In a sign public and private development efforts continue to revitalize downtown Detroit, Bedrock real estate firm and General Motors announced plans to redevelop Detroit’s iconic GM Renaissance Center and 27 acres along the Detroit Waterfront.

The plan preserves the essence of Detroit’s skyline, “right sizes” the Renaissance Center’s footprint and connects the site to the heart of downtown. The surrounding entertainment district would become a vibrant waterfront destination, attracting more domestic and international visitors, and will feature new restaurants, hospitality venues, and residential and market space, complementing Detroit’s award-winning Riverwalk, which draws more than 3.5 million annual visitors to the city.

© Vito Palmisano / Visit Detroit

Earlier this year, GM and Bedrock, along with the city of Detroit and Wayne County, established a partnership to study redevelopment opportunities for the Renaissance Center site. A team of urban planners, architects and engineers analyzed several possibilities to determine the best possible outcome. First opened in 1976, Renaissance Center is Michigan’s most iconic and recognizable building. When GM purchased the building in 1996, it was a catalyst for the revitalization of downtown Detroit and development of the Riverwalk. GM has already invested more than $1 billion in improvements to the Renaissance Center site, and it must be redesigned to be viable into the future.

“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,” said Kofi Bonner, CEO, Bedrock. “Additionally, our collaborative approach makes certain that the reimagined Renaissance Center and the riverfront further augment and support the city’s continued growth, benefiting the community and region at large.”

Some of the objectives would include a new pedestrian promenade connecting the heart of the city to the riverfront; removing the low-rise base of the complex and the two office towers nearest the river; and creating a more inviting destination by reducing obsolete office space.

© Photo Bureau Detroit River Walk

Other plans include redeveloping three towers into a mix of hospitality and housing, preserving the essence of the skyline; turning reclaimed land into signature public spaces; and reconfiguring the flow of the site to allow direct access to the buildings and riverfront.

Bedrock and General Motors committed to funding the majority of the project, with the remainder contingent on public financing. The proposed redevelopment plan is being presented to local and state leaders to determine if, based on public support and legislative funding approval, it is possible to move forward with the redevelopment.