Hudson’s Detroit
Once the focal point of the Detroit skyline, the former J.L Hudson’s building was the tallest department store in the world until 1961. But after its demolition in 1998, the block it occupied remained vacant until construction began on the multi-use Hudson’s Detroit complex in 2017. With its shimmering glass facade and staggered towers, Hudson’s Detroit is the second tallest building in Michigan, topping out at a lofty 685 feet. It’s separated into two distinct buildings, one a 49-story hotel and residence and the other a 14-story retail, office, and event center. The Hudson’s Detroit midrise recently welcomed its first retail tenants, Alo Yoga and Tecovas, and will also be home to the General Motors headquarters (the company announced it would be leaving the GM Renaissance Center by the end of 2025). Occupying the entire second and third floors as well as the first-floor lobby, The Department is a state-of-the-art meeting space and event facility. Here you’ll also find a modern rendition of the famous J.L. Hudson’s Maurice salad, made in The Department’s 10,000-square-foot kitchen.
Palmer Park Bandshell
This historic bandshell opened in 1938 on the Michigan State Fairgrounds campus at Eight Mile and Woodward, and over the years hosted legendary acts who came to the fair like Duke Ellington, Marvin Gaye, Johnny Cash, and countless top names in rock from Alice Cooper to Billy Squier. When the fairgrounds were sold to developers in 2020, it seemed certain the band shell would be demolished. But broad public support and federal funding allowed the theater to be moved to the northwest section of Palmer Park (near Seven Mile and Woodward), where it was rebuilt and updated before reopening in August. The band shell’s iconic white arches were reconstructed based on the original design using salvaged materials. The opening ceremony honored the stage’s roots with a jazz concert featuring Detroit acts like Marcus Elliot, Charles and Gwen Scales, and Marion Hayden. The band shell will continue to host music performances open to the public, in addition to being available for rent.
Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park and Southwest Greenway
Located on the Detroit riverfront, the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park opened to the public Oct. 25 after three years of construction. Named after the late Detroit native and founder of the Buffalo Bills, the park is the latest effort to transform the riverfront into a multi-use recreational space. The 22-acre park features a large water garden, two indoor sports facilities, and multiple animalthemed playgrounds. It will be connected to Michigan Central Station by the Southwest Greenway, a half-mile-long bike path. The trail is also home to the Yard Graffiti Museum, an outdoor gallery dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of this underground art form. Open since 2023, the greenway now has completed beginning and end points for visitors to explore and appreciate the city’s progress. The Southwest Greenway is a key part of the more expansive 27.5-mile Joe Louis Greenway, which will extend biking and walking trails to Highland Park, Dearborn, and Hamtramck.
AC Hotel at the Bonstelle and The Conservatory
Connected to the Albert Kahn-designed Bonstelle Theatre, the AC Hotel had big architectural shoes to fill. The 10-story, 154-room hotel opened to guests in mid- January, joined in April by attached bar The Conservatory. The hotel is part of Marriott’s AC Hotel brand, embracing European styles and minimalist designs, while the bar focuses on gin-centered cocktails and tapas-style bites. Construction began on the Midtown property in 2023, with work being done to restore the 115-year-old Bonstelle Theatre back to working order as well.
Chandler Park Fieldhouse
After more than a decade of planning and construction, the newest addition to Chandler Park is now open. The 130,000-square-foot Chandler Park Fieldhouse is Detroit’s first air dome sports complex and includes a turf field, a multisport court, fitness areas, and a track. The $13.9 million federally funded field house opened its doors Aug. 20, providing Detroit’s east-side community with sports and recreation programming year-round. Membership is required to access the field house; yearly adult memberships start at $25 for Detroit residents and $45 for nonresidents.
Orchard Village Housing
Born out of a collaboration between northwest Detroit grassroots organization Detroit Blight Busters and CHN Housing Partners, Orchard Village brings affordable housing to the Old Redford area. The development converted nine previously vacant lots into a 48-unit complex designed to encourage families to settle in the neighborhood. With rent prices starting at $525 per month, all units feature a spacious two-bedroom layout, in-unit laundry, and central AC. The $16 million investment in Orchard Village is a part of the latest push to revitalize the area, with recent plans made for a Sunflower Arts Center to be built on Grand River Avenue.
This story originally appeared in the December 2025 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Click here to get our digital edition.
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