Bedrock’s Rock Block Gets Largest Cosm Dome Approval in Detroit

Bedrock’s Cosm Cleveland Rock Block project in the Gateway District has cleared a major milestone: unanimous final design approval from the City Planning Commission for Phase One.

The centerpiece is a nearly 100-foot, 12K-resolution LED dome designed for shared-reality sports entertainment. It will feature tiered seating and in-house food and drink.

The venue will sit in a large parking crater across Huron Road from Rocket Arena. Construction is expected to begin early this year, with an opening targeted for July 2027.

Although the commission approved the architectural package, Bedrock was asked to refine the Huron loading-dock door to blend more seamlessly. They were also asked to explore lighting treatments for blank façades.

The plan includes a pedestrian plaza on the north side to connect East 4th Street with a walkway along the historic East 6th Street right-of-way. This route is split between the city and the Rock Block site.

While planning staff recommended public art on blank walls, the commission indicated that exterior lighting better suits the building’s modern design. Trees and greenery will be installed in raised, movable planters to accommodate future construction and large events.

There is an emphasis on improving pedestrian flow and installing unique lighting features to replace the current red lampposts along the East 6th path between Rocket Arena and nearby bars and restaurants. Bedrock must return for further review of streetscaping and greenery plans.

Site preparation, including a gravel pad foundation, has been visible since last fall opposite Rocket Arena.

Phase One Design Approval and LED Dome

The unanimous final approval from the City Planning Commission confirms Bedrock’s commitment to a landmark urban feature in the Gateway District.

The LED dome is a defining element of Cosm Cleveland’s Rock Block, bringing advanced entertainment technology to the city. The dome’s nearly 100-foot height and 12K resolution make it the largest such installation among Cosm’s U.S. locations.

This project emphasizes immersive, venue-based experiences in an urban setting. The scheme envisions a shared-reality sports entertainment experience with tiered seating, food and beverage service, and a configurable interior environment.

Architectural Refinements and Commission Feedback

During the design review, the commission approved the architectural package but requested refinements to the project’s interface with the street.

Bedrock was asked to make the Huron loading-dock door blend more seamlessly with the building and to develop lighting strategies for the blank façades. These adjustments aim to reduce visual clutter and help the building fit into the surrounding urban area.

Urban Context, Streetscape, and Connectivity

The Rock Block site sits opposite Rocket Arena, with a pedestrian plaza planned on the building’s north side. This plaza will connect East 4th Street to a walkway along the historic East 6th Street right-of-way.

The right-of-way is currently split between the city and the Rock Block site, offering a chance to improve how pedestrians move through the district during large events. The commission favored exterior lighting over public art for the blank walls, supporting the building’s modern design.

Streetscape, Greenery, and Pedestrian Flow

Trees and greenery will be installed in raised, relocatable planters to allow flexible staging and ongoing construction. The commission highlighted the need to improve pedestrian flow along the East 6th path, a key link between Rocket Arena and the district’s dining and nightlife area.

The aim is to use distinctive lighting features that help with wayfinding and safety, replacing the existing red lampposts.

Timeline, Site Prep, and Next Steps

With the architecture approved, Bedrock will return to the Commission for further review of streetscaping and greenery plans.

Site preparation has already begun, with a visible gravel pad foundation opposite Rocket Arena since last fall.

This signals the start of a broader construction program.

The project’s timeline targets an early-year construction start and a July 2027 opening.

This schedule will require close collaboration among designers, engineers, and city agencies.

Why this matters for the Gateway District: The Rock Block sequence shows how a modern entertainment venue can anchor a mixed-use district and shape streetscape design.

It can also encourage improvements that support nearby bars, restaurants, and cultural destinations.

The project raises questions about load considerations for large domes, lighting integration with historic streets, and a flexible streetscape that can adapt to changing event needs.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Largest-ever Cosm dome wins final OK for Bedrock’s Rock Block