Tag Archives: GM Ren Cen

The Detroit River – Flowing through Michigan History since the 1700’s

As one of the busiest waterways in the world, the Detroit River serves as a symbol for positive international relations and hope to Detroit. Beyond its historical impact between the United States and Canada, the resurgence of this historic river is timed perfectly with the city’s comeback. The integration of the riverfront’s revival with residents and visitors of Detroit embodies the new spirit of Detroit – and we love it!

Detroit River History

The river was monumental to Detroit’s automotive success, for business traveling through the strait between lakes. In addition to its transportation impact, the river was used for communication across Michigan – especially during this booming era of industrial expansion.

Today, the river serves as a beautiful natural waterway for the city. The riverfront has transformed into an iconic element of Detroit, and the revival of its shores and maintenance of refuge for local wildlife is far from finished.

Whether you’re heading on a walk through the Riverfront Gardens, or enjoying the GM Plaza, the river offers activities for everyone!

Fun Facts

The river stretches from Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie and operates as a strait in the Great Lakes system.

The river is only about 0.5 to 2.5 miles wide, making the division between Michigan and Canada very narrow.

Belle Isle lies in the northern section of the Detroit River, and remains a popular destination for residents and visitors of the city. Belle Isle is a Michigan State Park and is open to the public for all kinds of activities like kayaking, swimming and fishing.

The Detroit River was once used by the Iroquois who traveled these waters to trade fur with Dutch colonists.

In 1908, the Detroit News declared the Detroit River the “Greatest Commercial Artery on Earth.”

In 1997, the Detroit River was named as one of 14 American Heritage Rivers by President Bill Clinton due to the local community of Detroit that utilized the river to revitalize the economy, preserve the history and restore the environment.

The river is the only international wildlife refuge in North America. From having some of the best walleye fishing in the world, to housing an abundance of bald eagles, this river is full of wildlife!

The word “Detroit” is French for “strait” and the French invented this name for the river to describe the “Strait of Lake Erie” or “le détroit du Lac Érié.” This has been a major shipping channel since the 1700’s with traders navigating the waters for trade.

There are 28 islands located within the Detroit River. One of the islands is Belle Isle, which exists as the largest urban island park in the United States. The entire island is listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places, and the also encompasses the oldest rowing club in North America.

The Emergence of West Riverfront Park

As the City of Detroit enters an era of thriving economic developments, booming real estate and a determination to create a future of success – a new project has emerged.

Changing Landscapes

In April 2018, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy announced, at a press conference in the GM Wintergarden, a new plan to transform West Riverfront Park into an energetic and iconic gathering place for all Detroiters – reshaping this 22-acre region of prime riverfront property.

With an amazing riverfront what could we possibly be missing? Turns out the DRFC found a new way to provide just about everything on the riverfront – and this time they’re providing one of the only places, besides Belle Isle, where visitors have access to the water.

Besides this addition of a dramatic inlet called “The Cove,” the DRFC explains that their team has many plans to reshape the park – including the addition of an island of the shore, basketball courts, waterslides and even concert areas.

The park’s estimated cost is $50 million, and will be run by DRFC’s West Riverfront Park Community Advisory Team. This group of 21 Detroit residents come from various cultures, careers and neighborhoods – to fully ensure that the project will adhere to the all types of interests in Detroit. This board was asked to judge a design competition to find the best team of consultants, architects and engineers for this monumental transformation of the riverfront.

The DRFC initially faced the fear of failing to blend the passionate insight of Detroit residents with the professional expertise of top designers – and made sure to take their time assembling the perfect team to ensure the West Riverfront was elevated to its full potential. In February 2018, the advisory team selected major designer Michael Van Valkenburgh and his team, alongside architect David Adjaye.

How can we ensure this will work for the city? Besides the fact that Detroit’s riverfront is quickly becoming a favorite attraction within the city, these designers have a reputation for success.

Valkenburgh is one of America’s most well-known landscape architects who has been recognized on major design projects including the Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York City. Adjaye has also been acknowledged for his designs, including his work on the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C.

When will we finally be able to visit the park? The DRFC says the project will be complete within the next four to five years – but don’t get sad just yet, summer on the riverfront is just getting started on GM Plaza!

The Evolution of the Riverfront

The Detroit Riverfront extends 5.5 miles extending from the Ambassador Bridge, all the way to Belle Isle in the east. Among the many shops, marinas, restaurants and parks lies the GMRENCEN – right in the heart of the riverfront action.

How has the GMRENCEN impacted this future development on the riverfront?

For starters, General Motors’ renovation of the Renaissance Center to become their global headquarters in 2004 led to major projects such as the GM Plaza – an addition to the riverfront that quickly become a spectacular space for city gatherings and events.

General Motors also donated the first half-mile of the riverfront to the Conservancy, and continues to draw residents and visitors to the river through concert series, shopping and a beautiful view of the Detroit River.

What’s next?

As the city prepares for the launch of the West Riverfront Park, it’s time to soak up the sun and enjoy this transforming part of Detroit’s beautiful city and head to the riverfront!

Maybe you’ll head to GM Plaza for On the Plaza concerts, Chevrolet Rockin’ on the Riverfront Concert Series or the Eastern Market farm stand – or perhaps you’ll make your way to Belle Isle to enjoy the beach and rent a kayak on the beautiful island. Either way – there’s something for everyone on the riverfront, and we can’t wait to see what comes next.

Want more information? Head down to the GMRENCEN to check out the West Riverfront Park display!

The Ambassador Bridge: An Iconic Symbol of Unity in Detroit

With all the amazing developments beginning in Detroit today, we often forget the iconic projects that once defined the Motor City.

From the booming automobile industry, to the reputable and unique music of Motown, Detroit has always been a front runner for innovation and excitement in our changing world. As we continue down the path of success for our beloved city, we can also look to the horizon at an iconic landmark that’s been consistent over time: The Ambassador Bridge.

The bridge was the longest suspended central span in the world upon completion in 1929. The Ambassador Bridge also stood as a symbol of unity – serving as a vital link between the United States and Canada for global visitors and commerce.

Prior to the construction of the Ambassador Bridge, Detroit experienced an exciting period architecturally. Major projects constructed during this era include the General Motors Building, Fisher Building, Masonic Auditorium and Penobscot Building. The only feasible next step for this amazing city: a bridge connecting two countries.

A Sparkling Detroit

The bridge is owned by the Detroit International Bridge Company, and in the year 1981 – the bridge became even more prominent to Detroit’s skyline with a permanent installation of lights. This project escalated quickly, as the city hoped it would be complete just in time for Detroit to welcome fans from across the globe to Super Bowl XVI in January of 1982 at the Pontiac Silverdome.

With a crunch for time, Detroit Mayor Coleman Young created a task force to, once again, unite a city through embracing the beauty and future of Detroit – one project at a time.

The lights were purchased from fundraising calls that created a wave of excitement across the city. Major businesses began donating to the project, and in November 1981, those involved in the project met at the bridge as a helicopter set up the breathtaking lights. This international team ignited a positive and enthusiastic public, who saw the sparkling necklace of lights as a symbol for unity on the world’s friendliest border.

Today you can see the beautiful bridge and its lights that illuminate the sky from the Riverwalk of the Detroit River on the GM Plaza of the GMRENCEN. The lights can also be seen from live video channels each day.

What’s happening today?

The Ambassador bridge may be a symbol of pride and unity for Detroit, but its presence on the Detroit River also serves as a catalyst for positive international relations – and a booming economy.

The Ambassador bridge is the largest international crossing in North America for trade volume, as 150,000 jobs depend on the Detroit-Windsor border crossing. This international border is also responsible for more than $13 billion in the United States’ annual productivity.

The bridge is responsible for more than 25 percent of all merchandise trade between the United States and Canada, and has adapted over time – just as Detroit has. Although parts have been replaced over the years, segments of the original roadbed from the bridge have been used in Windsor’s bike trails and parks.

The bridge remains a symbol for positive international relations, and pride for the city of Detroit. As city visitors and residents admire its beauty in the Detroit skyline, we remember the determination and creativity that was required to build a world-altering landmark.

Want to learn more? Check out the Ambassador Bridge display between towers 200 and 300 on Level 1 of the GMRENCEN!

How Leather “Scrap” from Detroit’s Auto Industry is Powering the First Sneakers Manufactured in the Motor City

By: Jarret Schlaff, CEO of Pingree Detroit

I could not have imagined that showing up to a meeting in the GMRENCEN three years ago carrying Pingree Detroit’s newest urban utility boot prototype, and a vision for creating skilled trades jobs for veterans, would provide my team access to the materials we needed to launch our company.

It was 2015 and a team of veterans and I were in our first year of bootstrapping this sustainable leather goods manufacturing start-up in every way you can imagine. We had passion and designs for days but were lacking the necessary capital, key expertise, nearly all the equipment we needed to get started, and the cost of materials and skilled labor were barriers we hadn’t figured out how to overcome yet.

Then came an email from John Bradburn, a mentor of mine and the sustainability visionary behind the Michigan By-product Synergy Initiative and some of GM’s most profound waste repurposing initiatives. He invited me to come to the third quarter Suppliers Partnership for the Environment meeting at the GMRENCEN where hundreds of engineers and auto industry leaders from across North America would be coming together. I welcomed the chance to share our story with as many people as possible (and to ride the People Mover) and had the goal of leaving the meeting with a contact of someone at a company who wanted to explore turning their waste streams into an input for us to create the first sneakers ever manufactured in Detroit.

This evolved into an actual possibility after meeting Doug Andrews with Lear Corporation on one of the coffee breaks. He loved our commitment to serving those who have served and bringing shoe manufacturing back to Detroit. After a follow-up meeting he introduced me to his colleagues the following week and we began the process of exploring the possibility of Pingree Detroit solving part of their leather “scrap” problem.

We learned that every day, tons of leather intended for new cars goes unused and is considered “waste” or part of the cost of doing business. It’s not easy to create a closed loop manufacturing process but it is possible. Any waste stream has an opportunity for innovation in design and instead of this unused leather being shipped overseas or landfilled we made the case that it could directly support Detroit veterans, create jobs in Detroit and also keep this gorgeous leather in the Motor City. Lear agreed and we have been collaborating ever since.

With our relationship with Lear established, and some generous equipment donations including some by Lear, our U.S. veterans and other makers now had access to put these materials and equipment to use for training, prototyping and handcrafting the best of it into high quality leather products that are sustainable and handmade to last. Each piece has character and purpose. Just like the people who make it. Right here in Detroit.

Those who want to be part of our story and support our efforts can explore our offerings. Our signature tote bags, belts, drawstring backpacks and wallets are designed and handmade in Detroit in small batches by veterans and community makers using this reclaimed luxury automotive grade leather.

Our leather sneakers become available for purchase in Q4 2018. Folks can sign up for footwear updates here.

You can visit Pingree Detroit at the pop-up store at 1441 Woodward Ave in downtown Detroit now through August 31 or visit our online store at www.PingreeDetroit.com. Use code RENCEN for 10% off any of our products.

Sweat in the Sky with Rooftop Yoga at the GMRENCEN

Practice makes perfect! Rooftop Yoga is back for another summer at the GMRENCEN. The complimentary classes, hosted in partnership with RenCen Fitness, take place weekly this summer, so get ready to stretch! Break up your day with a yoga class from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. during lunch, or strike a pose after work with one of our 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. classes.

All classes will be held atop the Beaubien Place Garage, weather permitting. Before a class is cancelled we’ll work to find a room to host the class indoors, and an email will be sent to all registered participants. All attendees must register through Eventbrite pages created for each yoga class.

Schedule

Our Rooftop Yoga classes begin in May and run through September.

May

June

July

July 2 – 5 p.m.
July 11 – 11:30 a.m.
July 18 – 5 p.m.
July 25 – 11:30 a.m.

August

September

Sept. 5 – 11:30 a.m.
Sept. 12 – 5 p.m.
Sept. 19 – 11:30 a.m.

New Instructor

Yoga instructor Amanda is ready to take Rooftop Yoga by storm! Amanda recently moved to the Detroit area from Minnesota and she brings more than ten years of experience honing her practice with her. She joined RenCen Fitness’ staff last fall and she is ready to take Rooftop Yoga to the next level!

Are you planning on attending Rooftop Yoga this summer? Let us know your favorite pose in the comments!

Your Photo Here Contest: Meet the Photographers

Within the city of Detroit lives another city, the GMRENCEN; filled with shops, restaurants, a hotel and more. The building has defined the Detroit skyline since 1977 with its international, city and riverfront views. As one of the most photographed buildings in Detroit, we launched the Your Photo Here Contest to display the astonishing architecture of the GMRENCEN and its impact on the city surrounding it.

It is said that a photo is worth a thousand words, and these ten winning photographs, now on display inside the GMRENCEN, tells its own story from the perspective of a Detroit photographer. We would like to introduce you to the people behind the photos.

Meet Rick Lipski

A Detroit native, Rick Lipski had his first camera by the sixth grade and by the time he graduated from high school, his interest in photography was secured. Whether it’s looking at something close up and in detail or an unusual angle, his goal behind the lens is to try and look at things a little differently – to capture something that many may often “notice,” but don’t “see.” To discover something new is always exciting, but to rediscover something new in what has always been in front of us is truly beautiful and magical, and that is how he looks at Detroit.

Meet David Marcoux

David Marcoux got into photography about 30 years ago when he was a teenager. He never thought of photography as a hobby but as a tool to capture the hobbies he loves, like auto racing, astronomy, airshows, old architecture and sports. If he was going to travel to see an airshow or spend hours out in the cold taking photos of the city at night or an astronomical event like the eclipse, or a comet – he wants it to be worth it. So, he learned how to shoot pictures in all types of conditions.

Meet Maria Popi

Maria Popi’s passion for photography and architecture has let her explore Detroit, learn about its history, tour the city’s historical places and museums while giving her the opportunity to adopt the city as a new home. She loves capturing sunsets and sunrises along Detroit’s skyline.

Meet Christopher Hollis

Christopher Hollis was born and raised on the west side of Detroit and has lived here for most of his life. According to Hollis, “There’s no other place like it. The people, the cars, the city just feels alive. I’m proud to call myself a Detroiter.” The GMRENCEN has always been one of his favorite main subjects because it’s so unique and has a certain allure. He says, “All roads seem to lead here.”

Meet Gary Washington

Detroit is where Gary Washington started his journey as a photographer. This is where he learned to adapt to different environments no matter what the circumstances. Washington says, “Detroit has weathered many storms over the years, but nothing keeps this city down. I am always amazed at the perseverance and resilience that drives Detroiters, it’s the same spirit that keeps my fire burning to the very end.”

Meet Suzann Braun

Suzann Braun was born and raised in Detroit. She has worked downtown for over 20 years and enjoys exploring and photographing the city. Suzann has a photo gallery of her work on Instagram under the account name “suzannisuzanni.”

Meet Lou Peeples

Lou Peeples grew up in the Detroit area, raised his family here and has seen it during the good times and bad. Over the years, he’s used his photography to capture the beauty of Detroit’s landscapes. Most of his photos are captured before sunrise, because things are quiet, giving him a more personal connection with the city. As old buildings are brought back to life and new buildings change the city’s skyline, he looks forward to capturing the city in a positive way and showing them on his website, Pointephotography.net.

Meet Mark McClelland

Mark McClelland has lived in the Detroit area since 2008. He believes that Detroit is a unique place that stands at a unique point in history and thinks it’s important to have a record of this era in the city’s history. McClelland strives to document the city in a way that acknowledges all those who call Detroit home and all aspects of the city, while realizing that no record of such a varied and vibrant place will ever be fully complete. This photo is placed here in memory of Philip McClelland.

Meet Donald Anson

Donald Anson is from Redford Township and has been taking photos for the last twenty years. He enjoys taking shots of cityscapes, landscapes and everything in between. This image was shot on a beautiful day in Detroit from a sailboat going down the Detroit River. The image was converted to black and white to give it a futuristic look of the Renaissance Center and the Detroit skyline.

Meet Evans Tasiopoulos

Evans Tasiopoulos was born in raised in Detroit. His creative vision is to document the growing city and show that Detroit is more than just a city of abandoned buildings and decay. Tasiopoulos says, “It is truly a city of life and grandeur.” Through his lens, he conveys his endearment for his community and the wonders that he encounters along the way. His philosophy is that a photograph is more than just a picture, but is a moment caught in time; that the image itself is a living breathing entity.

Make sure to visit the GMRENCEN to see the photographs and read the full biographies in person. The winning photographs from the Your Photo Here Contest are on display in Tower 200 and 400 on Level 1 of the GMRENCEN. Which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

In Memoriam: John C. Portman

Architect of the Renaissance Center, John C. Portman passed away at the age of 93 on December 29, 2017. Portman was known for his futuristic concepts and modern designs as he elevated skylines into the 21st century.

Portman was born December 4, 1924 in South Carolina and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. During World War II Portman served in the US Navy and later received a degree in Architecture from Georgia Institute of Technology. By 1953, he started his own company, known today as John Portman and Associates. Choosing the untraditional route, Portman often acted as both developer and architect, allowing him more creative freedom with his work.

Building the GMRENCEN

The Renaissance Center was designed to help modernize downtown Detroit. Portman designed the building to link commercial, retail, residential and cultural components via a riverwalk. This includes pedestrian bridges to connect the activity of Renaissance Center with the activity of the rest of the city.

The installation of the Renaissance Center reignited Detroit’s economy, acted as a tourist attraction, and contributed to the skyline.

The Renaissance Center opened in 1977 and was the tallest hotel building in the world, at the time. The GMRENCEN remains the tallest building in the state of Michigan. It wasn’t until 1996 that the Renaissance Center was purchased by General Motors becoming its world headquarters.

Today the Renaissance Center is home to more than 30 retailers and dozens of restaurants. Between tenants and visitors, more than 14,000 people visit the building each day.

No stranger to pop culture, the GMRENCEN has appeared in several Hollywood films including “Action Jackson” (1988), “Collision Course” starring Jay Leno and Pat Morita (1989), Mickey Rourke’s 2008 crime thriller “Killshot.” The opening scene of “Renaissance Man” shows Danny DeVito driving down Jefferson Avenue for a meeting inside the GMRENCEN, and “Bird on a Wire”, starring Mel Gibson and Goldie Hawn, shot a chase scene inside the building.

Futuristic Design

Known for their clean lines and neo-futuristic forms, Portman’s skyscrapers in Atlanta are Hollywood’s “go-to” dystopian film sites. “Insurgent” the second film in the “Divergent” series features sky bridges and rooftops from Portman’s Atlanta Peachtree Center. “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay” highlights the wild atrium of Portman’s Atlanta Marriott Marquis to depict the capital city of dystopian country Panem. The downtown Atlanta skyline is recognizable in the opening credits of apocalyptic “The Walking Dead.”

During Portman’s life he changed skylines, rejuvenated cities, and gave new meaning to the words innovative design. His work is an inspiration and home to many in Detroit. The Renaissance Center is a longstanding symbol of Detroit’s past, present and future and we have John Portman to thank each time we see it grace the Detroit skyline.

What is your favorite feature of the GMRENCEN? Let us know in the comments.

Celebrity Chef Shawn McClain to Reinvent Iconic GMRENCEN Dining Space

Welcome to Detroit

Detroit-based James Beard Award-winning Chef, Shawn McClain will soon occupy the top of the GMRENCEN as the location for his first Detroit restaurant.

Shawn is a celebrity chef with three operations in MGM-owned Las Vegas casinos. As an Iron Chef victor, Shawn has attracted his own cult following, but more importantly, he is based out of Metro Detroit. As Detroit builds its reputation as an exciting tourist and culinary destination, Shawn decided to join the cultural renaissance with the addition his 20,000 square-foot GMRENCEN restaurant.

Shawn’s dynamic vision that features multiple concepts is in line with the GMRENCEN’s goal of establishing the space as Detroit’s culinary crown jewel. His acumen for redefining established genres to win both critical acclaim and establish, smart, sustainable businesses is the hallmark of his career.

Holly McClain, Shawn’s wife and a native Michigander, brings extensive front-of-house service and training experience that will be instrumental in developing the hospitality DNA of the space. When the incredible opportunity to take over the 71st and 72nd floors of the landmark GMRENCEN presented itself, the McClains felt this was the right entry into the city’s dynamic culinary scene.

The McClains are also drawing on the experience of culinary and operations lead Richard Camarota, and brand experience lead Sarah Camarota, to headline this project.

Q & A with Shawn

We recently sat down with Shawn to discuss his career and soon-to-be restaurant.

Q: What’s the most exciting part of opening a new restaurant in Detroit?

A: The most exciting part of opening a new restaurant in Detroit is really twofold. First, Detroit is home for my family so I have been looking for the right opportunity and something special to call home. Secondly, I am finally able to be a part of the incredible culinary scene that is unfolding before my eyes!

Q: What are you most looking forward to in the new restaurant?

A: My vision is to create a paradigm shift in the traditional top of the tower experience. We are basically turning the whole idea of “it’s all about the view” inside out. Our goal is to create a multi-faceted experience that is about ALL occasions and not just special occasions.

Q: What are you most proud of in your career, before deciding to open a restaurant at the top of the GMRENCEN?

A: There are so many proud moments that my career has brought to me, but if I had to pick just one, I would say it was when I was recognized by the James Beard Foundation as Best Chef Midwest for my work in Chicago-it was the equivalent to winning an Oscar in our profession.

Q: Where does your passion for cooking and creating dynamic meals come from?

A: I love the creative process. Not only in creating food and menus, but also how that experience is shaped from start to finish. From the overall design of the space to the programming of menus and uniforms all the way to plateware and finally how the food comes to life.

Tell us what you’re most looking forward to with this new restaurant experience in the comments below!

Detroit Artist: Nadir Ali

A lifelong Detroiter, photographer Nadir Ali knows Detroit. Regularly working with community partners such as the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, Downtown Detroit Partnership and the Platform, Nadir really knows Detroit.

Detroit in 2022

As a community partner for several well-known Detroit organizations Nadir feels like a historian for the city.

“There are so many transformational projects happening right now in Detroit. There won’t be another opportunity to document the redevelopment of Michigan Central Train Station, the development of the Hudson site, the reimagining of West Riverfront Park. I want to capture these sites now so that when everything is completed in 2022, we’ll have a well-documented history of the ‘before.’”

As the city evolves, so does a photographer’s technology. Nadir actively explores drone photography in and around the city, capturing the city from the clouds. His Instagram handle @3andathird mostly features drone photography around the city, showing users the city like they’ve never seen it before. Now he is especially focused on lighting in his photographs – capturing similar still frames at sunrise, sunset, different times of the day or in unusual weather patterns. Nadir is excited to continue this exploration as Detroit watches it’s buildings grow before our very eyes.

Born and Raised

Having grown up in Detroit, the majority of Nadir’s life experiences take place inside the city – he even proposed to his wife inside the GMRENCEN – so he focuses on the positives taking place here.

“I love Detroit. I choose to focus on the positive things going on in the city like business development and community growth instead of negatives like ruin porn. My goal is for someone from Detroit to stop and say ‘Hey, that’s my city.’ And to make them proud,” said Nadir.

To accomplish this Nadir is capturing moments and editing photos daily. Never to miss a moment he always has a camera or some form of equipment to capture a scene when he’s out and about. Influencers like Big Sean and Pure Michigan have shared his work.

Follow the GM RENCEN on Instagram to see Detroit through Nadir’s lens when he takes over our account for the next two weeks.

Nadir Ali lives in Detroit. Follow him on Instagram at @3andathird or see his online 3andathird.com.

Your Photo Here (in the GMRENCEN!) Winners

After reviewing all of the submissions for the Your Photo Here Contest, the public narrowed down their favorites to the top 10. These 10 photographs will soon decorate the walls of the GMRENCEN, along with an “About the Artist” biography for each photographer.

The Your Photo Contest started in October when Detroit photographers were invited to submit their GMRENCEN photos for consideration. We received nearly 500 photographs, and featured 100 photos in the public voting portion of the contest.