Tag Archives: GM Ren Cen

GMRENCEN Innovation at Work

Innovation at work img 1

In January, General Motors announced their plan for the transformation of the GMRENCEN into a modern, immersive experience that is a true reflection of GM’s position as a leader in the automotive industry and the city of Detroit. In case you missed the initial announcement, you can visit our previous blog post to read more about the changes involved and view some of the reimagined spaces, through renderings from our partners Neumann Smith Architecture and EWI Worldwide.

LOGO

 

The new project kicked off with the closure of the GM Showroom on Friday, July 22, to allow construction to begin. This first step is an update to the central area that will create a more open and inviting gathering space that will become a place to congregate, socialize and discover the world of GM. You’ll be able to experience this new social area in 2017.

The new GM exhibit space will include:

  • Curated stories featuring permanent and rotating exhibits. Visitors can learn about iconic moments in history to GM brands, innovations, design process and culture icons to how GM is creating a better future.
  • Interior updates to the center core area which will include a social gathering space
  • Interactive experiences for visitors to see, touch, hear and engage.

Take a peek at some of the updated renderings below:

Innovation at work img 1

Innovation at work img 2

Innovation at work img 3

Reno-3

Innovation at work img 4

Innovation at work img 5

Innovation at work img 6

During the expansion project, please visit our webpage http://gmrencenwp.wpengine.com/innovationatwork for updated renderings and project details.

What part of the project are you most excited to see come to life?

Discover the Riverfront (In Photos)

When was the last time you took a walk down the Riverfront? If it’s been a while now’s the time to take a stroll and discover something new. The Detroit Experience Factory (DXF) hosts a variety of experiential tours of the city and Discover the Riverfront is one of them. This walking tour is perfect for the budding photographer or Instagram pro as it stops at some of the most beautiful spots in Detroit. The GMRENCEN overlooks the Detroit River and the view can be breathtaking.  If you think you know everything there is to know about Detroit, think again. DXF will share some fun facts along the way that will surprise even the biggest Detroit history buff. If you haven’t had a chance to take the tour, what are you waiting for? Sign up today and unlock some amazing city treasures. Here are some highlights from the tour:

Did you know that Canada has a statue similar to this one on the other side of the river?

Gateway to Freedom Statue on Detroit Riverfront
The Gateway to Freedom Statue

The DXF tour guides share great historical facts about the statues, monuments and art installations that line the riverfront.

Discover details about Detroit landmarks and architecture including the Guardian Building and Hart Plaza.

Horace E. Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain at Hart Plaza
Horace E. Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain at Hart Plaza

We see these buildings all the time in photos and articles but the history behind them will blow your mind!

Learn more about the nature surrounding the Riverfront.

GMRENCEN from park

You can go on a nature walk right on the riverfront and walk through Michigan’s first urban state park.

Impress your friends with all of your newfound knowledge about Detroit.

Landing of Cadillac
Landing of Cadillac

Take in some beautiful scenery.

Views of the GMRENCEN

Snap photos of Michigan’s tallest building.

GMRENCEN

Play #ISpyGMRC and share your photos of the GMRENCEN with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

These free tours are every Tuesday through October starting at noon. So, grab your walking shoes and a camera and sign up today!

Have you been on a tour of the riverfront? What did you learn? Let us know in the comment section!

3 Ways the Bees at the GMRENCEN are Helping the Planet

What’s buzzing at the GMRENCEN? Our bees, of course! The GMRENCEN works with the Honey Bee Squad to keep our bees. The Honey Bee Squad checks on the bees periodically to make sure the queen bee is laying eggs and that they have enough space to keep growing. We all know that bees make delicious honey but they also play a big role in keeping our planet healthy and beautiful. Here are three ways our bees are making this building, and the earth, a better place:

  1. Bees help our food grow.

     

    Garden photo

Bees are naturally good workers and they are happily employed here at the GMRENCEN pollinating our rooftop garden to help our tomatoes, peppers and herbs grow. Andiamo then incorporates the fresh harvest into many of their dishes.

  1. Our bees help Detroit’s gardens grow!

    Close up of bees

According to our Honey Bee Squad expert, Francois Faloppa, GMRENCEN bees will fly up to 20 square miles away from their hive which helps make local gardens and flower beds more productive. The bees keep the gardens well pollinated and will help more flowers bloom.

  1. GMRENCEN bees help further support sustainability.

    Francois Bee keeper

During the wintertime, the Honey Bee Squad preps the beehive with insulation to protect it from the harsh weather. We create insulation using plastic shipping trays from the GM Kokomo Operations facility in Indiana. Reusing the shipping trays helps keep waste out of landfills and helps the bees stay nice and warm when it’s cold outside.

For more information about the GMRENCEN’s sustainability efforts, visit: http://gmrencenwp.wpengine.com/about-the-ren-cen/.

The LEGO Brick GMRENCEN Model is AWESOME

When LEGOLAND Discovery Center announced a new Michigan location coming to Great Lakes Crossing Outlets back in March 2015, they hinted at a MINILAND featuring Detroit-area buildings and landmarks made from LEGO bricks.

Seven months later they launched a contest asking Detroiters to nominate their favorite metro Detroit landmarks. Ultimately, those results determined the top ten metro landmarks to be featured in the Detroit LEGO MINILAND.

 

Belle Isle

Comerica Park

Fox Theatre

GMRENCEN

Guardian Building

Michigan Central Station

Motown Museum

Spirit of Detroit

The Heidelberg Project

Uniroyal Tire

 

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan then asked the public to pick one building/landmark from their list of ten to unveil at a special event before open.

 

Flash forward to today – Tuesday, May 31.

The top voted Detroit landmark – the GMRENCEN.

The special unveiling event – The North American International Auto Show.

And without further ado – the finished product.

 

https://instagram.com/p/BAscBYrKgIu

 

Stats

296 hours to construct
271 pounds of pure AWESOME
50,172 LEGO bricks in total… unless you ask Bryce

 

 

Opening
The new LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan opened at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets on March 25, 2016.

 

The top of the 6-foot structure peeking out over the cover.
The top of the 6-foot structure peeking out over the cover.

 

LEGOLAND GMRENCEN
General Motors announced the purchase of the Renaissance Center for use as its global headquarters on May 16, 1996.

 

The crowd looks on as LEGOLAND Discovery Center General Manager, Hayley Anderson and GMRENCEN Property Marketing Manager, Kate Hopper say a few words about what the MINILAND model means to Detroit.
The crowd looks on as LEGOLAND Discovery Center General Manager, Hayley Anderson and GMRENCEN Property Marketing Manager, Kate Hopper say a few words about what the MINILAND model means to Detroit.

 

The removal of the curtain was met with an overwhelming "WHOA" from the crowd.
The removal of the curtain was met with an overwhelming “WHOA” from the crowd.

 

LEGO Minifigure lunch rush in the GM Wintergarden.
LEGO Minifigure lunch rush in the GM Wintergarden.

Fun fact: LEGO people will eventually outnumber the human population.

 

Ten-year-old LEGO expert , Bryce B. posing with LEGOLAND Model Builder, Derek Chock.
Ten-year-old LEGO expert , Bryce B. posing with LEGOLAND Model Builder, Derek Chock.

 

The LEGO brick GMRENCEN will be on display in Hall D at the North American Auto Show now through January 24.
The LEGO brick GMRENCEN was on display at the North American Auto Show earlier this year.

 

Shout out to everyone who voted for the GMRENCEN and to LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan for making it a reality. Mark your calendars to see all ten Detroit landmarks/buildings featured in a MINILAND miniature LEGO brick display.

 

We know Bryce will be there.

Bryce

Go check out the LEGO GMRENCEN model today! LEGOLAND is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., last entry is 7 p.m. Saturday it’s open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., last entry is at 7 p.m. and Sunday it’s open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., last entry is at 4 p.m. Starting June 20, LEGOLAND will be open Monday-Friday at 9 a.m. If you want to visit LEGOLAND but don’t have any little ones, Adult Night is the last Thursday of every month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Have you been to LEGOLAND Discovery Center yet? Enter to win four free passes to see the LEGO version of the GMRENCEN!
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Do You See What I See? Q&A with Henry Ford OptimEyes

Henry Ford OptimEyes Staff

The GMRENCEN is home to many businesses, some big companies, and some smaller ones, each offering various services from edible fruit bouquets, to shoe repair. All of the businesses inside the GMRENCEN are unique and have something valuable to offer.

Henry Ford OptimEyes Office

 

Henry Ford OptimEyes is one business that calls the GMRENCEN home and has been here for nearly two years. We sat down with the Henry Ford OptimEyes team and asked them a few questions about their business. Here’s what they had to say:

What products and services do you offer?

Anything you need as it relates to the eyes, come see us and we will get you taken care of. We offer services like:

  • Eye exams
  • Diabetic exams
  • Contact lens exams and contacts
  • Glasses
  • Prescription sunglasses and non-prescription
  • Readers
  • Eyeglass cleaning kits
  • Eyeglass repairs and adjustments

What is your favorite part about being in the GMRENCEN?

My favorite part about working in the GMRENCEN is that you are in the middle of it all. Witnessing a city being reborn! We are able to connect with everyone from all walks of life and make a difference with how people literally see the world around them.

How are you reflecting a new Detroit?

As part of the Henry Ford Health System, we are reflecting a system that has been Detroit-based for 100 years. Continually striving for quality care and bringing fresh innovation to an ever changing market. OptimEyes continues this trend with our comprehensive vision exams, fashionable eyewear, and great customer service. We pride ourselves on our foundation and that is what has kept Detroit alive.

Henry Ford OptimEyes

 

Erica and Dr. Ben Maniaci were recently featured as ambassadors in the GMRENCEN’s Reflecting Detroit campaign. They both see how Detroit has grown over the last few years and are celebrating the spirit and vision of this vibrant city. Are ready for your next eye exam? Snap a selfie in your new specs and share it using #ReflectingDetroit to be entered to win fabulous prizes!

Henry Ford OptimEyes is located on level 2 in Tower 400 above the Wintergarden. If you need your eyes checked, they are open Monday – Thursday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Other Henry Ford OptimEyes locations are open later and have weekend hours.

 

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The Detroit People Mover, a True Hidden Gem

The Detroit People Mover has been a staple of the city of Detroit since it first opened to the public on July 31, 1987. Now almost 30 years later the People Mover is still going strong. The system is made up of 12 driverless vehicles that are automated and computer controlled going across a 2.9 mile radius, which equals a nearly 15 minute ride round trip. Of the 13 stations, 8 of the stations, like the GMRENCEN have been built into an existing building providing ease for those who work in downtown Detroit to get around.

People Movercompressed

With 13 stations across the system, the People Mover makes stops to some of Detroit’s most famous attractions, including:

  • Times Square, this station acts as home base for the People Mover.
  • Grand Circus Park, the sports and entertainment district. You can catch a show at the Fox Theatre or a baseball game with the Detroit Tigers. Grand Circus Park station features the famous, Catching Up piece by J. Seward Johnson Jr.

Grand Circus Parkcompressed

  • Broadway, the home of the state of the art YMCA recreational center.
  • Cadillac Center, which features shopping and other amazing attractions.
  • Greektown, which houses many authentic Greek cuisine restaurants, unique bakeries, and of course the Greektown Casino, which by the end of 2016 will be referred to as, Jack Detroit-Hotel Casino Greektown.
  • Bricktown, where you can find different eateries, pubs, local art, and even jazz clubs.
  • Millender Center, featuring the Courtyard Marriott Hotel.
  • Financial District, where architect lovers find paradise, featuring buildings like the Penobscot, Guardian, and Ford buildings and home to Detroit’s major financial institutions headquartered in this area.
  • Cobo Center where you can find the North American International Auto Show among many other trade and specialty shows throughout the year.
  • Fort/Cass, this station is for the news lover. With many news/media outlets in the area it’s sure to capture any true journalists’ heart. This station also features the ‘World’s Largest Book Store’—John King Used & Rare Book.
  • Joe Louis Arena home to many concerts, sporting events, and family friendly entertainment.

Joe Louis Arenacompressed

RenCen Stationcompressed

 GMRENCEN Station Fast facts:

  • In 2014 the GMRENCEN was the second most heavily trafficked stop for the People Mover, coming in at 487,758 passengers.
  • The GMRENCEN station features art, funded by GM and created by two artists by the name of George Woodman and a Michigan artist by the name of Marshall Fredricks.
  • The tile mural, Path Games, is a replacement for the first tile mural created by Woodman, Voyagers Come to Detroit when the Renaissance Center station underwent some construction changes.
  • The tile work by Woodman contains 2,625 pieces and features Detroit’s historic Pewabic tile.

Tile RenCen Stationcompressed

We know that the station stops on the People Mover all feature unique artwork, tile work and statue pieces, but did you know…

Originally all the stations were supposed to all look the same, featuring absolutely no artwork?

In 1984 Irene Walt and the Downtown Detroit People Mover Art Commission, a volunteer committee, formed because they wanted to incorporate a little diversity and beauty into each station. Now, each one of our People Mover stations features some of the most beautiful public art pieces in the country.

Since then the art featured in each of the People Mover stops has been published in a book by Irene Walt herself, entitled Art in the Stations.

art-stations Book Cover

Go on an adventure and experience Detroit in a new way by catching a ride on the People Mover! Share with us your favorite piece of Detroit People Mover art in the comments below!

9 Random Facts About the GMRENCEN

GM Renaissance Center

Conversation starters for the next time you ride up one of the building’s 107 elevators.

 

 

1. It’s so big that it has its own zip code – 48243.

 

2. There are roughly 1,500 plants throughout the complex.

GMRENCEN Wintergarden

 

3. The GM Plaza on the Detroit Riverfront was dedicated in December 2004.

 

4. The name “GM Renaissance Center” was chosen in a contest to name the building, 141,537 entries were submitted.

 

GM Renaissance Center

 

5. The Detroit Marriott has 1,298 guest rooms.

 

6. The GM Wintergarden was once a parking garage, swimming pool and fitness center.

 

7. Each glass panel used to build the Circulation Ring weighs in at 400 pounds.

 

GMRENCEN Circulation Ring

 

8. In 2015, almost 60 tons of the building’s food waste was composted and re-purposed.

 

9. On windy days the building can sway up to thirty inches.

 

 

 

 

 

 

8 Detroit Instagrams that Embody the Spirit of the City

Detroit is a city. It’s an American icon, a womb for modern-day transportation and the birthplace of music phenomenon’s like Motown and Techno. But it’s also an energy. An energy that’s fueled by its people. Detroit pride is alive and well. And this is what it looks like.

 

@seuong

Known for: Scenery, interesting perspectives

https://instagram.com/p/9HAj1JCf26/

 

@freefacephoto

Known for: Portraits, action shots

https://instagram.com/p/8TdojiSx2g/

 

@tonydetroit

Known for: Scenery

https://instagram.com/p/7yUhJ6EKpb/?taken-by=tonydetroit

His work even landed him a billboard deal with 1800 Tequila.

 

@cadillac_flatts

Known for: Scenery, filters

https://instagram.com/p/7oMVzCRE4Z/?taken-by=cadillac_flatts

 

@mindchip

Known for: Photo manipulation

https://instagram.com/p/8Ivo6dhTPJ/?taken-by=mindchip

 

@l_i_v_e_f_r_e_e_ 

Known for: Scenery

https://instagram.com/p/6yocKnnViN/?taken-by=l_i_v_e_f_r_e_e_

 

@detroit_chiver

Known for: Scenery, portraits

https://instagram.com/p/2Wu-HkmUju/?taken-by=detroit_chiver

 

@camera_jesus 

Known for: Scenery, action shots

https://instagram.com/p/3GA74hg3SH/?taken-by=camera_jesus

Tell us who your favorite Detroit Instagramers are in the comments section. Don’t forget to follow @GMRENCEN on Instagram, and tag us in your photos.