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Preliminary Rendering For Hudson's Site On Woodward Released

By Edward Cardenas

DETROIT (CBS Detroit) - Dan Gilbert released a conceptual rendering of a cutting-edge development for the former site of the iconic Hudson's Department Store in Detroit.

The rendering shows a multi-story building on Woodward, near Gratiot, that features a unique glass exterior with wave-like rooflines.

Gilbert released the new design after a presentation by Gregg Pasquarelli, founding principal of SHoP Architects which was hired by Rock Ventures to design the Hudson's development, was posted on the Internet and he alluded to the project without stating it was in Detroit.

"While we are excited about the direction of this concept, it is important to note that the design of the beloved Hudson's site on Woodward Avenue in the heart of downtown Detroit is still evolving. All of us in our entire family of companies as well as our two architectural firms, NYC-based SHoP Architects and Detroit-based Hamilton Anderson Associates are committed to getting this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity right for the landscape and citizens of Detroit," said Gilbert, Founder and Chairman, Rock Ventures and Quicken Loans, in  a release. "It is critical that we remain extremely thoughtful in every aspect of this project—from the programming we include to the financing—and most importantly; the design and architecture of a building that will be standing as a one-of-a-kind, destination for current and future generations of Detroiters and visitors alike."

The initial plan for the project discussed in the video called for a large civic building that would feature urban campus with markets and music. The first floor would include large public amphitheater with a huge glass wall that opens during warm weather to M-1 Rail, public space and retail.

Upper levels of the building would include museums, conference center and hotels with a large skylight. The exterior would feature ceramic tile facade with glass bridges.

Gilbert added that he hopes to announce the final design and details about the Hudson's site this year, and will be working with public and private stakeholders on the project.

"We are more than excited and feel fortunate that we have the opportunity to redevelop one of the key landmark locations in downtown Detroit," Gilbert said. "As we have stated in the past, our vision is to develop an iconic building that will have some ties to Detroit's past, but more importantly, represent Detroit's rebirth into a creative and high-tech future."

SHoP Architects, who designed the Andy Warhol Museum in New York and the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, was selected in by Rock Ventures in 2013 to design the building for the 2-acre Hudson's site.

Hudson's originally was an eight story building constructed in 1891. The department store grew to 25 stories and 2.2 million square feet in the 1950s and 1960s. The store closed in 1983 and was demolished in 1998. An underground parking garage is currently the only use of the site.

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