Renaissance Center

The Renaissance Center consists of seven interconnected glass towers rising along the Detroit River waterfront and dominating the downtown skyline. The tallest tower reaches 221 meters (726 feet) and houses a hotel, while the surrounding towers contain office space and public areas.

Henry Ford II launched the project in 1973 as a response to the city's economic decline and the unrest of the 1960s. General Motors purchased the complex in 1996 and moved its global headquarters there, giving the place a new role.

The complex takes its name from the Detroit Renaissance initiative and symbolizes the city's renewal efforts in the late 20th century. Visitors today see the General Motors headquarters with public areas, shops and restaurants that connect the place as both a workplace and a destination.

The complex is accessible via the Detroit People Mover system and several entrances from downtown, with the main lobby providing orientation. Visitors can explore public areas, restaurants and shops, while office sections are restricted to employees.

The complex has its own postal code due to its size and the number of people working there. The facility spans more than 5.6 hectares (14 acres) along the waterfront and forms practically a small city within the city.

Location: Downtown Detroit

Inception: 1977

Architects: John C. Portman Jr.

Official opening: 1977

Architectural style: modern architecture

Floors above the ground: 73

Floors below the ground: 2

Website: https://gmrencen.com

GPS coordinates: 42.32889,-83.03972

Latest update: December 12, 2025 21:30