Detroit real estate developer Bedrock has unveiled The Department at Hudson’s, a collection of more than 15 meeting and event spaces within Hudson’s Detroit, the city’s largest ground-up development in half a century.
Designed to blend Detroit’s history with “refined sophistication and leading technology,” the Department is open on three floors of the newest addition to the Detroit skyline that will be home to General Motors Co. headquarters. The space is located in a midrise building located along Woodward Avenue, with a tower under construction to the south.
“Detroit is known as a top destination for events, conferences, and gatherings, and The Department at Hudson’s is the perfect setting to welcome guests from near and far,” says Ivy Greaner, COO of Bedrock. “With downtown as its backdrop, Bedrock has created a collection of flexible spaces to experience event excellence.”
Marriott International will sell and market The Department’s event spaces, drawing on its global expertise across a portfolio of more than 30 leading brands.
“We are excited to collaborate with Bedrock on this groundbreaking development, helping to bring unparalleled experiences to life for The Department’s guests,” says Julius Robinson, COO for the U.S. West at Marriott International. “Our sales and marketing teams, along with Forte Belanger, are poised to provide exceptional, high-touch service, leveraging our global reach, deep expertise in the luxury and lifestyle space and commitment to outstanding customer service.”
Designed by the SHoP Architects, The Department spans three floors at Hudson’s Detroit. The 15 distinct and fully customizable spaces accommodate options for seated or strolling events. Situated in the heart of downtown Detroit, The Department is adjacent to forthcoming The Detroit EDITION tower, downtown Detroit’s first five-star hotel, and The Residences at The Detroit EDITION.
Every architectural and design element, including the décor and the lighting, was selected for an “elegant, yet refined aesthetic for visitors and guests alike.” The Department’s features include:
- Expansive, wrap-around terraces with heated flooring and beautiful uplighting that provide sweeping views of downtown; guests will be immersed in shopping, entertainment and nightlife.
- Advanced soundproofing to eliminate ambient sound, and custom dividers between spaces, allows for simultaneous events across the entire footprint — without interruption.
- A full suite of audio/visual offerings, designed by Theatre Projects, a top indoor production company, brings concert-level sound quality, AV customization, and the ability to stream events globally, in real-time. Pre-function spaces reveal nine-foot, 4k interactive screens.
- A retractable, custom-designed Jezet Seating system that automatically places and stores up to 336 leather seats accommodates a variety of event styles and formats.
- Street level load-in access to accommodate large-scale deliveries that may be quickly transferred to top-tier catering facilities on both the second and third floors.
- On-site commercial catering kitchens providing for back-of-house, interruption-free delivery to service The Department.
Marriott International is expected to help drive guests to The Department and offer a seamless booking experience for planners, clients, and guests, say officials. The Department participates in Marriott Bonvoy Events, part of Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s travel program and marketplace, providing eligible clients the opportunity to earn points on qualifying events.
Additionally, Forte Belanger serves as the exclusive food and beverage provider and site manager at The Department. Clients can expect a dedicated Forte Belanger event producer; on-site and day-of staffing and all-in-one vendor sourcing and coordination, for those who require it.
“It’s an honor for all of us at Forte Belanger to work with Bedrock and Marriott International on this historic development,” says Charlie Millerwise, president of dining and hospitality at Forte Belanger’s. “As a deeply rooted Detroit organization, we could not be more excited to provide the vibrant hospitality only our hometown can and deliver remarkable events that leave lasting impressions on a national scale,”
The Department’s Event Spaces
On the second floor there is more than 33,000 square feet of available space, and the ability to accommodate up to 2,000 guests. The space is suitable for corporate seminars, conventions, trade shows, festivals, galas, fundraisers, and private social events.
Featuring four versatile halls, a pre-function space and advanced audio/visual technology enhanced by touch-screen way finding and soundproofing, the flexible layout may be easily configured with drop-down walls.
The Department at Hudson’s has a pre-function space with two covered balconies, accessed via elevators or escalators and connected to the event lobby within the second and third floor spaces.
Four unique event halls are customizable for small and large conferences, weddings, and other social gatherings. Each of the individual spaces — with features such as floor-to-ceiling windows and flexible tribune seating — can be combined to host iconic, full-floor events.
The third-floor space consists of 19,000 square feet across nine rooms, breakout spaces, and a large pre-function area wrapping the entire perimeter. Each room is equipped with state-of-the-art AV technology and features individual built-in serveries for effortless food and beverage service.
For more information about The Department at Hudson’s, visit here.
