Tag Archives: Renaissance Center

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.

Celebrate the 2022 Detroit Auto Show at the GMRENCEN

Rev your engines because the North American International Auto Show is back in Detroit! To help you make plans to see the incredible new vehicles and fun-filled exhibits we’ve created a guide to highlight the best places to refuel, park and stay while experiencing all the Motor City has to offer.

Where to Refuel

From the breathtaking Riverfront views to the award-winning cuisine, the GMRENCEN offers some of the best dining experiences in the city. Andiamo offers an extensive selection of Italian dishes and an incredible assortment of wine, while Joe Muer Seafood serves up the freshest catch as Michigan’s #1 Seafood Restaurant.

If you’re looking for the full 360 experience, visit the incredible Highlands Detroit. Sitting 71 floors up in the sky, you’ll take in stunning views of the Detroit skyline while enjoying an upscale menu of diverse dishes and innovative cocktails.

As you speed over to the Auto Show don’t forget to reenergize with a cup of coffee or quick and convenient snack at Panera Bread, located conveniently at the GMRENCEN.

Where to Celebrate

Whether you’re attending the highly anticipated Charity Preview or are just looking for a reason to dress up, consider celebrating in style at one of the GMRENCEN’s black tie dining events on September 16 to kick off the festivities.

Head to Andiamo’s Black Tie Charity Preview Night for an authentic five-course Italian meal. To make a reservation, click here or call (313) 567-6700.
Treat yourself to a night of fine dining and fresh seafood by attending Joe Muer Seafood’s North American International Auto Show Charity Preview Black Tie Event. To make reservations, call (313) 567-6837.

Where to Park

The GMRENCEN offers a variety of parking options located right on the Riverfront and within walking distance of Huntington Place and Hart Plaza. Click here to check out parking options and choose what’s best for you and your crew.

Where to Stay

Located conveniently in the center tower of the GMRENCEN, the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center includes gorgeous floor-to-ceiling views of the city, the Detroit River and Canada—the perfect spot to relax and refuel after a day of automotive excitement. Click here to make a reservation.

Let us know how you plan to celebrate the Detroit Auto Show on social media. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

How to Spend July on the Detroit Riverfront

Summer is the perfect time to get outside and explore the beautiful Detroit Riverfront! To skip the hassle and focus on the fun, we’ve curated the perfect guide to highlight the hottest happenings in July.

Where to Eat

The breathtaking views and delicious cuisine from one of the three award-winning restaurants at the GMRENCEN is the perfect addition to any trip to the Riverfront. Andiamo offers an extensive selection of Italian dishes and an incredible assortment of wine, and Highlands Detroit provides stunning views of the Detroit Riverfront from the 71st floor, accompanied by an upscale menu of diverse dishes and innovative cocktails at High Bar. If you’re facing a serious seafood craving, head to the #1 Seafood Restaurant in Michigan, Joe Muer Seafood, for the freshest catch and even better views of the river.

What to do on the Riverfront with Kids

Enjoy Reading and Rhythm on the Riverfront with celebrity guest readings, interactive family entertainment, a healthy snack and a free book to take home provided by General Motors. This event occurs every week on Thursday and Friday until Aug 12, 2022.

What to do on the Riverfront to Stay Active

If you want to stay active this summer, the Detroit Riverfront has multiple opportunities to get moving while enjoying a scenic view.

Expand your knowledge of Detroit while getting your steps in by signing up for the Dequindre Cut Walking Tours with the City Institute. Stroll along the Dequindre Cut as you learn about the greenway’s past and present.

After your walking tour, relax with Yoga on the Riverfront. Enjoy a free yoga class while looking at the stunning view of the Detroit River. Yoga is held Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. and Friday at 10 a.m. in Milliken State Park.

What to do on the Riverfront to Experience Local Artists

Did you know you can bike from the Detroit Riverfront straight into the heart of Eastern Market by cruising down the Dequindre Cut?

Eastern Market is a can’t-miss Detroit experience for locals and visitors alike. Enjoy a premium market with fresh produce, florals, local artists, unique cuisine and so much more from a local favorite. Markets are open weekly on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Once you grab yourself lunch from Eastern Market head to the Live Music Summer Series with D. Cipher on the Dequindre Cut to watch metro Detroit’s most talented entertainers. Enjoy this all month long with free weekly performances and a curated lineup.

Where to Park

The GMRENCEN offers a variety of parking options located right on the Riverfront and within walking distance to Detroit’s hottest happenings. Click here to check our parking options and choose what’s best for you and your crew.

If you are heading to a concert in the city, check out the multiple show shuttles Andiamo and Joe Muer Seafood are offering for select shows.

There are no dog days of summer with all the exciting happenings in the Motor City! Let us know how you celebrate summer in the city on social media. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Detroit Artist: Jason Clemens

For Detroit photographer Jason Clemens, he just loves to be outside. If he’s got a camera in his hand, that’s a bonus.

Jason has a certain passion for the outdoors, especially for Michigan’s beautiful seasons. He even calls his photography “hunting with a camera” since he’s always searching for the perfect outdoor shot.

Seasons of Change

Jason began seriously taking photos after he was gifted a Canon in 2012. He’s since elevated his hobby to a passion project, capturing everything in nature that he could.

He loves shooting images of birds and animals and exploring the same place in different seasons. The seasons give the same locations a different perspective, he says. Find him out at sunrise or sunset, seeking out what others don’t see in nature.

In Detroit, he especially loves photographing the marina and Detroit River when he’s downtown. The skyline and cityscape has changed so much in recent years, evolving the Detroit Riverfront as it changes, and that’s what he enjoys conveying through his images.

Sharing Detroit

Jason started becoming a Detroit influencer when he created an Instagram account for his photography portfolio. Immediately it was a way to connect with other passionate artists and share what they and experience through their camera.

The hashtag #ShareDetroit is full of Jason’s images, and he regularly interacts with the users of that hashtag. His Instagram handle is also @Share_Detroit.

A Familial Connection

Jason plays catch with his son at Comerica Park.

Jason not only loves pursuing photography because it’s a way to take his mind off his full-time job, but because his father was also an active photographer, and loving telling stories through photos.

“My dad passed away before I turned three years old, but he still managed to instill so much of his personality and passions in me in that short time,” said Jason.

Photography is a beautiful connection between Jason and his dad, and one that is only growing as Jason gets older.

Follow along as Jason shares his favorite Detroit outdoors photos on the GMRENCEN’s Instagram over the next two weeks.

Jason Clemens lives in Farmington Hills. See more of his work on Instagram @Share_Detroit.

Artist Spotlight: MaRia Popi

Where in the world is MaRia Popi?

The answer lies on top of some of Detroit’s most famous skyscrapers.

“I love shooting Detroit from the rooftop of buildings. I have been on the rooftop of every skyscraper in the city. That’s what drives my photography. I’m a sky chaser,” MaRia said.

Starting at the Top

MaRia began shooting the 313 five years ago. Since then she has been to most downtown skyscrapers’ rooftops and inside most of the iconic buildings, however the Penobscot building reigns supreme in her opinion.

“I believe the Penobscot building has one of the best views in the heart of the city. It is surrounded by the beautiful architecture of Detroit and the view is different at night and day. That is what makes it so exciting for me!” said MaRia Popi.

She often returns to her favorite places to highlight the differences in the foreground and background, exploring different seasons and times of day. She knows no sunrise, sunset or cloud pattern is the same. Using long exposure techniques, especially at night, is her favorite style of photography.

In the Motor City

MaRia was born in Bulgaria and moved to Michigan in 2003. She always loved traveling and had a camera in hand while growing up. Her passion for photography and love of architecture and design led her to the Motor City, and now she’s proud to call it home.

“I consider myself an explorer who keeps learning. Art is a big part of my daily life. I grow as an artist while exploring other artists’ work – while using new photography techniques and working with creative people from different backgrounds,” she said.

Some of MaRia’s portrait photography work can be seen inside the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in the “Oh You Fancy!” exhibit currently on display.

Follow along as MaRia shares her love of rooftop photography on the GMRENCEN’s Instagram over the next two weeks. She is also a previous winter of the GMRENCEN’s Your Photo Here Contest, and you can see her art inside the GMRENCEN.

MaRia Popi lives in Livonia. See more of her work on her Instagram @_mariapopi_ or her online portfolio at mariapopi.com.

Artist Spotlight: James Gates

We’ve all been there – when your phone battery dies because you’ve been using it to take photos. That happened to Detroit photographer James Gates so often, that he decided to finally put down his iPhone and pick up a DSLR camera.

Washington, D.C.

James traveled to Washington D.C. in 2014 and brought his new camera along with him. He loved taking photos of the statues, historical buildings and moments that the area had to offer. He showed the trip images to a coworker, who is a professional photographer, after he returned from the trip and the coworker was quite impressed. This coworker recommended James start taking photos professionally, and James took that to heart – he’s loved it ever since.

His Perfect Shot

For the past four years James has spent his free time walking the Detroit Riverfront and downtown metropolis searching for the perfect shot.

He especially loves shooting around sunset, and the time just after sunset, affectionately called “the blue hour.” He loves everything about it – the light, how the city glows, capturing how the clouds streak the sky.

James has also been playing around with long exposures recently, capturing hundreds of photos and merging them into one photo in time. He likes these photos best, and works only a bit on his computer to enhance each photograph afterward.

An Escape

Although James would love to make photography his day to day work, he uses it as an escape more than anything.

“There’s something about exploring the city and always finding something new. It’s so relaxing to me, it’s a great way to decompress and have fun. There’s really nothing like capturing a great shot and seeing things in a way you’ve never seen them before,” James said.

James is also a previous winner of our Your Photo Here Contest, and you can find his artwork on Level 2, Tower 200, inside the GMRENCEN.

Follow the GMRENCEN on Instagram to see James highlight his favorite downtown locations.

James Gates lives in Detroit and is a legally blind photographer. See his work on his Instagram at @james.m.gates or check out his online portfolio at jgatesphotography.com.

Artist Spotlight: Alanna St. Laurent

It’s a bird, it’s a plane…it’s a drone! If you happen to see a drone camera around downtown Detroit, there’s a good chance it belongs to local photographer Alanna St. Laurent.

The Detroit artist is always trying out innovative and new ways to take photographs, and drone photography has recently captured her passion.

Up in the Air

Alanna’s GMRENCEN Instagram takeover will focus on her drone photography, highlighting different parts of the Detroit skyline – a medium she’s started exploring since it was invented. She’s looking for different vantage points to find new detail in her images as her camera hovers hundreds of feet above street level.

She learned the trade from friends, but that’s not to say it’s an easy skill to pick up. Like with anything, there’s a learning curve when it comes to drone photography.

“It’s a whole different playing field up there. You can take pictures straight down from where the drone is, an entire 90 percent angle, or you can focus the camera up 30 degrees for the shot you want. It’s taken a bit of time but I’m enjoying exploring the skyline with the drone. There are so many possibilities with it,” Alanna said.

She particularly loves flying the drones near the tops of tall skyscrapers – especially Detroit towers that were built in the 1920s. With her drone, she can zoom in on technical, architectural and artistic features at the crown of each building – a scene that would be nigh impossible without a drone.

Professional Career

Alanna started taking photography classes when she was an advisor at the College for Creative Studies in 2007 and fell in love with the medium. That passion has never left her, and she regularly explores Detroit, and the country, searching for new ways to “see” a scene, skyline or setting.

She now sells print copies of her photographs on her website and features her images at rotating art fairs in and around Metro Detroit.

Alanna thinks of abandoned buildings as “the Wild West” because no building is ever the same, and she never knows what she’s going to find. She now leads photography workshops in and around Detroit. The forward-thinking photographer’s sessions are designed for newly burgeoning photographers as they learn the trade and focus with architectural and cityscape photography. The workshops also bring local photographers together to capture some of Detroit’s most photographic events.

She’s grown her industry reputation over the years and now is a full-time photographer, and leads her own business, which was always a goal of hers.

Follow Alanna over the next two weeks on our Instagram as she shows us Detroit from the sky.

Alanna St. Laurent lives in Ferndale. Follow her on Instagram at @alannastlaurentphoto or visit her online portfolio at alannastlaurent.com to see Detroit through her lens.

Artist Spotlight: Lou Peeples

When you think of Detroit, what comes to mind? Undoubtedly, it’s different for everyone – every person experiences the city differently.

Do you have happy memories celebrating the Detroit Tigers win at Comerica Park? Biting into a Lafayette Coney Island Coney dog? Or perhaps you think of watching the Thanksgiving Parade roll down Woodward Ave on Thanksgiving Day.

When Lou Peeples imagines Detroit, all he sees is “my city.” The city that he loves to photograph and tell stories about through his images. He explores his city through his camera lens, often in the early morning hours of the day, because no one else is awake at that time. There are no cars or people walking the city at 5 or 6 a.m., and he captures a city paused in time.

Half Artist, Half Tech Fan

A self-described “technology geek,” Lou loves photography because it satisfies his technology interests just as much as his artistic side.

“I really enjoy using different equipment and trying different lenses for certain shots. I’ve been playing with long exposures where the camera can capture a photo for up to 20 or 30 seconds. Taking those kinds of shots at night are some of my favorite to play around with.”

Along with enjoying advancing technical elements of his camera, he’s along learned to love editing in post. Finding ways to enhance certain elements of his photographs are better ways of telling their story.

Evolution as a Photographer

While he loves capturing the city devoid of people, cars and signs of everyday life, Lou also is expanding his portfolio by capturing “street photography” images. These photos are shot while he walks the city throughout the day, capturing people in a moment in time, a snippet of their life.

Lou also describes himself as an eclectic photographer, going to a certain area in the city and shooting whatever strikes him in the moment – inspiration can hit any time.

Lou Peeples lives in Grosse Pointe. Follow him on Instagram at @loupeeples_photography or see his online portfolio at Pointe Photography.

Artist Spotlight: Christopher Hollis

When Christopher Hollis was gifted his first professional camera in 2009, he didn’t know how much it would impact his life for years to come.

Eight years later, he now owns and operates his own photography business, VIII/VIII Photography, and is making a name for himself in the Detroit photography scene.

Up and Coming

Pictured: Christopher Hollis.

Although he was always more-than-adept with a handheld camera, Chris was gifted his first professional-grade camera when he moved to California in 2009. He took advantage of Northern California’s outdoor-centric lifestyle and spent time capturing the Bay Area’s vast array of mountains, waterways and greenery.

With a move back to Detroit, Chris still focuses on the landscapes and cityscapes that he’s prized since the beginning of his career. But his photography has matured as he has; Chris’ photos now focus on composition and framing, and he has a particular interest in symmetry within architecture.

“I love when people see a photo of something they know well or maybe see every day but then see something new in the photograph. The details, and uncovering those secrets, are what is so intriguing to me,” said Chris.

Capturing a Moment

Chris especially loves capturing snapshots in time without the focus of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Spot him in the early morning hours around Eastern Market, taking photos of the well-known murals, with only his headphones and camera. He typically goes out with a vague outline of what he wants to capture, like the sunrise, or sunset, but doesn’t limit himself in the subject matter – inspiration often strikes him in the moment.

Instagram Takeover

Chris has graciously been the first photographer taking over the GMRENCEN’s Instagram. Luckily, he’s extremely familiar with the building – as a native Detroiter he’s partial to the Detroit skyline, but he’s also worked inside the GMRENCEN for the last five years.

He’s decided to focus on the interior architecture and symmetry of the building throughout his takeover. Follow the GMRENCEN on Instagram for Chris’ take on the building’s intricate network of walkways and windows.

Chris Hollis lives in Detroit. Follow him on Instagram at @vii_vii_photography or Facebook at @VII/VII Photography to see Detroit through his lens.

GMRENCEN
400 Renaissance Center, Suite 2500, Detroit, MI 48243
313.567.3126