OU to receive keys to Macomb building donated by developers

On Wednesday, Sept. 22, two prominent investor/developers will hand over the keys to a building they donated to Oakland University, to help OU bring exceptional new academic opportunities to the people of Macomb County. The event scheduled for 10 a.m. at the building's South Walnut Street entrance will welcome invited guests, OU officials, Oakland County, Macomb County and Mount Clemens city and community leaders.

Gebran Anton and Stuart Frankel donated the Towne Square II building at 20 South Main Street in Mount Clemens to the university, a gift valued at approximately $2 million. OU will rename the building the Oakland University Anton/Frankel Center.

"This generous donation will increase educational opportunities for traditional and returning students in the region," said Mary Otto, OU's vice president for outreach. "We're grateful to Mr. Anton and Mr. Frankel for providing a central location in Mt. Clemens that will allow Oakland University to expand the range of services and academic programs offered to residents of Macomb County."

Towne Square Associates managing partner and civic booster Anton said, "As Stuart Frankel and I pass the ceremonial keys to Oakland University officials, we note the significance of the occasion. The keys not only unlock the building. They unlock the future as the gesture emphasizes the greater message and the greater good of commitment to our youth, to our academic partnerships and to the economic development of a historic Michigan city. I cannot express the pride we all feel. This is a new day in Mount Clemens, our community and the 'new' college town."

Through unique partnerships, students already can participate in Oakland programs at the Macomb University Center of Macomb Community College, and at the Macomb Intermediate School District. The two-story Anton/Frankel Center, designed by Rockind/DeBard Architects and built in 1984, provides Oakland with a third Macomb location boasting an additional 25,422 square feet of space.

The center will provide classrooms as well as offices for advising, student support services, faculty and staff. It will allow Oakland to expand its academic and student support programs and increase the number of degree programs that can be completed in Macomb County.

Otto added that in addition to being the home of new Oakland academic programs, the Oakland University Anton/Frankel Center will house community and education outreach programs to facilitate the University's partnerships with public schools and the community.

Towne Square Associates is co-owned by Anton, of Mt. Clemens-based Anton, Zorn & Sowerby Inc.; and Frankel, president of Stuart Frankel Development Co. in Troy.