The Detroit Media Partnership, which oversees business functions of the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News, announced today that the DMP and both news organizations will move their headquarters into more modern office space in the city that will better serve publishing needs in a digital age.

The current building, a 1917 Albert Kahn-designed structure at 615 W. Lafayette Blvd., plus its parking garage and adjacent lots, will be put up for sale. Even if a buyer is not immediately found, the companies plan to move ahead with relocating.

The DMP intends to sign a long-term lease and relocate in the next 12 to 18 months. Downtown Detroit is the “preferred location,” but buildings in adjacent areas, such as Midtown, are also possibilities, Joyce Jenereaux, president of the partnership, said in a news release.

“We see great things happening in Detroit, and fully intend to be a part of that,” she said.

The DMP, Free Press and News employ about 1,500, including 600 downtown, and that number would not change as part of the move.

Newspaper companies across the country have been making similar moves as the industry has changed from a print-centered business to one focused increasingly on digital products, such as freep.com. The Free Press has seen rapid digital growth as it delivers information to desk tops, mobile sites, iPhone and IPad apps, social media, newsletters and news alerts, and the e-Edition as well as publishing newspapers every day.

“This is a great opportunity to find efficient, up-to-date space in Detroit’s core – which more than ever is the heartbeat of our region and state,” said Free Press Editor and Publisher Paul Anger. “Our new offices will reflect current and future needs – something designed for a newsroom that publishes on so many digital platforms.”

The West Lafayette building was constructed primarily as a newspaper printing plant, but that function was moved to a Sterling Heights facility more than 40 years ago. The building has periodically been retrofitted as publishing needs changed.

The building’s original occupant was The Detroit News. The DMP moved there in 1989 and the Free Press in 1998. The Free Press is owned by Gannett Co., Inc.

The sale of the current building and the search for a new facility is being handled by the Southfield office of CBRE, a commercial real estate specialist.

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