The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) will host its annual Spring Forum: A Partnership Update on Thursday, March 6, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the historic Eastern Market inside Shed 3. The event was formerly the DDP’s Annual Meeting.
This year’s Spring Forum will feature a panel discussion about Detroit’s RenCen, exploring its potential transformation and impact. Panelists will include Jared Fleisher, vice president, Rock Family of Companies; DDP Board Member David Massaron, vice president of infrastructure and corporate citizenship, General Motors; Sandy Pierce, corporate board executive, CEO advisor, and community strategist; John Waller, principal and managing director, Gensler; and DDP CEO Eric B. Larson, who will moderate the discussion.
“The DDP welcomes this annual opportunity to convene stakeholders and community leaders for a morning as we recognize the DDP’s work in 2024 and new initiatives for 2025,” said Larson. “I’m also excited to explore the vision these leaders have for the transformation, innovation, and opportunities for the future of the Renaissance Center and Downtown Detroit.
Earlier this year, City Councilmember Scott Benson wrote in a column to Michigan Chronicle: “Redevelopment of this site will likely take some level of public-private partnership. In fact, General Motors, Bedrock, the City of Detroit, and Wayne County have established a partnership to look at different opportunities to revitalize this area. Reimagining this site, which is 5.5 million square feet sprawling on 27 acres of prime commercial and underutilized recreational waterfront, must include community input and community benefits (if public financial support is sought),” Benson said.
He added: “Many Detroiters have an emotional connection to the RenCen and its role in our city’s identity. But realistically, this site must be redeveloped not only because times have changed, but because the design, connection to the rest of city and infrastructure are outdated. Revitalization of this riverfront property will create a more open and inviting way to connect the city to the Detroit River. New parks, plazas, transit, and mobility connections will create more vibrant public spaces for residents and visitors.”
But RenCen news isn’t the only topic on the agenda. Attendees will enjoy exclusive networking, a continental breakfast, and discover the latest news related to Downtown’s progress and the DDP’s growth. Participants will be among the first to receive DDP’s 2024 Annual Report, and during the event, the DDP will share new organizational news. Registration and networking will take place from 8:30-9:00 a.m. The program will take place from 9-10:30 a.m. There will be no cost for parking in Eastern Market. Advance registration via Eventbrite is recommended. Onsite registration will be available.
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