As Detroiters continue to hold their breath in anticipation of the opening of Hudson’s Detroit’s 49-story building, Hour Detroit’s team received an invite from Bedrock to get a sneak peek of The Department — their recently opened collection of event spaces inside the development’s shorter, 12-story structure — and, as our associate art director Steven Prokuda put it, “it was grand.”
The Department is full of natural light that spills through the floor-to-ceiling windows and offers beautiful views of the city and the Detroit People Mover as it glides by. The sleek, modern design serves as a beautiful backdrop, especially the five chandeliers that were custom-made in Italy and designed to be reminiscent of Detroit’s Art Deco architecture.
The 56,000-square-foot event space — along with its many amenities and exclusive, internationally recognized food and beverage provider, Forte Belanger — provide “opportunities for so many more memories to be created, not only by Detroiters, but people that are visiting us from all over the world,” Francesca Eid, Vice President of Experience at Bedrock, said.
Whether it’s a wedding, trade show, or gala, a variety of events can be held across its 15 spaces, including Bowtie, a pre-function space with two covered balconies, named in honor of Nick Gilbert — the late son of Bedrock co-founder and Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert and Jennifer Gilbert — who often sported a bow tie at the NBA draft.
Here, take a look at what The Department has to offer:
Lobby
The lobby, located on the first floor, includes a private entrance that accommodates valet, rideshare services, and charter buses, a reception area, coat check, on-site security, and customizable digital signage.
The second floor
There are four halls on the second floor, including Grand River, Farmer, Hank (pictured here), and Woodward, which spans nearly an entire city block. They have speakers and audiovisual technology, with an on-site team available to operate the equipment.
Exclusive food and beverage provider
Prepared by Forte Belanger, The Department’s exclusive food and beverage provider, the ribeye slider was made with cabernet caramelized onion, house-made dill pickles, rocket greens, Tillamook cheddar, horseradish aioli, and a branded St. Pierre brioche bun.
Dinner at the preview
Dinner included a duet plate with pan-seared sea bass and an herb-encrusted lamb medallion (pictured here) and a vegan entree with Za’atar-roasted romanesco with carrot purée, chermoula, and chickpea dukkah.
The third floor
There are nine rooms on the third floor equipped with video conferencing capabilities that are ideal for strolling events or meetings that require several breakout areas. Each room is named to honor J.L. Hudson Co.’s legacy, like Bear, named after the teddy bear that was often seen in the store’s holiday windows.
Flexible wedding arrangements
A couple has already booked the Woodward and Bowtie halls for their wedding in September, The Department’s first since opening in April. Guillotine doors can be used to separate each hall to provide a sound barrier or create moments for grand reveals.
Extravagant Balconies
There are five balconies of varying sizes on the second floor, with the largest one located in Woodward hall, and each one features heated floors.
Learn more at hudsons-detroit.org. Plus, find even more community development news at hourdetroit.com.
|
|
|
|
|
|
