New Plan Will Demolish Part of Michigan's Renaissance Center

On July 1st, 1976, Detroit, Michigan's Renaissance Center was officially opened to the public. Fast-forward 20 years, and GM will purchase the complex, making it their world headquarters. The RenCen underwent a massive renovation in 2004 that included a new 5-story riverfront-facing retail space and a $500 million price tag, according to Detroit Historical. Fast-forward another 20 years, and 78 of the original five towers, 229 stories, will be demolished.

Bedrock Detroit, owned by Dan Gilbert, announced plans to bring down the 300 and 400 towers and repurpose the remaining three. The largest of the three, Michigan's tallest building at 73 stories, will be reimagined as a mix of upscale apartments and hotel space. As for the two 39-story towers left standing, the Detroit Free Press reports one will remain office space, with the other converted to housing.

What Lead to the Demolition?

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While this wasn't unexpected, it's still surprising that these massive structures have aged out of usefulness in less than 50 years. GM is vacating and downsizing to the new Hudson's Detroit building, where they'll occupy up to four floors, a far cry from the 5.5 million square feet of the Renassaince Center.

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A joint press release from GM and Bedrock Detroit says they're "right-sizing" the automaker's footprint. That's a polite way of saying that "work from home" has obliterated office culture, and the need for millions of square feet no longer exists.

The Future of Detroit's Riverfront

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With the two closest towers to the river coming down, some new projects are possible in the proposal, including a pedestrian promenade connecting downtown to the riverfront and public spaces on the footprints of the former towers.

The project isn't free. It relies on $1 billion from Bedrock, $250 million from GM, and a hopeful $250 million in public funds. It's a tall order, but what's Detroit without a challenge?

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The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) has a long, storied history, which includes hundreds of unsuccessful prison breaks. That said, some have been successful enough that nearly 50 years later, some Michigan fugitives are still running from justice. Here's a look at the MDOC's Most Wanted Fugitives and Absconders

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Gallery Credit: Scott Clow