The towers sit along the Detroit River. They earned praise as a major success in reviving the city after the riots of the late 1960s. Today the complex is almost entirely vacant and has fallen into disrepair.
Gilbert will run his commitment through a new nonprofit, which he says tells city residents he is not in it for the money. The total project cost might reach $2.2 billion and includes investments from General Motors. "We all share the goals of bringing new life to the Renaissance Center, of building a thriving riverfront district for all to enjoy, and of maximizing positive community impact," Gilbert said in a statement.
The group will be a 501(c)(4), a type of nonprofit that can engage in unlimited lobbying. Donations to it are not tax-deductible. Gilbert did not return requests for comment.
Jamaine Dickens chairs the city Neighborhood Advisory Council for the section of Detroit where the center sits. He said the project could generate 8,000 local construction jobs and make the riverfront a more inviting place. "Detroit is one of the most segregated communities in America, but that riverfront is where everyone comes together," he said.