No more RenCen? General Motors CEO doesn’t rule out demolition
![RenCen Renaissance Center in Detroit on April 12, 2024. (Travis Fortnum/CTV News Windsor)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2024/5/30/rencen-1-6906830-1717087264694.jpg)
General Motors will move out of the Renaissance Center next year and, looking to the future, CEO Mary Barra doesn’t rule out the demolition of the building.
The company announced the move last month — pulling out of the iconic skyline staple after 28 years in the name of downsizing.
Barra spent last Thursday evening at the Detroit Economic Club, where she spoke with WDIV-TV Anchor Rhonda Walker before an audience.
“We’ll look at what’s the best use for that building or that property,” Barra said.
“We’re committed to doing the right thing. It’s such prime real estate. I’m sure we’re going to come up with a good solution.”
Walker asked: “Are any of the thought processes demolishing the building?”
“We’re first looking at what can be done and what would be the appropriate use for the business,” answered Barra.
“We’ve got a year to do that, so that’s where we’re focused.”
GM announced in April it would leave the RenCen and move into the top two floors of the new Hudson’s Building on Woodward Avenue.
The company entered into a 15-year lease for its new space.
When that announcement came out, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said he was happy to see the auto giant staying in the city.
“GM has been in the city for more than 100 years and it’s great to see that commitment continue,” Duggan said.
At that time, Barra said GM was “thrilled to be a significant part of the historic Hudson’s project and also look forward to working with them to explore new ideas and opportunities for the Renaissance Center site and the riverfront.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6975424.1721817745!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
BREAKING Bank of Canada cuts interest rate, signals more to come if inflation keeps dropping
The Bank of Canada has decreased its policy interest rate for the second consecutive time and signalled more cuts are coming if inflation continues to ease.
2 Canadians being 'sent home immediately,' removed from Olympic team after drone incident
An analyst and an assistant coach with Canada Soccer are being removed from the Canadian Olympic Team and 'sent home immediately,' according to the Canadian Olympic Committee.
Wildfire north of Calgary prompts evacuation alert, highway closures
A wildfire is prompting evacuations and highway closures north of Calgary.
EXCLUSIVE Canadian company at the centre of alleged international pyramid scheme: authorities
Foreign governments say hundreds of thousands of people in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka lost savings to a company headquartered in Canada. This investigation from the IJF and CTV News shines a new light on how Canadian shell companies and registries were used to pull off the scheme.
Pennsylvania state police commissioner reveals stunning details about Trump shooting
A local law enforcement commissioner revealed during a House Homeland Security hearing on Tuesday stunning new details about the security failures that led to the near assassination of Donald Trump, raising more questions for the embattled U.S. Secret Service.
Host city revealed for 2034 Winter Olympic Games
Salt Lake City was awarded the 2034 Winter Olympic Games on Wednesday following a vote of the International Olympic Committee.
Plane crashes just after takeoff from Nepal's capital, killing 18 people. Pilot is lone survivor
A plane crashed Wednesday just after taking off from Nepal’s capital, killing 18 people and injuring a pilot who was the lone survivor.
Laws that could get Canadians in trouble in tourism hotspots
There are some laws in popular tourist destinations around the world that could land Canadian travellers in mild-to-serious trouble if they're not careful. Don't let these local laws land you in hot water during your next vacation abroad.
Why Toronto is a special place for 'Deadpool & Wolverine' star Hugh Jackman
Toronto has a special place in Hugh Jackman's heart. During an exclusive interview with Etalk in front of dozens of fans gathered in the parking lot of 299 Queen Street West on Tuesday, the Australian actor shared that the city was where his Wolverine journey began.