Downtown Detroit’s new billion-dollar building is a blast from the past and a peek into the city’s shining future. The new Hudson’s Detroit is an homage to the original iconic J.L. Hudson’s Department Store that once stood in its place. Now, Woodward’s 1200 block is once again a destination where visitors of any era can speak of the site’s splendor.
Modern retail fashion. Luxury hotel. Gourmet dining. The new Hudson’s Detroit building is designed to reignite Detroit’s energy with shopping, dining, accommodations, and more. Let’s see why this will be one of the must-visit spots in Detroit you don’t want to miss on your next visit.
A Storied History of Hudson’s Department Store
Turn back the clock on Detroit to the 50s and 60s, and the skyline looked much different. It was dominated by the J.L. Hudson’s Department Store, the tallest department store in the world. This landmark building covered an entire city block in Downtown Detroit. The 2.2 million square miles spanned 33 floors, with 200 departments for everything from designer fashions and home goods to cosmetics, and an entire floor dedicated to toys the kids loved! It drew thousands of shoppers daily.
Hudson’s Department Store was more than just a place to shop. It became the place to be seen. Gourmet restaurants served iconic dishes like the J.L. Hudson’s Maurice Salad (see where you can get one today!). Holidays were glamorized with a massive Thanksgiving parade drawing 1M+ spectators and those famous Christmas-inspired window displays lining Woodward Ave.
Detroit’s economic decline and the shift to shopping centers like the Northland Mall contributed to the fall of Hudson’s Department Store. It officially closed in 1983 and was demolished in 1998 to be used as an underground parking lot. However, that vacant space on Woodward still left much to be desired—especially for a rebirthing downtown area enticing visitors to experience the Motor City.
It’s been a 10-year journey by Dan Gilbert’s Bedrock company developing Detroit’s newest skyscraper. Hudson’s Detroit has risen to become the second-tallest building in Detroit and has plenty of excitement awaiting you inside.
Explore archived photos of the original Hudson’s building inside the Detroit Public Library Digital Collections archives.
Hudson’s Department Store had a humble start as a local clothier on the ground floor of the Detroit Opera House in 1881. His massive success led to the establishment of Detroit’s Mecca for retail shopping. Detroiters could stay up to date on the latest fashions by checking the latest seasonal offerings. And it was a one-stop shop for clothes from head to toe for the entire family. With Hudson’s legacy woven into retail, it became a key focus in bringing the shopping spirit back to Detroit.
Woodward Ave. has already emerged as a major shopping strip in Downtown Detroit. The new Hudson’s Detroit adds another 25,000 square feet of retail space to the lineup. Storefronts like ALO yoga wear bring contemporary shopping to Woodward’s streetside. While inside, a seven-story atrium will offer many more shops.
Those floor-wide dining halls from the original Hudson’s Department Store have been reimagined as multiple food venues. Trade in those 13th-floor JL Maurice Salads from the original Hudson’s Department Store for rooftop dining on the 12th-floor terrace of the new Hudson’s Building, with panoramic views of the D. Swap that Canadian Cheese Soup from the original dining hall for hors d’oeuvres and cocktails in a luxury hotel concept bar.
Nestled within the pedestrian-designated plaza Nick Gilbert Way, which links Woodward Avenue to Farmer Street, will be the Un Deux Trois food truck serving French coffee and pastries. See why they call Detroit the “Paris of the Midwest” for even more French-inspired ideas.
Detroit will soon be home to an EDITION Hotel, a collection of luxury boutique hotels by Marriott. Detroit EDITON turns luxury into lifestyle with stylish contemporary rooms, two concept restaurants, and five-star amenities. This property in the collection will have Detroit-inspired elements to bring the city’s character inside. And the location in the Central Business District means you’re within walking distance of Tiger’s Stadium, Little Caesar’s Arena, the Fox Theatre, Campus Martius, and Hart Plaza.
Luxury and opulence have always been infused into the tapestry of the J.L. Hudson Building. The haute couture and jewelry departments were among those frequented by Detroit’s affluent. Dining at the upscale restaurants became a symbol of social class. While fancy dressing rooms made every shopper feel like a VIP customer. That same level of attention to detail and hospitality is what guests can expect at the anticipated Detroit EDITION.
Considering a long-term stay in Detroit? Hudson’s Detroit unveiled plans for The Residences at the Detroit EDITION.
Events for Everyone
Ever since the original building stood on this site, Hudson’s was known for drawing a crowd. More than a million people attended every year when it hosted the Thanksgiving Parade. It can expect crowds of nearly 500,000 during Christmas time. With its prime location in the heart of the D, it will have no challenge replicating the success as an official events venue.
The 12th floor of the original J.L. Hudson’s building was the epicenter of entertainment—something undoubtedly unique for a department store—inside the auditorium. This multi-purpose space was used for product demonstrations, exhibitions, or hosting pop-up vendors during the holiday season.
Affectionately named The Department at Hudson’s, the new 56,000 square foot event space inside the Hudson’s Detroit building delivers the same experience. It spans three floors, including a ground-floor lobby and five halls on the second floor. The versatile space can hold up to 2,000 and will be a popular choice for corporate events, weddings, and private parties.
The event space kitchen provides a menu inspired by the original J.L. Hudson’s building. Have them prepare the J.L. Hudson’s Maurice salad for light bites. And the handcrafted Orange Punch Partment is an ode to the original drink from Hudson’s, which sold more than 30,000 gallons every month.
Office Space Driving Foot Traffic
The primary use for Hudson’s Detroit building is office space. Approximately 400,000 square feet is dedicated office space to attract new businesses to downtown. General Motors announced that it will serve as its new corporate headquarters, relocating from the nearby Renaissance Center.
Hudson’s Detroit makes the transition from work-from-home back into the office seamless. People with access to the office spaces have access to amenities such as a recreational room with pickleball and a sports simulator, a library, a living room, and a fitness center. The goal is making the return to office a preferred option with perks for workers.
But perhaps the biggest perk to having a major office building at this location is the foot traffic it brings to the area. It’s what the original J.L. Hudson’s Building did for Detroit during its heyday, and now, the new building can usher in a new era. Woodward Ave has tons of shops, restaurants, bars, and more. Foot traffic is reinvigorating for a city known for cars, as these venues will now have more visitors and attract even more new businesses to the area.
Visiting Hudson’s Detroit
Hudson’s Detroit is officially open, but much of it will continue to reveal in the upcoming years. Incoming businesses occupying the retail spaces, the opening of the Detroit EDITION hotel, and GM filling the 12-story office tower with employees will bring the vision of Hudson’s Detroit into fruition.
Visitors can already shop in ALO, located on the ground floor. Look for the rooftop lounge with panoramic views to open in 2026. The building is scheduled to be completely open with full retailers by 2027.
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