Gilbert breaks ground on skyscraper at Detroit's old Hudson's site

Building expected to be tallest in Detroit upon completion

DETROIT – A groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday morning for the new skyscraper set to be built at Detroit's old Hudson's site.

Bedrock broke ground on what will become Detroit's tallest building. The real estate company announced the project back in February, estimating a $560 million yearly economic impact.

The tower is expected to be the tallest building in Detroit upon completion. 

“For long-time Detroiters, we remember what Hudson’s represented. It wasn’t just a department store – it was the economic engine of Detroit. It drew residents and visitors downtown, where they spent a day shopping at Hudson’s and visiting the retail, restaurants and theaters around it,” said Dan Gilbert, founder and chairman of Rock Ventures and Quicken Loans and founding partner of Bedrock.

Here's a rendition of what the tower will look like: 

“Our goal is to create a development that exceeds the economic and experiential impact even Hudson’s had on the city. We believe this project is so unique that it can help put Detroit back on the national – and even global – map for world-class architecture, talent attraction, technology innovation and job creation," Gilbert said. 

The Hudson's store was demolished in 1998, and was once the tallest department store in the world.

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About the Authors:

Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.

Nick joined the Local 4 team in February of 2015. Prior to that he spent 6 years in Sacramento covering a long list of big stories including wildfires and earthquakes. Raised in Sterling Heights, he is no stranger to the deep history and pride Detroit has to offer.