Detroit’s $1.4B Tower That Broke the RenCen

Detroit erased a retail giant in just 12 seconds when the 2.2-million-square-foot Hudson’s department store came down—then left the block as “Hudson’s hole” for nearly two decades. Now, that same footprint is being rebuilt into Hudson’s Detroit: a 45-story tower and a 13-story podium designed to bring a hotel, condos, offices, retail, and public space back to Woodward Avenue. The project has become a lightning rod because it leans on layered public financing—state brownfield tools that capture future tax revenue, plus a controversial local tax abatement approved by a tight City Council vote. The debate is simple: is this the kind of incentive-heavy bet Detroit needs to compete, or a deal the public won’t recoup? Then GM raises the stakes, committing to move its headquarters from the Renaissance Center to Hudson’s—forcing Detroit to rethink the RenCen’s future at the same time. Fair Use Disclaimer: This video contains copyrighted material used under the guidelines of fair use. The purpose of this video is to tell a story, and the content is transformative in nature. It is used for educational purposes, with the intention to inform and entertain viewers. All rights to the copyrighted material are retained by the respective owners. If you believe your work has been used in a way that does not fall under fair use, please contact me directly for resolution by emailing me at [email protected]!