The Renaissance of Downtown Detroit

Serial Information: Civil Engineering—ASCE, 1978, Vol. 48, Issue 6, Pg. 85-87


Document Type: Feature article

Abstract:

The Detroit Renaissance Center consists of a 70-story hotel (one of the world's tallest) and 4 39 story office towers, plus restaurants, retail stores, and movie theaters. It was conceived by Henry Ford II and built with private capital by a managing partnership Ford assembled. The Renaissance Center was nominated for a 1978 Outstanding Civil Engineering Award not so much for its engineering innovation, but as a landmark attempt at community betterment. It was intended to rejuvenate downtown Detroit by attracting large conventions as well as visits from residents of Detroit and the surrounding suburbs. Phase I, the hotel, office towers and 13 acre podium structure is complete and operational. Phases II and III will add smaller office buildings, more retail space, parking, apartments and condominiums. Because the Renaissance Center represents a bold attempt to solve urban problems, it was given the Award of Merit as a Landmark Effort at Community Betterment.

Subject Headings: Commercial buildings | Residential buildings | Business districts | Awards and prizes | Urban areas | Suburbs | Public private partnership | Detroit | Michigan | United States

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