Bedrock and General Motors Co. plan to transform the Renaissance Center from a largely empty, obsolete complex into a vibrant, mixed-use destination, with a $75 million injection from the Downtown Development Authority (DDA).
The re-imagined Renaissance Center will anchor what is expected to be a “thriving” waterfront district with new housing, a revitalized hotel and conference center, activated public spaces, and a publicly accessible observation deck.
Officials say they envision the area becoming Detroit’s version of Chicago’s Navy Pier or New York City’s Chelsea Piers.
“From our city’s founding, the Detroit riverfront has been a defining feature of our community and identity,” says Eric Larson, CEO of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. “For the past 50 years, however, the Renaissance Center has been an impediment to the public access and enjoyment of such a remarkable natural amenity.
“Over the past two decades, Detroit has made tremendous progress in reconnecting people to the riverfront, creating an accessible, connected, world-class destination for residents and visitors alike.”
The DDA funding, which would be provided on a reimbursement basis between 2027 and 2033, would be applied primarily to public infrastructure including a new pedestrian promenade from Jefferson Avenue to the riverfront, new public plazas, and new pedestrian and vehicular access to the Renaissance Center and riverfront.
DDA funding also will be applied toward the demolition of the confusing “podium” that encloses the base of the complex, reversing a “decision to make the Renaissance Center a fortress-like city within a city,” according to the DDA.
“Bedrock and GM have proposed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to remove the barrier, seamlessly connect the heart of our city to the river, and further expand public access, amenities, as well as preserve an iconic aspect of our skyline,” Larson says.
“Few organizations would have the vision, capacity, and commitment to take on such a transformative project. The Downtown Detroit Partnership strongly supports and applauds this bold vision that honors our city’s history while advancing its future.”
In addition to the DDA’s $75 million, the capital plan for the $1.6 billion Renaissance Center site redevelopment consists of:
- $1 billion investment from Dan Gilbert and Bedrock.
- $250 million from General Motors.
- A request for Transformational Brownfield Program (TBP) financing.
So far, plans include razing the two towers closest to the Detroit River and removing the fortress-like features of the RenCen and replacing them with activated public spaces. Adjacent parking lots near the riverfront also will be developed.
To reconnect downtown to the riverfront, plans call for creating a pedestrian promenade and a new series of pedestrian and vehicle pathways to provide direct access to the Renaissance Center towers and the riverfront.
Additional plans include:
- Renovating the existing hotel and hospitality experience to reposition the RenCen as a leading destination for visitors and tourists. An observation deck will be added, as well.
- Converting excess and obsolete building space in the two remaining towers closest to Jefferson Avenue to new apartments, including affordable housing units.
- Transforming the RenCen and surrounding area into a nationally competitive waterfront district and a new economic engine for the city and state.
“Visit Detroit is highly supportive of this incredible development plan for our destination,” says Claude Molinari, president and CEO of Visit Detroit. “The Detroit International Riverwalk is a growing community asset, and the proposed project would serve as a differentiator for both leisure and business travelers. We applaud Dan Gilbert and General Motors for their passionate commitment to our city, and for championing this innovative, bold vision.”
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