words," Karmonos said. "We did it. This is a move that clearly benefits the entire area, and it just makes good business sense for us. It's a dream I've had for many years."

Just north of the Compuware building is the site of the razed J.L. Hudson's building, which is being dug out in preparation for a four-deck, below-ground parking structure. Atop that will be a landscaped plaza, and the parking structure's foundations will support an18-story building. Eventually, the entire Campus Martius project, as the area is called, could encompass nine blocks and will include the Compuware headquarters and potentially a mix of office towers, more stores and restaurants and maybe a hotel.

LOOKING NORTH, where Woodward (on the left) and Monroe meet will be the new 16-story Compuware headquarters. In this rendering, the old Hudson's Building would have been located to the north, just behind this building.

MEETING AT A RECEPTION following the Compuware groundbreaking are Walbridge-Aldinger Group V.P. E.G. Clawson, Compuware CEO Peter Karmonos and Greater Detroit Building Trades Council Secretary-Treas. Pat Devlin.