COMMUNITY VOICES: Reimagining a Detroit Icon: Revitalizing the RenCen & Riverfront Will Need Public Input and Support

By: Detroit Councilman Scott Benson There is nothing more iconic in Detroit’s skyline than the GM Renaissance Center. The John Portman-designed building complex has been a part of our city since 1976 and has been home to General Motors since the 1990s. However, the company announced in 2024 that it will move its offices to a new location in 2025. Plans call for two of the 39-story towers to be removed, along with the low-rise base, which architects and developers say will “right size” the RenCen’s footprint in the post-pandemic economy, as demand for office space dwindles. The 73-story tower would remain, with some of its floors converted to residential housing. Redevelopment of this site will likely take some level of public-private partnership. In fact, General Motors, Bedrock, the City of Detroit, and Wayne County have established a partnership to look at different opportunities to revitalize this area. Reimagining this site, which is 5.5 million square feet sprawling on 27 acres of prime commercial and underutilized recreational waterfront, must include community input and community benefits (if public financial support is sought). Many Detroiters have an emotional connection to the RenCen and its role in our city’s identity. But realistically, this...