DDA Approves $75M ‘Reimbursement’ for Renaissance Center Redevelopment

November 13, 2025

General Motors and Dan Gilbert's Bedrock are advancing their $1. 6 billion plan to transform Detroit's Renaissance Center after receiving approval for $75 million in public funding from the Detroit Downtown Development Authority. The ambitious redevelopment involves demolishing two of the complex's towers and its connecting podium structure to improve riverfront access and create an entertainment destination comparable to Chicago's Navy Pier.

Who is affected

Dan Gilbert and his Rock Family of Companies/Bedrock
General Motors
Detroit Downtown Development Authority board members
Marriott Hotel (operating inside the Renaissance Center)
Detroit City Council members
State Rep. Alabas Farhat, D-Dearborn
Michigan state Legislature
Future residents (approximately 600 apartment units planned)
Hotel guests (approximately 800 hotel rooms)
Tourists from across the region
The general public seeking riverfront access

What action is being taken

The Detroit Downtown Development Authority approved $75 million in public funds on Wednesday
General Motors is relocating its global headquarters out of the RenCen in January to Bedrock's Hudson's Detroit building
Bedrock will receive reimbursements for demolition and construction work as it happens

Why it matters

This represents a once-in-a-generation transformation of Detroit's iconic Renaissance Center and riverfront area that addresses decades of poor urban planning that limited public accessibility. The $1.6 billion redevelopment aims to convert an underutilized, inward-facing concrete complex into an open, accessible entertainment destination that connects downtown Detroit to the waterfront, similar to successful developments like Chicago's Navy Pier. The project demonstrates significant public-private partnership investment in Detroit's future as a tourist destination and livable urban center.

What's next

The Michigan state Legislature must approve an increase to the Transformational Brownfield Program funding cap
State Rep. Alabas Farhat's legislation to add more money to the fund (introduced earlier this year) needs legislative action
General Motors will relocate to the Hudson's Detroit building in January
Bedrock will begin receiving reimbursements as demolition and construction work progresses

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle