The countdown has begun for the long-awaited demolition of the iconic Kmart HQ and data center in Troy, Michigan. Situated on a sprawling 40-acre site at 3100 W. Big Beaver Road, the facility spans an impressive 906,000 square feet (84,170 square meters). Its history is intertwined with the evolution of Kmart and its merger with Sears, making it a significant landmark in the region. After being vacant since 2006 when Kmart relocated its headquarters to Hoffman Estates, Illinois, the building is about to meet its fate.
Description of the building
Standing tall with its unique architecture, the Big Beaver Road building gained the nickname “Fort Kresge.” This moniker was derived from the company’s original name, S.S. Kresge Co. The grand structure consisted of three modular units that were interconnected by walkways. Each corner showcased an octagonal tower housing stairways, restrooms, and HVAC equipment. With its distinctive appearance, the building became an emblem of Kmart’s legacy in the area.
The Kmart data center
Deep within the walls of the Big Beaver Road building lies the heart of Kmart’s technological operations—the company’s data center. Journeying into the basement, one would find a meticulously organized space housing a variety of IBM mainframe computers that expertly ran the COBOL language. These powerful machines are accompanied by a squadron of robust air conditioners, ensuring optimal operating conditions for the critical infrastructure.
According to Joan Booker, a former Kmart computer programmer who worked at the company from 1985 to 1999, the basement of the building was where the pulse of Kmart’s data-dependent operations thrived. It was a realm where technology and innovation collided, orchestrating the intricate symphony of retail logistics and ensuring seamless operations.
Transition and Sears merger
In 2006, Kmart bid farewell to its long-standing headquarters and embarked on a new chapter following its merger with Sears. The Hoffman Estates, Illinois location offered an opportunity for the combined companies to streamline their operations. While the headquarters shifted, Kmart continued to rely on the data infrastructure nestled within the walls of the Big Beaver Road building.
To further fortify its technological infrastructure, Kmart eventually constructed a separate data center on Cunningham Drive. The new facility seamlessly integrated into the company’s operations, preserving the legacy of the basement data center while adapting to the evolving demands of the retail landscape.
The Sale of Fort Kresge
As Kmart embraced its future with Sears, the decision was made to sell the historic Big Beaver Road building. In 2005, a group of investors acquired the architectural gem for a grand sum of $41.5 million. The sale marked the beginning of a new era for the site, sparking speculation about its future utilization.
As the demolition teams prepare to tear down the storied walls of the Kmart HQ and data center, it’s a bittersweet reminder of the shifting tides in the retail industry. The Big Beaver Road building, lovingly christened “Fort Kresge,” stands as a testament to Kmart’s bygone era and its technological prowess. While Kmart’s journey took it elsewhere, the memories and contributions of this iconic structure endure. As we bid farewell to the physical remnants, we look forward to the continued evolution of retail and the technological innovations that will shape the industry’s future.