Detroit, MI — Bedrock and General Motors have been asked to provide $40 million in gifts and agree to numerous additional commitments as part of a Community Benefits deal for their proposed $2.2 billion Renaissance Center redevelopment. The comprehensive list of requests was presented by the Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) on October 6 during an evening meeting, where it was also unveiled to the public. The developers are scheduled to provide a formal response to these requests at the NAC’s next meeting, slated for October 13.
The demands, which represent one of the most substantial and generous Community Benefits packages proposed in Detroit to date if approved, span approximately 100 "recommendations" across an 18-page document. These recommendations aim to ensure the large-scale development delivers tangible benefits to the community.
Representatives for Bedrock and General Motors largely refrained from commenting on the specific items within the list during the October 6 meeting. They indicated that they had only received the extensive document a few hours prior to the meeting. Steve Ogden, a Bedrock vice president, acknowledged the scale of the package, telling NAC members, "It’s a voluminous document you put together."
The nine-member Neighborhood Advisory Council, composed of local volunteers, spent weeks gathering and reviewing comments and survey responses from the public regarding the Renaissance Center proposal before compiling their recommendations. The Community Benefits process is a mandated requirement in Detroit for major developments that are seeking public subsidies.
Jamaine Dickens, Chair of the NAC, emphasized the significant effort invested by the council members in developing the recommendations. Dickens stated the council's intention was to ensure the development delivers lasting and equitable value to Detroiters, while also protecting residents, workers, businesses, neighborhoods, and public access both during and after construction. He further elaborated that the document seeks to address and extend opportunities related to housing stability, home ownership, local hiring, the creation of living-wage jobs, workforce training initiatives, growth for small businesses, improved accessible transportation, and various wealth-building opportunities for residents.
The proposed $2.2 billion redevelopment plan for the Renaissance Center envisions significant changes to the iconic riverfront landmark. The project calls for the demolition of two of the five original Renaissance Center towers. The remaining towers are planned to be transformed into a versatile mix of housing units, hotel accommodations, and modern office spaces. Additionally, the development includes plans to build out the riverfront area located east of the Renaissance Center, transforming it into an amenity-filled attraction for residents and visitors. The presentation of the Community Benefits requests marks a significant step in the ongoing discussion surrounding this major city project.
