Detroiters weigh what should fill 18 acres of new space in $2.2B RenCen plan

Detroit residents weighed ideas for what should go on 18 acres of proposed civic space around the Renaissance Center and the east riverfront, as part of ongoing public engagement for Bedrock and General Motors’ $2.2 billion redevelopment plan. The session, held Sept. 30 at the East Riverfront Community Hub, heard proposals including a multipurpose skating ribbon that could support roller skating in warm months and potentially convert to an ice rink in winter. Bedrock said the full project site covers 46 acres, with 18 designated for civic space, alongside concepts like a marina, expanded water access, and family-friendly amenities. The broader plan also includes demolition of RenCen Towers 300 and 400, renovation of remaining towers, and replacement of surface parking with 934 mixed-income housing units, about 180,000 square feet of retail and restaurants, and 858 hotel rooms.