DETROIT – The East Riverfront Community Hub is giving Detroiters a chance to see — and help shape — the future of one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Stepping inside the hub, visitors are met with renderings, historical displays, and interactive features that paint a vivid picture of what the Renaissance Center’s footprint could become.
“We have these boards that show the history going back to the 1700s and 1800s and walk through the riverfront and the Ren Cen and how it came to be,” said Jennifer Stallings-Dewey, senior counsel for community engagement at General Motors.
The history lesson doesn’t stop at the past. Visitors are also challenged to think about why earlier visions for the riverfront fell short.
“While they were really hoping that it would be this catalyst for all of this investment activity, that exclusionary nature made that difficult,” Stallings-Dewey said.
GM, Bedrock aim to make 35 acres a true catalyst
More than a century after the riverfront’s early development, General Motors and Bedrock are taking another shot — this time with a deliberate focus on inclusion and community input.
The two companies are looking to transform 35 acres along the riverfront, and they want Detroiters to help decide what that transformation looks like.
“We don’t want to create something in a vacuum, something a few people want to see,” said Carrie Comensky, director of strategic community partnerships at Bedrock.
The hub features inspiration from all directions, including ideas ranging from ferris wheels to concert venues.
And there are plenty of ways to make your voice heard — including one decidedly retro option.
“You can pick up the phone, follow the directions, and be able to provide what you want to see on the riverfront,” Comensky said.
How to get involved
The community feedback process will run over the next nine weeks, with engagement taking place both at the hub and out in Detroit’s neighborhoods.
Once that input is gathered, GM and Bedrock will begin working with a master planner to weave the community’s various visions into a cohesive plan for all 35 acres.
Starting Wednesday, residents can visit the hub to see the displays for themselves.
Weekday hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the hub is also open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.