Friday, Jul. 11, 2008

Deloitte Says 'I Do’ to Westlake!

By A. Lee Graham Staff Writer

Westlake continues to celebrate Deloitte LLP’s $300-million campus planned for the growing community.

"We’re pleased, really delighted," said Alderman Don Redding, describing the New York-based firm’s learning and leadership development center as a perfect fit.

"We want to be known as a knowledge or education-based community, and that was one of the thoughts behind the [Westlake] Academy," said Redding. "And Deloitte is a great follow-on to that."

Months of speculation ended this week as Deloitte confirmed a deal expected to create 100 full-time jobs and as many as 400 operations and maintenance positions. About 40,000 yearly visitors are expected to visit the corporate campus set to occupy 107 acres bounded by Dove, Ottinger and Precinct Line roads, and State Highway 114.

But what pushed Westlake ahead of Chicago and Ann Arbor, Mich., reportedly also vying for the campus?

"We did evaluate a number of locations," said Anne Taylor, vice chairman and managing partner for the firm’s Mid-American region. In the end, airport access, recreational alternatives and a central location made Westlake irresistible.

"Accessibility," said Taylor. "That means not only in an area with major airlines, but in the center of the country. A great physical site was important," as were public and private golf courses, professional sports teams and other amenities considered appealing to Deloitte employees, Taylor added.

When complete in 2011, the 750,000-square-foot facility will boast 800 guest rooms, classrooms and conference areas, business and fitness centers and a ballroom. What’s become known as "Deloitte University" brings Westlake another major employer in a community already boasting Fidelity Investments, DaimlerChrysler and First American Real Estate Information Services.