The first look inside Dan Gilbert's new Hudson's building

I got a sneak peak inside Hudson's Tuesday where the the mayor is giving his annual State of the City address.

The scaffolding attached to the side of the tower has been removed since this image was taken in September, 2024. Photo: Samuel Robinson

City of Detroit employees, local leaders and members of the media got early access inside the Hudson’s building Tuesday for Mayor Mike Duggan’s final State of the City address.

The mayor’s address is expected to highlight the city’s progress over his tenure, the future of the Renaissance Center and what’s in store for the city’s next mayor. Duggan announced he wouldn’t seek reelection as mayor last fall, weeks later declaring himself an independent candidate for Michigan governor.

Duggan chose the unfinished $1.4 billion mixed-use development as the venue for the 7pm address Tuesday. The project was built on the site of the former Hudson's Department Store. Its tower is the second tallest building in Michigan, at 685 feet.

Developers say Hudson’s will include corporate offices, a new five-star hotel, condos, retail and event space.

General Motors is moving its world headquarters from the Renaissance Center into new office space inside the Hudson’s building, separate from the tower, as early as the end of this year.

Here’s everything I was able to capture: