Michigan is experiencing growing momentum in mass timber construction as developers, architects and public agencies increasingly adopt the sustainable building method for projects ranging from schools and municipal buildings to mixed-use developments and health care facilities.
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However, industry leaders and state officials say the absence of in-state manufacturing capacity continues to limit the sector’s full economic potential.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is working to accelerate adoption of mass timber through a state-backed initiative designed to support Michigan’s $26 billion forest products economy. The department recently distributed grants ranging from $25,000 to $60,000 to 10 projects currently in the design phase through the Michigan Mass Timber Catalyst Program.
Mass timber construction uses large engineered wood panels and beams designed for structural durability and fire resistance. Advocates say the material offers environmental benefits while also improving construction efficiency through prefabrication methods.
“In Detroit, as we look at the city coming back and having a renaissance in the past five to 10 years, I think the need to create new developments that are using new technologies to solve simple building projects or even complex ones is a great way to put energy and excitement back into the state,” said Charles Heid, architect of the Griffith Veterinary Hospital project in Westland that used mass timber construction in 2022 and 2023.
According to WoodWorks, the United States had 2,746 commercial, institutional and multifamily mass timber projects completed or underway as of March 2026. Nationally, the number of projects in development increased more than sixfold between 2018 and 2025.
Several Michigan communities are moving forward with planned mass timber developments, including apartment projects, municipal facilities, supportive housing centers and mixed-use buildings.
Ann Arbor Public Schools is incorporating mass timber construction into four elementary schools and a middle school gymnasium as part of its sustainability strategy.
“Ann Arbor Public Schools' utilization of mass timber construction reflects the district's commitment to using evidence-based best practices to inform decisions that impact learning outcomes, student wellness, and environmental sustainability,” district official Jason Bing said.
Experts at Michigan State University say mass timber buildings can reduce carbon emissions by as much as 76% to 94% compared with conventional steel-and-concrete construction because wood stores carbon rather than generating emissions through energy-intensive manufacturing processes.
Sandra Lupien, director of the Mass Timber @MSU program, said the benefits also extend to building occupants.
“People like to be in buildings that are made of wood,” Lupien said. “Biophilia is this concept that when humans are occupying spaces where there are natural elements exposed around them, especially wood, they may see real benefits, whether that's improved well-being or mental health, or even improved productivity.”
Construction firms also point to speed advantages associated with prefabrication, where components are manufactured offsite and assembled quickly in the field.
Kyle Pietila, project manager at McCarthy & Smith Inc., said mass timber simplified coordination during construction of the White Lake Township Hall project.
“In this project, it was the carpenter. They did it all, so it was more of an ease … of that coordination aspect,” Pietila said.
Despite growing demand, Michigan currently lacks facilities capable of manufacturing large-scale mass timber components.
“We currently do not have a manufacturer that can create the mass timber pieces for us here in Michigan,” said Brenda Haskill of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “We are working hard as a state to bring a manufacturer to the state that can take our own wood and turn it into mass timber structures.”
Currently, most projects rely on timber products sourced from western and southern U.S. states, Canada or Europe.
State officials say Michigan’s forests could support far more timber harvesting while remaining sustainable. According to Haskill, the state currently harvests only about 30% of annual forest growth.
“We could easily harvest another 20% to 30% and still sustain high-quality timber resource across the state,” she said.
Originally reported by Myesha Johnson, The Detroit News in The Detroit News.
