Absorption rebounds as momentum returns to Detroit industrial market
The Detroit industrial market opened 2026 with its strongest absorption quarter since mid-2023, as net absorption reached 1.8 million square feet (msf). Activity picked up following a softer close to 2025, with several large move-ins driving the rebound. Occupiers remain focused on efficiency and functionality, prioritizing right-sizing over expansion. This more deliberate approach has tempered broad-based demand but has not diminished overall activity. Underlying demand remains intact, and the market appears positioned to sustain steady occupancy gains through the remainder of the year.