After 28 years at Detroit’s RenCen, GM to move global HQ to new Hudson’s building

DETROIT – General Motors is moving its global headquarters up Woodward Avenue.

After 28 years at the Renaissance Center along the Detroit River, GM says it will relocate its global headquarters to Hudson’s Detroit in 2025, becoming the anchor tenant at Bedrock’s development on the historic site of the former J.L. Hudson Department Store.

GM, Bedrock, the city of Detroit and Wayne County will establish a partnership to explore redevelopment opportunities for the Renaissance Center site over approximately the next year, prior to GM’s move to Hudson’s Detroit.

“We are proud to remain in the city of Detroit in a modern office building that fits the evolving needs of our workforce, right in the heart of downtown,” said GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra. “Our new headquarters will provide collaboration areas for our teams, executive offices and display space for our vehicles. Dan Gilbert and Bedrock have done so much to make downtown Detroit a great place to live, work and visit. We are thrilled to be a significant part of the historic Hudson’s project and also look forward to working with them to explore new ideas and opportunities for the Renaissance Center site and the riverfront.”

GM has entered into a 15-year, multi-level lease for the top office floors, as well as showcase space on the street level for GM vehicles and community activations.

“GM has been in the city for more than 100 years and it’s great to see that commitment continue as they move their headquarters to the heart of downtown at Hudson’s Detroit. In my time as mayor, I am proud that our team has worked together with GM and Bedrock to build on the city’s revitalization,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan.

Hudson’s Detroit is a 1.5-million square-foot development that will feature office, ground-floor retail, a 5-star hotel, rooftop bar, residential condominiums, a public plaza, parking and large event spaces. Comprised of a 12-story office building with event and retail spaces, and adjacent 45 floor hotel and residential tower, Hudson’s presents sweeping city views at every level.

The Hudson’s department store, known as the “Big Store” and “J.L. Hudson,” broke ground in 1891 and was the foremost retailer in Detroit — at one time the second largest department store in the world. The massive flagship store anchored the bustling Woodward Avenue corridor and was a destination for domestic and international shopping enthusiasts until it closed its doors in 1983. The structure was eventually demolished, but Bedrock has ensured that the history of the site is echoed in the new Hudson’s Detroit.

The future of the RenCen is unclear, but it’ll take about a year for the two parties to study what’s next for the property. Companies require less office space with hybrid work, so it probably won’t be more office.