The Detroit-based General Motors Co. Renaissance Center is the first mixed use retail building of its kind to develop and launch a mobile application dedicated to providing navigation of the 5.5 million-square-foot space it occupies.
Developed in conjunction with the renovation of the building, which was announced in January, the GMRenCen Wayfinder App can communicate construction updates, provide navigation of the building, and offer searchable dining and shopping options for users.
“The GM RenCen is an iconic landmark destination in Detroit, but can be overwhelming for first-time visitors,” says Claudia Killeen, manager of RenCen development for GM. “This wayfinder app will maximize the visitor experience by providing clear instructions on how to navigate the building and discover all the great offerings inside the GM RenCen.”
The GM RenCen worked with indoor mapping and location platform provider Aisle411 Inc. to develop the mobile application, which is compatible with Apple iOS devices. Aisle411 used Apple’s indoor positioning to enable real-time indoor navigation of the building’s levels A, 1, and 2.
When the app opens, it automatically shows the user’s position inside the Renaissance Center as a blue dot, and guests are able to request directions to desired locations throughout the complex. Users can search for specific places or categories, and the app will route the user from their current location to their end destination.
With more than 17,000 visitors and employees at the building each day, the GM RenCen app provides a selection of dining, shopping, and meeting spaces, including eateries like Andiamo Detroit Riverfront, Coach Insignia, Granite City Food and Brewery, and Joe Muer Seafood, as well as the 70-story Detroit Marriott hotel, a conference center, and more.
The GM RenCen Wayfinder App is available now and can be downloaded at no cost in the App Store.
