Detroit City Wire

Bedrock and General Motors have announced a conceptual plan to redevelop the Renaissance Center and 27 acres along the Detroit riverfront. The plan aims to preserve Detroit's skyline, adjust the RenCen’s footprint, and connect it to downtown. The surrounding area is envisioned as a vibrant waterfront destination with restaurants, hospitality, residential, and market spaces. This complements Detroit’s Riverwalk, which attracts over 3.5 million visitors annually.

Earlier this year, GM and Bedrock partnered with the city of Detroit and Wayne County to explore redevelopment opportunities for the Renaissance Center site. Urban planners, architects, and engineers analyzed several possibilities for the best outcome. First opened in 1976, the Renaissance Center is Michigan’s most iconic building. GM purchased it in 1996 as part of downtown Detroit's revitalization efforts. Despite investing over $1 billion in improvements since then, GM believes reinvention is necessary for future viability.

Kofi Bonner, CEO of Bedrock, highlighted the importance of this landmark: “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."

The new plan proposes several changes:

- A pedestrian promenade connecting downtown to the riverfront.

- Removal of low-rise base structures and two office towers near the river.

- Redevelopment of three towers into mixed-use spaces while preserving the skyline.

- Creation of public spaces from reclaimed land.

- Improved access to buildings and the riverfront.

Dave Massaron from General Motors expressed confidence in Bedrock as a partner: “GM has the best possible partner with Bedrock in this effort to redevelop the Renaissance Center.”

Funding for most of this project will come from Bedrock and General Motors, with some contingent on public financing. The proposed plan will be presented to local leaders soon for public support and legislative funding approval.

General Motors continues its focus on transportation innovation across various vehicle brands as it moves towards an all-electric future.

Bedrock specializes in innovative city-building strategies since its founding in 2011. It has invested over $7.5 billion in property development across Detroit and Cleveland.