Removing, resizing: What changes to expect in redevelopment of Detroit’s Renaissance Center

DETROIT – The upcoming redevelopment of the Renaissance Center was discussed at the 2025 Detroit Policy Conference.

On Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, Jared Fleisher, with Rock Family of Companies, and David Massaron, with General Motors, discussed the redevelopment. Brad Williams, with the Detroit Regional Chamber, moderated.

According to a release from the Detroit Regional Chamber, the panel explained why the building is considered a cultural icon of Detroit. The Renaissance Center was built with the intention of being closed off from the city, which sparked the conversation about redevelopment.

Massaron said GM needed a new center for the company of Detroit, which was the Hudson Building, and an expert in redeveloping the Renaissance Center. In the end, they decided to partner with Bedrock.

Main changes to expect at Ren Cen

Here are the main changes to expect, according to Fleisher:

• Resizing the Renaissance Center and making it open and accessible to everyone creates a welcoming environment for anyone visiting.

• Remove the podium to reconnect downtown to the Detroit RiverFront.

• Remove two office towers and replace them with a signature park, open to the public for anyone from anywhere.

Fleisher said there will be a hotel, apartments, and affordable housing. These changes will make it a “navy pier-like family-friendly entertainment destination to drive economic growth.”

—> What we know about plan to make major changes to Detroit’s Renaissance Center