You’ll see it when you believe it is not only a guiding philosophy of the Rock Family of Companies and Bedrock founder Dan Gilbert, but also how a collective effort in downtown Detroit is paving the way for rejuvenating the historic entertainment district in the heart of the city.
From Campus Martius Park and Cadillac Square to Randolph and Broadway Streets up to Harvard Square and Paradise Valley, the diversity and timing of these projects will bring a new wave of experiential and entertainment-oriented amenities to the downtown core.
In the last several months, projects led by the city of Detroit, Greektown Preservation Society, Paradise Valley Cultural and Entertainment District Conservancy, Bedrock and key downtown entrepreneurs have been announced or are moving forward.
Anchoring a portion of the revitalization efforts is Bedrock’s Development at Cadillac Square, a 1.5-million-square foot mixed-use phased development between Monroe and Randolph Streets in downtown Detroit, adjacent to award-winning Campus Martius Park and Cadillac Square. Phase one is slated to break ground following the 2024 NFL Draft, with initial pre-development site preparation beginning mid-August.
As part of the Development, and reminiscent of Detroit’s rich musical legacy, Bedrock will restore and re-introduce the National Theatre as a world-class music and performance venue. This will include the preservation and relocation of the Theatre’s historic façade. The meticulous deconstruction and rehabilitation process is part of a holistic initiative to restore one of Detroit’s most beloved venues with the spirit, design principles and cultural impact of the original which opened in 1911 but has fallen into complete disrepair since its closure in 1975.
Bedrock is working to restore the National Theatre in consultation with tvg Hospitality, an experienced venue operator based in both the U.S. and U.K. For almost a decade, tvg has operated multiple successful venues in London, and recently built a ground up award winning amphitheater in Alabama, while also expanding with the restoration of several beloved venues throughout the United States. tvg Hospitality, in partnership with local Detroit-based promoters, will subsequently operate the venue, leveraging their U.S. and international expertise.
Momentum grows across downtown Detroit
Over the past year, several new destination dining and entertainment venues have already established roots in this historic district, including One Mike Detroit, a restaurant and comedy club, and Sugar Factory American Brasserie.
Detroit entrepreneurs Hiram Jackson and Dennis Archer, Jr., as well as former Sacramento Mayor and NBA All-Star Kevin Johnson have also committed to this historic entertainment district with projects in and around the Paradise Valley area:
- The Vinyl Society: This fall Dennis Archer, Jr.’s Congress Hospitality will open The Vinyl Society, a performance, arts and experience focused cocktail lounge. Inspired by District’s rich history and influenced by several visits to some of the most esteemed lounges both in the U.S. and abroad, The Vinyl Society will appeal to audiophiles and aficionados of multiple music genres and those seeking an all-sense experience from a single destination.
- Harvard Square Center: Bedrock is in the initial phases of converting the property into 42 residential units, with mixed-use ground floor amenities. Centrally located along Broadway Street near Harmonie and Library Parks, the development will merge new housing opportunities with a growing arts and cultural scene.
- Basco: A new nine-story, residential building with ground floor retail, led by Detroit-headquartered developer Basco located at 1322, 1326 and 1332 Broadway Street. Basco plans to restore the historic facades and create a total of 80 residential apartment units and 6,600 square feet of retail space. Situated next to Harvard Square, the site would further add to the residential and retail options that currently exist in downtown Detroit.
- Paradise Valley public space redevelopment: Led by the Paradise Valley Cultural and Entertainment District Conservancy and Basco, Paradise Valley near Lafayette Park is undergoing a complete restoration. Initial efforts are focused on beautification projects that reflect and highlight the area’s rich culture and African American heritage. Plans call for substantial completion in 2024, prior to the NFL Draft.
- Fixins Soul Kitchen: An homage to African American culture, Kevin Johnson is set to open Fixins Soul Kitchen, combining the traditional soul food experience with a 21st century vibe. The full-service restaurant is slated to open later this year at 1435 Randolph Street – also within Paradise Valley.
- The Serman’s Building & Baltimore/Well Building: The Serman’s Building, located at 1238 Randolph and the Baltimore/Well Building, located at 1228-1234 Randolph are three- and four-story buildings slated for selective preservation and new construction by Bedrock to suit potential live music, dining and entertainment venues.
“The Conservancy, as a board and in representing the members of our district, could not be more excited about the recent announcements related to hospitality and retail in the District. The mix of offerings, all delivered with excellence and designed to exceed expectations will do justice for the rich history of the District,” said Dennis Archer, Jr. chief executive officer of Ignition Media Group and on the Conservancy Board for the Paradise Valley Cultural and Entertainment District Conservancy.
These developments could not move forward without the support of the community, City of Detroit and its philanthropic entities, which continue to invest in, and improve Detroit’s infrastructure like the planned demolition of Interstate 375. This major project will help transition Detroit from a division to a new boulevard, re-connecting the city’s planned innovation district to the Greektown neighborhood.
It will incorporate the recently announced $20 million award by the Michigan legislature for the complete redesign of Monroe Street through the Greektown entertainment district. This curb-less design will also prioritize pedestrian access and allow for the quick accommodation of festival and streetscape activations, greatly supplementing and further connecting cultural activations at Campus Martius Park and Cadillac Square.
The city of Detroit’s plans for Randolph Street and the recently announced $14 million in funding from the community Revitalization and Placemaking Grants for projects in Cadillac Square and Campus Martius Park represent the demand for, and importance of public-private partnerships in continuing to drive momentum and create new downtown destinations.
“It is exciting to see what Bedrock has planned for its Development at Cadillac Square. They have presented a fantastic vision of exceptional living spaces and entertainment venues that harmonize beautifully with other new developments coming to Paradise Valley, Greektown and along Broadway. The DEGC is proud to have supported each of these projects, which will build on our city’s rich cultural history and provide enjoyment for Detroiters and visitors to our city for generations to come,” said Kenyetta Bridges, chief operating officer & executive vice president of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation.
