Hudson’s Detroit Unveils Office Building with 7-Story Atrium and Amenities

This blog post reviews the recent opening of the office component of Bedrock’s long-awaited Hudson’s Detroit project on the former J.L. Hudson department store site.

I unpack the building’s design, amenities, tenant mix — including General Motors’ move — and how this speculative, Class A-plus development connects to the larger $1.4 billion mixed-use vision reshaping downtown Detroit.

Hudson’s Detroit: a modern office at a historic site

The 12-story office tower at 1240 Woodward Ave. marks a significant milestone nearly a decade after site work began.

Built speculatively by Bedrock, the building is already substantially leased and anchors a major phase of downtown reinvestment.

Design drivers and the atrium experience

As a practitioner with 30 years in architecture and engineering, I immediately notice the intention behind the building’s most dramatic feature: a seven-story atrium that floods the core with daylight.

This internal public space improves occupant well-being, reduces reliance on artificial lighting, and creates visual connections between floors that support spontaneous interaction.

Bedrock positioned the tower as Class A-plus office space with an amenities strategy tailored for the post-pandemic era.

The mix includes both practical infrastructure and social amenities designed to attract and retain high-profile users.

Amenity strategy that responds to modern workplace needs

How a building performs for tenants is now as important as its façade.

Hudson’s Detroit addresses modern demands for health, flexibility, and community.

The amenities are comprehensive, thoughtfully located, and signal a shift away from mono-functional office blocks.

Standout amenities and tenant roster

Highlights of the building’s programming include a fitness center and lounge for tenant use.

Leisure amenities transform the office into a destination rather than just a desk location.

The presence of an on-site café and shared workspaces within the atrium supports hybrid work models and unplanned collaboration.

Current tenants include General Motors (relocating its global headquarters), Ven Johnson Law, Accenture’s Digital Delivery Center, ROCK, and the Gilbert Family Foundation.

At street level, retailers Alo and Tecovas activate the sidewalk, while “The Department at Hudson’s” event venue has already hosted major gatherings.

A public restaurant slated for the 12th floor in 2026 will add a notable culinary amenity and skyline-facing experience.

Site planning, connectivity, and future phases

Beyond the tower itself, the development is strategically stitching back into the urban fabric with new public space.

This integration will be critical for long-term vibrancy and economic sustainability.

Nick Gilbert Way and the phased master plan

The introduction of Nick Gilbert Way — a new pedestrian plaza honoring Dan and Jennifer Gilbert’s late son — provides civic-scale open space. This plaza connects the office tower to future hotel and residential components.

Nick Gilbert Way is more than a memorial. It serves as an urban spine that will animate street life and support events tied to nearby retail and hospitality.

The broader $1.4 billion Hudson’s development anticipates Michigan’s second-tallest skyscraper. The project will bring hotel rooms, condominiums, and additional event and retail space by 2027.

For cities like Detroit, a phased mixed-use strategy leverages early commercial success. This approach helps attract residential and hospitality investment.

 
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