New ‘Hudson’s Detroit’ ISN’T the 2nd Tallest Structure in Detroit

Detroit, Michigan's skyline, is getting a new addition, but it's playing second-second fiddle (third fiddle?). The Hudson's Detroit Tower is about to wrap up its lengthy construction journey, and when the dust settles, it'll stand tall at 681 feet. Impressive? Sure. But it's still just the second tallest building in Detroit, trailing behind the Renaissance Center's 727 feet (though the Ren Cen ISN'T the tallest manmade structure in Michigan).

But while it may be the second tallest building, another structure in Detroit, visible from the new Hudson's Detroit, is over 40 feet higher than the other new kid on the block. While this still-under-construction project won't provide retail, office, or recreational space, it will cater to thousands of people every hour, day, and night. More on that in a moment.

Detroit's Latest Skyscraper: A Long Time Coming

It's been a big deal in Detroit's construction scene. According to the developer, Bedrock Detroit, speaking in an interview with MLive, the project has employed 3,500 tradespeople, 2.7 million hours of work, and enough concrete to make the Renaissance Center nervous. Hudson's Tower is the largest ground-up development in Detroit in the last 50 years, adding over 1.5 million square feet of retail, office, dining, hospitality, residential, and event spaces in the heart of downtown, on Woodward. Yes, Hudson's Detroit is built on the original J.L. Hudson's Department Store site.

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There's also a fancy hotel, nearly 100 residential units, and all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a building trying desperately to outshine its rivals. Hudson's Detroit even managed to lure away the Renaissance Center's biggest tenant, General Motors, who will move into the new building as soon as it's ready to accommodate the automotive giant. Of course, this has the Ren Cen sweating, and talks of demolition have been swirling.

Detroit's Second Tallest Structure isn't a Skyscraper

So, back to the battle for the 2nd tallest structure in Detroit--Hudson's thought maybe it could steal the show, then along comes the Gordie Howe Bridge, rising proudly to 722 feet. The new bridge isn't just an architectural marvel; it's North America's longest cable-stayed bridge and the 10th longest in the world. So, while Hudson's Tower will look stunning from its penthouses, guests will still be gazing UP at the bridge in awe--or maybe just wondering why their building couldn't grow a little taller.

RELATED: Michigan's Gordie Howe Bridge Delayed, New Target Date Announced

Detroit's skyline is forever changing, and Hudson's Tower is a stunning new addition. But let's face it: In the race for the tallest structure, it's the flashy new kid who just can't seem to reach the top shelf (yet). Keep scrolling for a look at the ten tallest buildings in Detroit, a few fascinating Gordie Howe Bridge facts, and classic photos of the Flagship J.L. Hudson's on Woodward.