New Plans for Detroit’s Renaissance Center Complex Could Involve Riverfront Attractions, Entertainment
Members of the public got an early glimpse into the future of the Detroit Riverfront and Renaissance Center. During his State of the City address on Wednesday, March 26, Mayor Mike Duggan revealed renderings that showed what the area could look like as a quarter-mile park resembling a “Navy Pier” entertainment and family destination hub.
The renderings reveal that two of the Renaissance Center towers closest to the river would be demolished to accommodate the new development along the Detroit Riverfront. The tallest middle tower and the two along Jefferson Avenue would be retained for use as a hotel, housing, and office space. Plans also call for 20% guaranteed affordable housing on the site.
The attractions section of the redeveloped Ren Cen site would consist of a pier, shops, and outdoor entertainment similar to the Navy Pier in Chicago.
Claude Molinari, CEO of Visit Detroit, spoke with 7 News Detroit about how more businesses could be attracted to the site with these proposed changes.
“A huge development like this could be a catalyst for all types of additional investment in Southeast Michigan and Detroit. I’m excited about what this could bring, just as Chelsea Piers did to New York, to drive that entire area. To have this amazing riverfront which is already so spectacular,” he said.
In his State of the City remarks, Duggan explained how the long-term impact of this redevelopment would include making Ren Cen’s exterior a centerpiece of the Detroit Riverfront. He also credited Dan Gilbert, an outside consultant, with the idea of blending existing and new elements as part of the project, with a focus on not demolishing all the existing towers and altering the skyline in exchange for new infrastructure on the site.
“I think this is going to be exciting. The Riverwalk didn’t exist when the towers were built, so it really wasn’t much to look at,” said Detroiter Tierra Baker. “I want it to not take years and years so we can appreciate it.”
