Hudson's site tower reaches final height in downtown Detroit

Seven years after the groundbreaking on the Hudson’s Site, the development reached a milestone Wednesday as crews placed the final steel construction beam on its tower.

According to Bedrock, more than 3,500 tradespeople have worked on the project, logging more than 2.7 million hours of recorded labor.

“The talent and dedication of Detroit’s tradespeople has been a driving force on the Hudson’s Site and integral to achieving this landmark project,” Dan Gilbert, Bedrock founder and chairman, said in a statement Thursday. “We are proud of their individual contributions, that will make this a generational development and will surely enhance the city’s skyline for Detroiters and visitors for decades to come.”

The development on the site of the former’s Hudson’s department store will include 1.5 million square feet of office, retail, food, residential, hotel and event space. The two-building development includes a 685.4-foot-tall tower, making it the second tallest building in Michigan, behind the Renaissance Center.

Following the Tower Topping Off milestone, Bedrock said it will continue construction in a phased approach with crews installing the remaining elements of the glass façade. Construction will continue throughout the spring.

“We are grateful to have the opportunity to work on this historic site and build a project that transforms the downtown Detroit landscape,” said Ryan Maibach, Barton Malow president and CEO. “This is an important moment that represents another big step towards completion and a momentous occasion for the city.”

cwilliams@detroitnews.com