What we know about the plan to make big changes to Detroit’s Renaissance Center

DETROIT — Detroiters could soon see some big changes in work at the Renaissance Center and part of the city’s riverfront.

Bedrock and General Motors announced their new vision for the RenCen on November 25, saying it needs to be reinvented to provide opportunities for growth and connectivity.

Check out the renderings in the photos above.

Here are some of the plans the companies have proposed:

• A pedestrian path connecting the city center with the riverfront.

• The complex’s low base and the two office towers closest to the river would be removed.

• Renovation of three towers into a mix of hospitality and living.

• Converting reclaimed land into distinctive public spaces.

• Reconfiguration of the river on the site to allow direct access to the buildings and the river bank.

“GM has the best possible partner in Bedrock in this effort to remake the Renaissance Center,” said Dave Massaron, vice president of infrastructure and corporate citizenship at General Motors. “No one has repurposed more buildings in Detroit than Dan Gilbert and his Bedrock team. This is another chapter in their unparalleled commitment to creating the best possible future for the city and Michigan.”

Bedrock and General Motors said they would finance the majority of the project, with some relying on public funding. The proposed recovery plan is expected to be presented to local and state politicians for funding approval in the coming weeks.

“We said from the beginning of this process that we would make a realistic decision to preserve as much of the Renaissance Center as possible. Dan Gilbert’s vision shows us a way to preserve and reuse three of the towers while creating a beautiful expansion of public space on Detroit’s riverfront. We need a public-private partnership to make this happen and avoid the decades of inaction that has accompanied so many other Detroit landmarks like Hudson’s, Michigan Central Station, AMC Headquarters and the Packard Plant. I am grateful for Dan Gilbert’s leadership in trying to avoid this fate for the Renaissance Center.”

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan

“Nearly 50 years ago, Mayor Coleman Young cut the ribbon on the Renaissance Center, opening the doors to one of the most iconic buildings in the world – one that has been part of Detroit’s history and identity ever since. It’s hard for me to express how excited I was about this plan to breathe new life into the Renaissance Center. The fact that this plan will also create affordable housing and transform the entire riverfront into an economic engine takes this to a new level. As my father said before me…. The programs that will serve the people of Detroit are the same programs that will grow the economy. It is an honor to fulfill this principle of service to the next generation of Detroiters.”

Councilman Coleman A. Young II

“Like the Lions, the city of Detroit has a winning streak that has made us ‘America’s City’ – a city that Americans, not just Detroiters, are proud of. Detroit is Michigan’s landmark and the iconic Renaissance Center has shaped our skyline. But the skyline is not the main problem, it is the question of how we move forward. We can leverage our assets like the Detroit RiverWalk and Dan Gilbert’s personal investment and plan for continued growth – or we can retreat, with negative consequences for Detroit and Michigan. For the Detroit Regional Chamber, there is no choice. We call on Lansing to help realize the extraordinary partnership and philanthropic investments that are on the table.”

Sandy Baruah, CEO, Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce

“It is said: ‘Change is inevitable’. Growth is optional.’ The proposed plans for the Renaissance Center and nearby riverfront represent a rare and clear path to growth – growth of our economy, growth of our workforce and growth of our existence as a world-class city. Having the opportunity to transform these iconic spaces through private investment is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “Creating a waterfront entertainment district in the Renaissance Center area and transforming a nearly obsolete property into a global destination that will include affordable housing will be a transformation most cities can only dream of.”

City Council President Mary Sheffield

“The RenCen, like Ford Field, has become an iconic symbol
Growth and Prosperity of Downtown Detroit. This new vision accelerates the next chapter of the city’s growth by providing much-needed hotel and dining locations on the already thriving riverfront. We are excited about the opportunity for Lions fans from around the world to enjoy this new vision as part of their Lions and Ford Field experience.”

The Detroit Lions

“Since our team returned to Detroit, the Pistons have been proud to be part of the momentum driving the city forward. The Renaissance Center is an iconic part of the city’s skyline and history and we recognize its importance to the city’s future. We welcome and support this vision to save and transform the Renaissance Center along with Detroit’s international riverfront.”

Arn Tellem, Vice Chairman, Detroit Pistons