DETROIT, MI Hamilton Anderson Associates (HAA), a multi-disciplinary Detroit, Michigan, -based design firm, will help design one of Detroit's most historic sites, in partnership with New York City, New York, -based SHoPArchitects. The preliminary design and plans for the site of the former J.L. Hudson's Department Store (Hudson's Site) were presented by Bedrock to the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), which approved a timeline for the groundbreaking of the development by December 1, 2017. 

"In its heyday, Hudson's was a premier destination in the heart of downtown. After the flagship store closed in 1983, the structure would bring back fond memories of a vibrant Detroit," said Sandra Laux, Project Architect, HAA. "We now have the opportunity to be a part of creating unique, new architecture in one of the few vacant sites downtown."

Retail, residential, parking and an experiential destination focusing on technology, arts and culture will be among the amenities for residents and visitors alike. The proposed 52-story building is estimated to include:

· 250 residential units totaling 441,500 gross square feet
· A nine-story podium comprised of 733,823 gross square feet of mixed use, commercial, office, technology, arts and culture space
· Three stories below grade featuring additional commercial space on one level with 700 parking spaces on the other two levels

The plans for the new, 52-story, 734-foot transformational development will make it the tallest building in the city. The nine-story podium and residential tower that rises from the podium will total 1.2 million gross square feet and will offer 700 parking spaces underneath the structure. The development will be among the largest construction projects in Detroit in decades and will anchor Woodward Avenue making it the economic engine of the city once again.

Transformational developments, like Hudson's, often serve as catalysts for an entire city and region. They attract visitors; create thousands of jobs; are magnets for talent, business and investment; and create a positive ripple effect on the area around them resulting in significant economic impact for the city and its residents.

The firm's diversity in background, education and professional experience is blended with solid experience working on projects ranging from small scale city parks, to technologically sophisticated new arts high schools, regional master plans, and multi-billion dollar urban design plans. In addition to the Hudson's Site, HAA is working on a number of projects to help rebuild and build Detroit's neighborhoods. Current projects in development include the City Modern Brush Park, The District Detroit, Orleans Landing and HAA's own neighborhood - Paradise Valley.