Earlier this year, Bedrock announced a new vision for their Monroe Blocks development. Plans are still being worked out for the Development at Cadillac Square, but will include 1.5 million square feet of mixed-use space, with entertainment as a highlight. 

Today Bedrock announced updated plans for the long-vacant Albert Kahn-designed National Theatre. The new theatre will be a "world-class music and performance venue," according to a press release. Bedrock is working with tvg Hospitality, which has worked on venues in the U.S. and the U.K. With the interior deemed unsalvageable, it's long been planned for the façade to be worked into the new development. The façade will be deconstructed and rehabbed in a new location in the development. An earlier rendering showed this facing south, across from Campus Martius.

The current state of the National TheatreGoogle Street View

Last week Crain's reported that a demo permit was issued for another building on the development site.

The development is expected to officially break ground next year after the NFL Draft takes place in Detroit

In the press release, Bedrock made connections between the Development at Cadillac Square and many other neighboring developments. These include:

  • Bedrock's rehab of the Harvard Square Center with 42 residential units and first floor mixed-use space.
  • The new nine-story development behind three historical facades on Broadway, which will have 80 residential units and 6,000 square feet of mixed-use space. This development is led by Basco. 
  • Public space redevelopment of Paradise Valley, including beautification and recognition of the area's heritage, which is expected to be completed by the NFL Draft.
  • A new cocktail lounge and music venue led by Dennis Archer Jr., and a new soul food restaurant led by Kevin Johnson.
  • The redevelopment of the Serman’s Building and Baltimore/Well Building at 1228-1238 Randolph. Led by Bedrock, this redevelopment will combine preservation and new construction and will include dining and entertainment.
  • The upcoming redesign of Monroe Street in Greektown.

“The Conservancy, as a board and in representing the members of our district, could not be more excited about the recent announcements related to hospitality and retail in the District. The mix of offerings, all delivered with excellence and designed to exceed expectations will do justice for the rich history of the District,” said Dennis Archer, Jr. chief executive officer of Ignition Media Group and on the Conservancy Board for the Paradise Valley Cultural and Entertainment District Conservancy.