Tag Archives: GMRENCEN

Let’s Party! Celebrate the Holidays at the GMRENCEN

Ready or not, the holidays are here! Our three unique restaurants located in the GMRENCEN are already starting to cook up something wonderful for the holidays. From holiday catering, work parties or private dinners with loved ones, there’s something everyone can enjoy this holiday season on the Detroit Riverfront. Our special guide is here to help you forget about the hassle and focus on the fun this holiday season.

Andiamo:

Treat your group to authentic Italian cuisine this holiday season. Andiamo’s menu can be customized to fit any holiday celebration, from deluxe box lunches and gourmet party platers to intimate event catering. Enjoy an extensive selection of seasonal Italian dishes and an incredible assortment of wines with five-star service and beautiful ambiance. Andiamo knows the holidays are hectic, so let the Andiamo family take care of you this season with their catering offer. Click here to learn more about events and catering or call (313) 567-6700.

Highlands Detroit:

Let’s take your holiday party to new heights! It doesn’t get more impressive than the view from 71 floors atop Detroit’s tallest building. Highlands Detroit’s private dining area provides stunning views of the Detroit Riverfront, accompanied by an upscale menu of diverse dishes and innovative cocktails at High Bar. With various options for all party sizes, your guests can enjoy a variety of fixed-price event menus. The more casual side of the restaurant, Hearth 71, can also be rented out and booked to accommodate a larger group of guests. To book private dining options, click here.

Joe Muer Seafood:

Wow your guests by choosing a restaurant with a tradition of elegance. At Joe Muer Seafood, your guests will enjoy the freshest seasonal catch and spectacular views of the riverfront from The Best Seafood Restaurant in Michigan. Their private dining space offers experiences for your next intimate gathering or holiday celebration for up to 175 people. If you’re looking for a unique show stopping experience, consider dining in the kitchen at “Joe’s Table” with 10 of your culinary connoisseurs to watch the master chefs at work. Click here to book your next party or call (313) 567-6837.

Let’s leave the cooking to the professionals by gifting ourselves a holiday experience at one of the three restaurants in the GMRENCEN. Let us know how you celebrate the holidays in the city on social media. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Falling in Love with the Detroit Riverfront

The dog days of summer have officially ended and now it’s time for fall in the Motor City. The change in weather doesn’t have to stop your fun-filled adventures. We created a guide to help you enjoy the new season on the Detroit Riverfront.

Fall for the Riverfront View:

Whether you’re running joyfully into the change of season or taking a slow stroll into fall, the Detroit Riverfront views are ready for you to explore. Take a walk along the Dequindre Cut Greenway paths, enjoy Belle Isle’s nature trails or take the family on an adventure down the Detroit Riverwalk, the #1 Riverwalk in the USA, to Robert C. Valade Park for fun-filled playgrounds.

If you want to cover a lot of area, you can always park at the GMRENCEN and grab a MOGO bike to breeze around the city with ease.

Fall Food and Cocktails:

The change of season means delicious seasonal cocktails and food. Whether this is your first time or your hundredth time tasting one of the three award-winning restaurants at the GMRENCEN, their new menu items and autumnal views are the perfect addition to any trip to the Riverfront.

Andiamo offers an extensive selection of seasonal Italian dishes and an incredible assortment of wine. Joe Muer Seafood serves the freshest seasonal catch and impeccable service with its riverfront view. Enjoy Highlands Detroit with its crisp 71st-floor view of the Detroit Riverfront, accompanied by an upscale menu of diverse dishes and innovative cocktails at High Bar.

Fall Fun on the Riverfront:

The Detroit Riverfront and nearby areas/neighborhoods are full of fun events year-round, but autumn offers magic for people of all ages. Eastern Market is a Detroit staple with four primary markets on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday filled with fall food, products and experiences. If you’re looking for a way to get some fresh air with your furry friend, join the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy guided Pack Walk along the Detroit Riverfront.

The Downtown Detroit Partnership brings nostalgic fall fun with their Cider in the City events during October at Beacon Park. Enjoy crafts, pumpkin picking, hayrides and, of course, donuts and cider!

It’s time to start falling in love with the new season in Detroit. Let us know how you celebrate autumn in the city on social media. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

5 Ways to Enjoy the Detroit Riverfront

Detroit Riverfront

Summer is here and it’s the perfect time to get outside and explore this beautiful city we’re lucky to call home. To help you get started, we’ve curated five of our favorite happenings right near the GMRENCEN.

Tour the Detroit Riverfront

Start your day in the D with a Detroit Riverfront: Past, Present & Future Socially Distant Walking Tour by the Detroit Experience Factory. This tour offers something for everyone, whether you’re new to Detroit or just looking to gain more knowledge about the city’s rich history. With tour stops including Milliken State Park, Cullen Plaza, Dequindre Cut and Valade Park, you’re sure to experience something new.

Dine Along the Detroit Riverfront

Enjoy views of the Detroit Riverfront at one of the GMRENCEN’s fine dining restaurants! Andiamo offers an extensive selection of Italian dishes and an incredible assortment of wine. Highlands Detroit offers impeccable views of Detroit from the 71^st floor, accompanied by a diverse menu of handmade dishes and innovative cocktails at High Bar. If you’re facing a serious seafood craving, visit Joe Muer Seafood for the freshest sushi and even better views of the river.

Explore the City from the Detroit Riverfront

Eastern Market is a can’t-miss Detroit experience for locals and visitors alike – and you can access the market from the riverfront. Park at the GMRENCEN, then walk, bike or run through the Dequindre Cut that leads right to Eastern Market. Saturday markets are open year-round, while summer markets on Tuesdays and Sundays are open from June to September. Fresh produce and local art are just some of the many things you can expect to find here – so make it a must for your day in Detroit!

Bike the Detroit Riverfront

Mogo

Ride the riverfront on a MoGo Bike! MoGo bikes allow you to rent a bicycle for as long as you’d like and use it at your own pace. You can pick up or drop off your bike at one of dozens of stations in and around the city including a station on the GM Plaza. Prices are flexible based on your length of use. Bike racks are also located around the GMRENCEN.

Enjoy Yoga by the Water

Round out your visit to Detroit with a relaxing Yoga on the Riverfront practice, held in Milliken State Park every Thursday at 6 p.m. and every Friday at 10 a.m. Classes are free – provided by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, just bring your own mat and water!

The GMRENCEN offers parking year-round which is only steps from the Detroit Riverfront to help simplify planning for your day downtown. Hopefully, you’ve now gathered some ideas and are ready to plan your next trip to the D!

GMRENCEN Building Procedures

Updated 2023

Please read through the following information that outlines the current procedures in place at the GMRENCEN prior to visiting. If you have any further questions, please contact us.

Building Entry & Arrival

Where should I park?
- When visiting the building, please park in the Beaubien Place Garage along Atwater and Beaubien Streets. Please visit our parking page for rates and directions.

How do I enter the building?
- You can enter the building through Tower 200 Level 1, Tower 300 Level 1 (Beaubien St.), Tower 400 Level 1 (Renaissance Drive West), the Level 2 Jefferson entrance between the Millender Center bridge and the Detroit People Mover station or the Wintergarden.
- The Tower 300 Level 1 entrance along Beaubien St. is open 24 hours, seven days a week and the Tower 200 Level 1 entrance is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Level 2 Jefferson entrance is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday. The Tower 400 Level 1 entrance along Renaissance Drive West is open 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Sundays. The Wintergarden entrance is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

Retailers, Restaurants and Common Areas

How do I find out information about retail stores?
- Prior to visiting the building, please contact our retailers directly for more information and their hours of operation.

How do I find out information about restaurants?
- Prior to visiting the building, please contact the restaurants directly for the most up-to date information including hours of operation.

What are the current Detroit People Mover hours?
- Please contact the Detroit People Mover for the latest information and hours of
  operation.

Artist Spotlight: Richard Talamantez

The GMRENCEN is Detroit’s most iconic building. It’s at the forefront of just about every photo representing Detroit. You know what it looks like from the outside, but what about the inside? It’s filled with cars, history and art that make up the Motor City.

If you’ve never been inside the building, or haven’t been in years, local photographer Richard Talamantez invites you inside the GMRENCEN as he takes over the building’s Instagram account from Sunday, March 1 through Saturday, March 14 to show you how much the building has changed and the things that make it so memorable. Sit back and let Richard be your guide to experience the GMRENCEN like never before.

Meet Richard

Four years ago, Richard Talamantez and his wife, Chelsea, had just gotten married and were looking for a new place to call home. The two ultimately decided to settle in Detroit, moving across the country from California.

Now, Talamantez works in downtown Detroit. In his free time, he walks around the city capturing anything that catches his eye.

“I like what’s happening in Detroit,” he says. Despite Talamantez getting his start in photography 10 years ago shooting for the professional world, he has since shifted his focus to the people and places in Detroit. “I just fell in love with the city.”

Step Inside

Because he works downtown, Talamantez takes his camera with him on his walk to and from the parking structure, shooting as he goes. And he’s always been drawn to the GMRENCEN.

“The exterior of the GMRENCEN is very photogenic, but everyone sees the building from the outside,” he says. “To me, the interior is just as striking and there’s a lot of visually interesting things going on in there that I think people should see.”

For Talamantez’s interior takeover, expect to start outside the Jefferson Lobby and travel inside to explore the different sights, shapes, colors and more, all from his perspective.

Artful Architecture

According to Talamantez, he was initially blown away by Detroit, particularly by the vibrant history incorporated into the city’s planning. When comparing the city to his previous hometown in downtown Los Angeles, he felt Detroit has significantly more history in its architecture.

“Every time I go out to shoot with other photographers, everyone sees something completely different from one another, such as settings, tones, etc.,” Talamantez says. “That type of diversity makes the experience even richer.”

As for the GMRENCEN, which stands out far from the rest of the city’s skyline, its bold art and architecture are part of the experience, like the glass Borealis art installation found in the Jefferson Lobby.

Motor City Metal

Because Talamantez’s photography is guided by whatever catches his eye, there are plenty of pit stops during his visits to the GMRENCEN. As a car guy living near the Motor City, he’d be remiss if he didn’t experience GM World.

Keep your seatbelt on and enjoy the ride as Talamantez takes you on a cruise through not one but two GM World displays. While the first is a throwback exhibition showcasing the eight generations of Corvette, the other is every driver’s dream featuring brightly colored sportscars.

Come Full Circle

With Talamantez as a guide, you will see the GMRENCEN from his perspective.

“Everyone photographs the city because it’s pretty,” he adds. “I want to use my photography to be the eyes of someone who’s not from the area.”

In his interior takeover, he’ll show off what happens at the GMRENCEN, helping you navigate through the towering levels and winding walkways that lead to the offices, restaurants and stores.

Dine Detroit

Detroit is known as a dining destination, and the GMRENCEN is no exception. As you discover more about the building, keep an eye out for the unparalleled views of Detroit’s hottest restaurant: Highlands.

Talamantez’s first time at Highlands was for a romantic dinner on Christmas Eve. Ever since that night, he knew he had to return to see more of Detroit’s only sky restaurant with the best views of the city. Now you can explore Highlands with him. After all, food, drinks and the views are just better 71 stories up.

Detroit, Inside and Out

“The GMRENCEN is a guide for the city,” he says. “You know where you’re at in Detroit when you see the top of the GMRENCEN.”

Though it’s undeniable that the GMRENCEN is a forever recognizable piece of the city’s skyline, it’s truly what’s on the inside that counts.

From the glass walls and ceilings that let in natural light, to the concrete pillars that hold up its substantial structure, and the glass atrium that opens to the bustling Riverfront – Talamantez is here to show what the GMRENCEN is really made of.

Richard Talamantez works in Detroit and lives in Trenton. Follow him on Instagram to see more of his work.

6 Detroit Date Night Ideas for Valentine’s Day

A holiday dedicated to love, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to take your significant other or BFF on a Detroit date night. Luckily, the city is home to restaurants offering a range of flavors, atmospheres and activities to eat, drink and experience Detroit.

Here are a couple recommendations if you want a Detroit-style Valentine’s Day celebration:

Classic Italian cuisine from Andiamo

Classic and Romantic

Classic and romantic, Andiamo Detroit has an unparalleled view of the Detroit Riverfront to go along with its signature authentic cuisine. Imagine sitting face-to-face with your loved one enjoying Andiamo’s urban chic atmosphere and listening to Italian music faintly serenading you in the background. What better way to celebrate the “official day of love” than with an authentic Italian entrée and a glass of wine in-hand?

Fun and Games

Want your Detroit date night to have more than just dinner? Take the People Mover and get off at Broadway Station for a night of drinks and entertainment at Punch Bowl Social. Hang out with your date all night long playing Jenga, shuffleboard, billiards, arcade games and, of course, bowling.

A Little History

Interested in learning more about the city? Experience a taste of Detroit’s rich history by sampling the unique food and cocktails at Grey Ghost. Aptly named for an infamous local pirate during the Prohibition era, Grey Ghost offers guests a little history and a lot of craftsmanship.

Joe Muer’s famous coconut cake

Sophisticated Seafood

For a sophisticated night with unbeatable scenery, Joe Muer is Detroit’s prime destination for seafood. Visualize a perfect night, complete with exquisite lobster dinner, chilled wine, a slice of Joe Muer’s famous coconut cake and picturesque views overlooking the water’s edge of the Detroit Riverfront. Looking for exceptional service? You and your date will be well tended by Joe Muer’s knowledgeable and gracious staff seeing to your every need.

Comfort Food

Comfort food is anything but traditional at Townhouse. This restaurant is a favorite date night spot in the city, offering true Detroit flavor in every lunch, brunch, dinner, dessert and happy hour it serves. Sit under the lights at the bar or next to one of Townhouse’s greenery walls to immerse yourself in this Detroit hub.

Highlands offers more than just a beautiful view

New and Exciting

Experience high quality high above the city on the 71st and 72nd floors of the GMRENCEN at Highlands Detroit. As the city’s latest date night destination, Highlands is a truly unique Detroit dining experience in the sky. Whether you’re starting out with a lively happy hour at High Bar, connecting at the casual-cool Hearth71 or ending the night with an intimate dinner for two at Highlands, this new Detroit staple has everything you’re looking for – and more.

The GMRENCEN wants to show you some love this Valentine’s Day! Share your GMRENCEN love story (a fun date, an awesome event you attended, what you love most about the building or Riverfront, etc.) by commenting on the pinned post on the GMRENCEN Facebook page for the chance to win a $100 gift card for a GMRENCEN Detroit date night destination of your choosing at Andiamo, Joe Muer or Highlands Detroit.

Highlands: A True Detroit Dining Experience

Towering 71 and 72 floors above the city, Highlands Detroit is now taking reservations for a truly unique dining experience in the sky.

From the non-traditional riff on the classic steakhouse at Highlands, to a casual-cool eatery at Hearth71, to the buzzy, spirited High Bar, you’ll experience high quality high above the city at Highlands Detroit.

The views are worthy of date night, after-work cocktails, pre-game shenanigans or a “just because” outing.

Food

Say cheese! Sample it all with the Artisan Cheese Board, which offers the perfect amount of variety for any palate.

Indulge in savory Bacon-Wrapped Medjool Dates, the perfect start to any meal.

Start out strong at Hearth 71 with a classic app like the Italian Prosciutto and Burrata Board, complete with shaved prosciutto, creamy burrata and herbed pine nut relish.

Moving on up to the main course. After all, Highlands is Detroit’s premier steakhouse in the sky.

Feeling saucy? Highlands Detroit may be a steakhouse, but the seafood is truly mouthwatering.

There’s nothing like a bowl full of perfectly cooked mussels. Yum!

Feed your soul with an order of Highlands’ savory Mushroom Bucatini. Take it up a notch and pair your dish with a light white wine.

Why choose between land and lake? A little surf, a little turf and a whole lotta wonderful.

End on a sweet note with an order of Warm Chocolate Chip Cookies topped with sea salt and served with a Guernsey Farms Milkshake. Remember, the calories don’t count 71 floors up.

Drinks

Experience the cocktail as an art form at High Bar.

Raise your glass, whether it’s vodka, wine or a handcrafted Whiskey Sour.

The Chef’s robust whiskey collection.

Racks on racks of aged wine.

Whether you have a party of one or four, reserve your table today.

Highlands Detroit is ready for you.

Whether you’re local or just passing through, Highlands Detroit welcomes you to experience top of the tower dining at its finest. Reserve your table today.

Artist Spotlight: Chris Burton

The GMRENCEN is dedicated to the safety of our tenants and visitors. In compliance with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services emergency order, new procedures and precautions are now in place at the GMRENCEN. Learn more about our new guidelines here.

Local photographer Chris Burton has seen Detroit’s true colors. After moving back to the city from a two-year stint in Dallas, he’s returned with a new goal: showcase Detroit as a beautiful space with cool things to see and do.

In October 2019, Chris took over the GMRENCEN Instagram account to show you Detroit from his perspective.

Here is everything you need to know about Chris and his takeover.

He’s rediscovering the city through photography.

It all started when he moved back. Chris picked his camera up after returning to the city because he was overtaken by all the architecture and art in Detroit.

Though he had a positive first impression of the Motor City, he became more familiar with it through his photography. He spent his nights walking around with his camera to capture the sights that caught his eye.

He’s self-taught.

From first picking up a camera in high school to developing music videos to booking his weekends full of wedding and real estate shoots, his photography encompasses a wide-range of purpose and style.

But for Chris, photography was a self-taught skill. Though he’s only been shooting for about two years now, his work has grown tremendously thanks to his late-night walks trying new things and honing his craft.

He sees Detroit in a positive light.

As he travels, Chris enjoys sharing the beauty he experiences with his audience. Detroit is no exception.

“I personally love Detroit, but I think people’s first opinion of Detroit tends to be negative,” said Chris. “I’d love to change that.”

With his audience reaching across the states, he can introduce his followers to a city they have only heard about. Luckily for Detroit, he has plenty of good things to share.

He thinks Detroit is the most exciting city.

Chris’s work will always showcase something new. Whether it’s a bird’s-eye view of the city’s skyline or a snapshot of dinner and drinks at the hottest restaurant in town, he wants to share his experiences with you.

“I think Detroit is the most exciting city,” he said. “It seems every month, something new is opening.”

He loves a place with a view.

As a photographer, Chris loves any place that allows him to experience cool views, and there’s something special about being high above the city. According to Chris, you can get such a different perspective from up high.

“I love the GMRENCEN”, Chris said. “Volt in the Detroit Marriott is one of the coolest, most lowkey places in Detroit. It’s one of the city’s best kept secrets.”

He also enjoys the exclusivity of some of the city’s newer hot spots, such as the Monarch Club, Little Caesars Arena and Highlands Detroit.

He appreciates the details.

Chris’s photography is based off capturing the intricate details of a city that might otherwise go unnoticed. With an appreciation for the history and culture behind the city’s architecture, he wants to make people aware, seeing the same things they’ve seen before but in a new perspective.

“Detroit has some amazing architecture, but often times, people can walk by some of those finer details without even noticing,” he said. “I want to make people see a photograph of something they’ve seen before, but this time realizing just how cool the details behind it are.”

He is inspired.

For Chris, the whole process is inspiring. His journey of exploring different parts of the city always takes him somewhere new, leading him to create art from his camera.

“I’m trying to help people see their own backyard in a different light,” he said. “I’d love for them to see things in a different way and truly appreciate what they’re walking by.”

He believes in working outside of your comfort zone.

“Take something you’re afraid to do and do it,” said Chris. “Be confident in yourself. If you put in the work, there’s a lot more you can accomplish.”

Chris Burton lives in Detroit. Follow him on Instagram or check out his online portfolio to see more of his work.

#GMRENCEN in the Fall

The dog days of summer have officially ended and now it’s time for fall. As the weather cools, the leaves fall and the days shorten, be sure to look around you and enjoy the beautiful colors of a Detroit autumn.

There are many breathtaking photos of the GMRENCEN and fall foliage, but here are some of our favorites.

Photo by Tom Hughes

Photo by Linda Moss

Photo by Jason Clemens

Photo by David Saliba

Photo by Steven Samolinski

Photo by Mark McClelland

Photo by Wade Bryant

Photo by Christopher Hollis

Photo by Suzann Braun

There’s certainly more to come as the colors continue to change around the city! Which of these is your favorite fall photo?

Namaste Detroit: Rooftop Yoga at the GMRENCEN

Rooftop yoga is a community and building favorite here at the GMRENCEN.

In partnership with RenCen Fitness, the GMRENCEN hosts free rooftop yoga classes throughout the summer. Rain or shine, morning or afternoon, enjoy a fun, relaxing yoga session on the rooftop of the Beaubien Place Parking Garage overlooking the Detroit River.

Why yoga? Yoga is an ancient practice, good for the mind, body and spirit. Here’s what GMRENCEN rooftop yoga classes can do for you: