Posted by Michael Perna on Thursday, August 29th, 2024 12:44pm.
Photo: Google Maps
In the heart of downtown Detroit, a tantalizing addition to the city's skyline is in the works as an ultra-luxury hotel brand prepares to unveil its opulent accommodations within Dan Gilbert's prestigious Hudson's site skyscraper. The buzz is palpable as Edition Hotels, renowned for its lavish offerings, recently announced Detroit as one of its exclusive new destinations. With the grand opening set for 2025, the anticipation is reaching fever pitch as locals and travelers alike, living in Metro Detroit, eagerly await the opportunity to experience unparalleled luxury in the Motor City's burgeoning hospitality scene, while those moving to Metro Detroit are eager to be part of its exciting transformation.
While neither Gilbert's real estate firm, Bedrock, nor Edition Hotels have made an official declaration regarding the hotel's placement within the future 49-story skyscraper, it's worth noting that the two entities entered into a ground lease and management agreement for a location in Detroit last year.
The inception of the Edition Hotel brand stems from a collaboration between Marriott International and renowned hotelier Ian Schrager, co-founder of the iconic New York nightclub Studio 54. This partnership promises to infuse Detroit's hospitality landscape with the same level of innovation and allure that has characterized Schrager's legendary ventures.
Edition Hotels, known for its exclusivity and luxury, stands as one of Marriott's most esteemed hotel brands, typically gracing only the most iconic destinations worldwide. From the bustling streets of New York City to the sun-kissed shores of Miami Beach, and from the glitzy metropolis of Dubai to the cultural epicenter of London, Edition Hotels have become synonymous with opulence and sophistication.
Photo: Google Maps
Situated at 1208 Woodward Ave., the skyscraper is part of Bedrock's ambitious redevelopment project, occupying the site of the former Hudson's department store. As one of two side-by-side buildings meticulously crafted by Bedrock, this architectural marvel is poised to redefine Detroit's skyline, while Edition Hotels' imminent presence adds an extra layer of allure and prestige to the city's landscape, appealing to both those living in Metro Detroit and those considering moving to Metro Detroit.
With a distinctive tapering tower design, the skyscraper boasts 210 luxurious hotel rooms below 97 exquisite condos, as outlined in development documents. Upon completion, the skyscraper is slated to ascend to approximately 680 feet, securing its position as the second-tallest building in Detroit, trailing only behind the iconic Renaissance Center.
Complementing the skyscraper's grandeur is the neighboring Hudson's site building, a 12-story "office block" midrise. This adjacent structure is set to accommodate 400,000 square feet of new office space, along with versatile meeting facilities and enticing retail offerings. Together, these architectural marvels represent Bedrock's unwavering commitment to revitalizing Detroit's urban landscape while meeting the evolving needs of the city's residents and visitors.
Breaking ground for the Hudson's site development back in December 2017 marked a significant milestone for Bedrock, however, the project has encountered unforeseen challenges, resulting in a delay of more than two years from the initial timeline.
Photo: Google Maps
Facing mounting pressure, development officials have set a firm deadline for Bedrock: by December 31, 2024, the project must achieve "substantial completion" to remain in compliance with the stringent terms of its public subsidies. Among these incentives is the Transformational Brownfield tax capture, extending across both local and state levels. As Bedrock navigates through the complexities of construction, meeting this deadline becomes paramount not only for the project's success but also for ensuring continued support from the community and stakeholders, whether living in Metro Detroit or moving to Metro Detroit in search of new opportunities.