The Southgate Bank Tower Reviving A Downriver Landmark
A rendering of what the apartment community will look like upon completion of construction.
Independence Commercial Construction Contributes to Major Redevelopment
Southgate’s skyline is getting a remarkable transformation as The Bank Tower, the tallest building downriver, undergoes a major makeover to become a modern apartment community.
After sitting vacant for the past ten years, the 14-story tower at the intersection of Trenton Road and Cambridge Avenue is now the focus of the largest private investment in Southgate’s history—a $43 million redevelopment project. When complete, The Bank Tower will offer 184 residential units, with floor plans ranging from studios and one-bedrooms to two-bedroom apartments and luxurious two-story penthouse suites.
The exterior of the Bank Tower during construction.
Independence Commercial Construction, an ABC SEMI member, is playing a key role in bringing new life to this iconic building. Working in conjunction with the general contractor, The Alan Group, ICC is providing services across Divisions 05, 06, 08, and 09.
Project Manager Bill Heidt recently guided ABC SEMI staff through an exclusive tour, highlighting the scope of work involved—including the installation of over 2,500 2x6 boards and more than 100,000 steel studs to support the new layouts and structural updates.
“Renovating a building that’s been vacant for a decade comes with unique challenges—from addressing unexpected structural issues to bringing everything up to today’s codes,” Heidt said. “One of the biggest hurdles has been framing out new units on the upper floors. We rely heavily on the buck hoist to move thousands of studs and boards up 14 stories safely and efficiently, and coordinating that while other trades are working has required a lot of planning and teamwork.”
Heidt went on to mention that in order to get the 27-foot studs to the 14th floor, they had to bring a crane on site and raise each bundle to the penthouse level.
The renovation celebrates the building’s historic charm while adapting it for contemporary living. The original bank lobby will be transformed into a grand reception area for residents and guests. Downstairs, the former safety deposit box vault will become a unique social room, blending character with community gathering space.
In an interview with WXYZ Detroit this March, Southgate Mayor Joseph Kuspa emphasized the significance of this development, noting that it represents the largest private investment in the city’s history and a catalyst for future growth in Southgate’s downtown district.
ICC owner Luke Beach said this project has been exciting for several reasons.
The main floor features just a fraction of the over 100,000 steel studs needed on this project.
“First and foremost, being a part of something that will have a tremendous impact on the community is always meaningful and rewarding. For ICC, it’s particularly special because it marks the beginning of a new relationship with a customer we’ve never served before—an opportunity we value deeply,” Beach said. “It’s also the largest single contract ICC has ever been awarded and only the second bonded project we’ve taken on, making it a significant milestone for our team. On a personal note, what makes this project even more fulfilling is that it was bid and secured by Andrew Beach, representing the second generation of ICC leadership. Watching him take the lead and build this relationship has been a proud moment for me.”
The tower opened in 1973 as headquarters for the former Security Bank & Trust Co. The bank was absorbed in a series of acquisitions, the first occurring in the early 1990s, and ultimately became part of PNC Bank.
Construction on the apartments is expected to wrap up in early fall and residents will begin moving in shortly after.
ABC SEMI is proud to see members like ICC providing their services that not only revive historic structures but also contribute to vibrant, thriving communities across southeast Michigan.
Independence Commercial Construction is a commercial carpentry contractor located in Waterford. Incorporated in 2008 by owner Luke Beach, ICC specializes in a variety of commercial carpentry services. To learn more about them, visit independencecommercial.com.
