A major milestone has been reached in downtown Detroit's urban revival with the completion of a 12-story office and retail building that stands where the legendary J.L. Hudson Department Store once dominated the skyline. The newly opened structure at 1240 Woodward Avenue represents the first phase of the ambitious Hudson's Detroit development, designed by New York-based SHoP Architects to restore density, commerce, and vibrant public life to this prominent downtown location.

The original J.L. Hudson Department Store held the distinction of being the world's tallest retail building during its prime, rising 32 stories above Detroit's bustling downtown district. However, the iconic structure was demolished in 1998, leaving a significant void along the crucial Woodward Avenue corridor that has remained undeveloped for decades. The site's redevelopment represents one of the most significant urban renewal projects in Detroit's recent history.

The $1.5 billion Hudson's Detroit project, spearheaded by real estate development company Bedrock, is being constructed in two distinct phases. The recently completed midrise building serves as the new headquarters for General Motors, featuring a public showroom called "Entrance One" that showcases the automaker's latest vehicles and innovations. The building also houses several notable tenants, including consulting giant Accenture, wellness brand ALO Yoga, boot company Tecovas, Bedrock's Gilbert family office, and the Gilbert Family Foundation.

SHoP Architects designed the development as a carefully orchestrated composition of two complementary structures. The completed 12-story building presents a lower, more grounded presence, while the adjacent 45-story tower, scheduled for completion in 2027, will soar skyward with a reflective glass facade. The taller structure will accommodate The Detroit EDITION hotel, 97 luxury condominiums, and additional office and retail spaces, creating a true mixed-use urban destination.

A key feature of the architectural design is the creation of Nick Gilbert Way, a new public thoroughfare that physically and conceptually links the two buildings. This pedestrian-friendly plaza connects Woodward Avenue to Farmer Street, establishing what planners envision as an open civic spine at the development's heart. The space is lined with retail establishments and shaded gathering areas, designed to function as a year-round social hub featuring public art installations, live performances, and seasonal programming that will activate the space throughout Detroit's changing seasons.

The building's exterior design thoughtfully balances historical context with contemporary innovation. The facade combines expansive glass surfaces with terra-cotta elements, creating a visual dialogue with the craftsmanship and materials typical of early 20th-century department stores while asserting a distinctly modern presence along Woodward Avenue. This design approach honors Detroit's commercial heritage while signaling the city's forward-looking transformation.

Inside the completed building, SHoP Architects created a dramatic seven-story atrium that serves as the development's centerpiece. The soaring space is crowned by a distinctive skylight inspired by the headlight cover of a 1954 Chevrolet Corvette, paying homage to Detroit's automotive legacy in an unexpected and artistic way. The atrium is filled with natural daylight and live vegetation, creating an inviting gathering space that serves the building's 400,000 square feet of office space.

The development's amenities reflect Detroit's evolution toward sophisticated mixed-use urbanism. The lower floors accommodate various retail stores and restaurants, bringing street-level activity and commerce back to this section of downtown. Upper levels feature shared lounges, a modern fitness center, and an innovative multipurpose "Rec Room" designed by Pophouse. This unique amenity space includes a library, kitchen facilities, and even a practice pickleball court, catering to the diverse recreational needs of modern office workers and residents.

"Ten years in the making, Hudson's Detroit is elevating downtown and creating space for the community to come together," said Dan Gilbert, founder and chairman of Bedrock. "Whether you are an office tenant, attending an event or shopping at one of the new retailers, everyone can experience Hudson's." Gilbert's vision emphasizes the development's role not just as a commercial project, but as a catalyst for community engagement and urban revitalization in Detroit's continuing renaissance.