Great Lakes Wire

Bedrock and General Motors (GM) have unveiled a conceptual plan to redevelop the Renaissance Center (RenCen) and 27 acres along the Detroit riverfront. The proposal involves demolishing two towers near the Detroit River to create a pedestrian promenade linking downtown with the riverfront.

The redevelopment aims to establish a 27-acre entertainment district, serving as a catalyst for further development along the riverfront. According to Crain’s Detroit Business, this $1.6 billion project would require over $250 million in public funding, primarily from state resources. Developer Dan Gilbert has pledged $1 billion towards the plan, while GM is contributing $250 million.

In the coming weeks, local and state leaders will review the proposed plan to assess its feasibility based on public support and legislative funding approval. However, House Minority Leader Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) expressed skepticism during his press conference focused on infrastructure spending.

Hall emphasized that taxpayer money should be allocated to public infrastructure rather than corporate projects. “GM is way up there, billions of dollars of profit, but they want $250 million from us to tear down the Renaissance Center as they’ve left Detroit and just laid out 1,000 people in Warren. Does GM need it more or does your local county need it more?” he questioned.

MIRS reported in June that GM and Bedrock were collaborating with state officials to secure funding for a re-use project involving RenCen. However, support for related legislation did not materialize.

The new vision positions the site as an entertainment district with a “vibrant waterfront,” attracting international visitors with restaurants, hospitality services, residential areas, and market spaces—complementing Detroit’s award-winning Riverwalk which draws over 3.5 million annual visitors.

“This iconic landmark’s future is important to Detroit and Michigan, and our shared vision with General Motors ensures that its redevelopment aligns with Detroit’s economic advancement,” stated Bedrock CEO Kofi Bonner.

Earlier this year, GM and Bedrock partnered with the city of Detroit and Wayne County to explore redevelopment opportunities for RenCen. A team of urban planners, architects, and engineers evaluated several options for optimal outcomes.

First opened in 1976, RenCen is Michigan's most iconic building. Since acquiring it in 1996, GM has invested over $1 billion in improvements at the site but believes reinvention is necessary for future viability according to Bedrock and GM.

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