RenCen isn’t an architectural jewel. Tear it down. | Letters to the Editor

On April 15, General Motors announced that in 2025 it will move from Detroit's Renaissance Center, its headquarters since 1996, into the new Detroit Hudson's building. GM is the primary owner and main occupant of the RenCen, a seven-tower, 5.5 million square foot office and hotel complex. GM has pledged to find a new use for the RenCen. We asked Free Press readers what they hope will happen to the RenCen. Share your thoughts on the RenCen or anything else in a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters, and we may publish it in print or online.

The RenCen should live on as a vibrant mixed-use destination complex

Knock down (or renovate) the two riverfront office towers and replace them with residential towers, enough for maybe a thousand units. Open a grocery store and city Target in the podium retail area to serve new residents and downtown overall. ("GM will relocate headquarters from RenCen to Detroit's new Hudson's building," Detroit Free Press, April 15, 2024.)

Talk to the Detroit Zoological Society about bringing back their riverfront aquarium idea from a few years ago, maybe put it in the Wintergarden. Talk to Windsor about installing a gondola, so pedestrians can cross the river with a view. ("Detroit Zoo pushing to build huge aquarium in downtown Detroit," Detroit Free Press, May 1.)

Love or hate it, this is a landmark of the city's skyline, and knocking it down entirely would deeply harm the city's comeback image. We can and should imagine a bold new future for the RenCen.

Christopher Bernard

Brighton

More: GM will relocate headquarters from RenCen to Detroit's new Hudson's building

Demolish the building, it's too difficult to repurpose

I think this is a unique opportunity to capitalize on the value of the waterfront. Moving the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre down to Hart Plaza and making that area a true public entertainment space would bring more people to Hart Plaza.

The RenCen should be torn down (it's not an architectural jewel) and very difficult to retrofit for other uses. Take that space and build condos, restaurants and public spaces (maybe a hotel to replace the Marriott). Then develop a way to connect the waterfront to downtown area more easily. With the shift in office space, turning it into true residential/public space would motivate more people to live and play in Detroit instead just work.

Andre Cole

West Bloomfield

Remember Corktown? Don't write off the RenCen just yet

Free Press Editorial Page Editor Nancy Kaffer is rightly concerned about the future of the Renaissance Center. I believe that we will eventually look back at General Motors leaving the Renaissance Center as the impetus for the rethinking, the redevelopment, the reenergizing of this part of downtown. ("GM is leaving the RenCen. It can't become Detroit's next ruin," Detroit Free Press, April 16.)

I don't know exactly what the future for the RenCen holds, but many believe it will be increased mixed use — hotel rooms, residences, office space, entertainment and more. Remember when Tiger Stadium closed and the Tigers moved to Comerica Park — and when some were lamenting old Corktown, predicting that outside of a few bar and grills, there would no longer be a reason to visit Corktown.

Corktown was believed to be on its deathbed. And look what happened — it may be the most vibrant area in all of Detroit. Out of adversity comes opportunity!

Thomas E. Page

Detroit

Make the RenCen a hub for public transportation

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has recently expressed his desire to expand the People Mover. With GM moving out and an opportunity for a repurpose of the RenCen, why not make it a hub for an expanded light metro system that works for the city and region? ("Detroit officials consider different possibilities for People Mover," Detroit Free Press, March 12.)

“RenCen Central Station" has a nice ring to it. It’s already connected to the rail, and an expansion could spur development, create better connections and serve the region as a whole.

Eric Wallace

Clarkston

Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters, and we may publish it online or in print.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: After GM leaves, repurpose Detroit RenCen, don't tear it down | Letters