$2.2B RenCen project would reshape downtown Detroit’s riverfront

General Motors and Bedrock are working on a plan expected to cost about $2.2 billion. It would tear down two towers at the Renaissance Center, redo the large base of the complex and build new housing, shops, restaurants, entertainment sites and public gathering areas near the Detroit River. (Project Concept Rendering)

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	$2.2B RenCen project would reshape downtown Detroit’s riverfront Charles Mosley - Business/Economy/Money Tell Us Detroit News Bureau DETROIT - A proposed remake of the Renaissance Center and nearby Detroit riverfront could change how people reach and use the RiverWalk near downtown. General Motors and Bedrock are working on a plan expected to cost about $2.2 billion. It would tear down two towers at the Renaissance Center, redo the large base of the complex and build new housing, shops, restaurants, entertainment sites and public gathering areas near the Detroit River. The plan is still being reviewed. Developers are holding public meetings and need approvals from city and state officials before major work can begin. Opening the RenCen to the river The Renaissance Center is one of Detroit’s best-known buildings. But many visitors say it is hard to walk through because its walkways, entrances and lower-level spaces can be confusing. The current proposal would tear down the two 39-story towers closest to the river. It also would remove parts of the building’s large lower section, known as the podium. That could create more open space and make it easier for people to walk between Jefferson Avenue, downtown, the RenCen and the RiverWalk. Developers want to make the site feel less like a closed office complex and more like a neighborhood where people can live, work, eat, shop and spend time outdoors. Housing, shops and public space Three of the five RenCen towers would remain under the plan. One tower could become about 380 apartments. The center tower would continue as a hotel and could add about 200 apartments. Another tower would stay as office space. The larger project includes more than 35 acres of land near the RenCen, including parking lots and empty or lightly used property. Developers are discussing more than 900 housing units, along with restaurants, stores, entertainment and riverfront recreation. About 21% of the planned homes would be set aside as affordable housing. That means they would be priced for people who earn less than the area’s average income. The proposal could also include new parks, public plazas and easier walking routes to the RiverWalk. Some early ideas have included a marina, food and drink spots, outdoor recreation and family attractions. Final plans have not been set. Public money remains a key issue The project would use private money from GM and Bedrock, but developers are also asking for public financial help. The requested support includes up to $300 million from a state brownfield program, about $133.8 million in tax breaks through a Renaissance Zone, about $39.1 million through another tax program and up to $75 million from Detroit’s Downtown Development Authority. Supporters say public help is needed because tearing down towers, rebuilding streets and creating parks and walkways are expensive. They say the project could bring more residents, visitors, jobs and business activity to the riverfront. Others want firm promises before public money is approved. They are asking how many jobs will go to Detroit residents, how many contracts will go to local and Black-owned businesses, how long homes will stay affordable and whether the new riverfront spaces will be open and free for everyone to use. Residents also have raised questions about bus service, parking, biking access and whether the new development will serve nearby neighborhoods as well as tourists and downtown workers. What happens next Developers are seeking city and state approvals through the end of 2026. One important state decision on brownfield funding is expected by March 31. If the plan is approved, early work could start after Detroit hosts the NCAA Men’s Final Four in April 2027. GM, Bedrock and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy have opened a community hub at 521 Atwater St. where residents can see early plans and share ideas. The redevelopment could give Detroit a major new public space on the river. But its success will depend on whether the project creates housing people can afford, good local jobs, open public areas and easy ways for Detroiters to reach the water. This Tell Us USA News Network report is produced in part by Ai and can make mistakes. Please contact and let us know of any errors you may find. info@tellususa.com