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New York (AP) — General Motors will maintain its headquarters in a seven-office tower complex in downtown Detroit, the CEO said.
In an interview with Mary Barra, Associated Press, The automaker’s headquarters said it would remain at the Renaissance Center, the centerpiece of the city’s skyline across the Detroit River from Canada.
“Our headquarters is always in Rensen, Detroit,” she said, using the name given to the complex by the locals. “We are currently planning to install it in the Renaissance Center, which is our home,” she said.
Rose modified her remarks by saying that she couldn’t predict what would happen in 5, 10, or 15 years.
She also said that the company needs to consider space needs as many white-collar employees are at home most of the week’s work on a hybrid home-office schedule.
The company occupies about 11/2 of Rensen’s tower, which has had little pedestrian traffic for many years. Much of GM’s workforce, including product development and engineering, is located in a renewed 1950s technical center on the outskirts of Warren, in the north of the city. After GM’s bankruptcy in 2009, the company considered relocating its headquarters there.
“As we move to a more hybrid work structure, we need to consider the right space,” Barra said.
GM is still assessing the viability of the hybrid model for those who can work remotely. Like many CEOs, Barra wonders if working from home can enhance collaboration and corporate culture. “Being in the office has great benefits,” she said. “I think we need to ensure that we have the right balance between collaboration and interaction, and that we maintain a culture that we consider very important to the company in the next few years, three, four, and five years. “She said.
She said that whether hybrid work is permanent depends on the company and the industry. At GM, people have become accustomed to the flexibility to work from home. Workers don’t have to be in the office at the same time every day, but a team of workers need time together, she said.
Rose also hinted that the company is looking for opportunities to develop a riverfront with the city. The city is extending a riverfront trail that runs from the south side of downtown to a bridge leading to an island park called Bell Island.
“I think the riverfront is a jewel,” Rose said. “Riverwalk continues to be one of the best in the country, so if we have the opportunity to improve the area and do the right thing for the city, we will.”
The Renaissance Center was built by Henry Ford II, who formed a coalition in the 1970s to revitalize downtown Detroit. GM purchased and refurbished the complex in 1996 and relocated its headquarters from the northern area of downtown.
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This story was revised to show that General Motors acquired the Renaissance Center in 1996.
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