Bedrock Considered Return of Monroe Street Midway
The firm is reevaluating plans for a downtown Detroit site and potential residential conversions.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Remote Work
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Bedrock is weighing the return of the Monroe Street Midway to downtown Detroit while simultaneously exploring the conversion of the vacant 1927 Cadillac Tower into mixed-income housing. This shift follows a recent extension granted for their development project.
Why it matters
The proposal aims to revitalize the area by integrating entertainment spaces for families alongside new affordable housing units. Such developments are central to addressing local density and social infrastructure needs in the heart of the city.
The Cadillac Tower is a 40-story office building that has remained vacant. Developers are looking to allocate 80 to 100 of the planned 250 apartment units toward affordable housing options.
The players
Bedrock
This is a full-service commercial real estate firm based in Detroit that specializes in the strategic development of urban centers.
Downtown Development Authority
This is the city agency responsible for stimulating economic growth and managing development agreements within the downtown district.
The details
Bedrock representatives requested a deadline extension from the Downtown Development Authority to recalibrate their approach to the project. The firm is now evaluating the feasibility of moving residential units directly into the Cadillac Tower structure rather than constructing a new apartment building.
Timeline
The Cadillac Tower was originally built in 1927.
The Monroe Street Midway operated from 2021 until 2023.
The Downtown Development Authority granted an extension on September 23, 2026.
Construction for Phase 2 is now subject to a July 1, 2027 start deadline.
Phase 1 market hall construction is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2027.
Market Landscape
This move reflects a broader trend of repurposing historic vacant skyscrapers to address urban housing shortages. By pivoting from new construction to building conversions, the firm is positioning itself to better navigate current development and regulatory constraints.
Residents can anticipate the potential return of family-oriented public spaces in the downtown corridor. The shift toward affordable housing units may also provide new residential opportunities for those seeking to live in the city center.
The takeaway
The pivot toward reusing existing high-rise structures indicates a significant change in how developers are approaching downtown density. Prioritizing affordable housing within these vertical renovations could serve as a new model for city revitalization efforts.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest projects in Detroit Remote Work.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Detroit Free Press.
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