The proposed redevelopment of the RenCen would include up to 600 riverfront housing units for a downtown that seeks to evolve as a residential destination.

Why it matters: The RenCen apartments would represent an influx of premium riverfront housing in a central business district that has seen sizable growth, though it still has fewer residents than other downtowns in similar metros.

• The city, lacking its pre-pandemic office worker base, aims to build up its reputation as an exciting place to live and play — a goal that requires shiny new housing options.

Yes, but: Experts are mixed on whether downtown will need that large of a housing addition over the next several years.

By the numbers: 600 residences is no small add-on for a downtown with a population of 6,759 as of 2022, according to the Downtown Detroit Partnership's data dashboard, using census figures and estimates. That's a 28% jump from 5,287 in 2010.

• The DDP, which aims to help get downtown to 10,000 residents, estimates the population as of this year is 6,820 and projects slower growth over the next couple of years, to 6,941 in 2032.

Catch up quick: In a vision floated late last month by developer Bedrock and GM, which owns the RenCen, they would demolish two towers while keeping the other three.

• One of the office towers would convert to 300-400 residential units, Crain's reported. The tallest tower would have 200 high-end apartments on top, per the News.

What they're saying: "I think there will be ample demand for us to continue this upward trajectory with residential, and the nice thing about density is it feeds more density," DDP CEO Eric Larson tells Axios.

The other side: Jerome Huez, owner of Detroit real estate brokerage The Loft Warehouse, told Crain's that based on downtown's current market, the units aren't needed and could "flood the market."

• The vacancy rate for downtown's multifamily residential buildings grew from 8.6% in early 2022 to 19.3% as of early this year, according to a recent DDP report.
• Larson says much of the vacancy is due to the time needed to absorb the units into the market, not necessarily low demand.

Reality check: There are conflicting opinions on how high-end housing may help or hurt the city that is also in an affordability crisis, with very different housing economies in its neighborhoods versus its core.

What's next: Bedrock and GM say their office-to-residential conversion, and the $1.6 billion total project, hinges on state and local leaders agreeing to provide $250 million in public financing.

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A new federal grant is helping propel Michigan's and Detroit's aspirations as a leader in the clean hydrogen power movement.

Why it matters: The state and city want to be clean energy leaders in the mobility sector and are part of a $1 billion federally funded Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen project announced last year.

• City officials say that with its busy freight connection to Canada, the Motor City has the tools, land and talent to help shape conversations around this technology.

The latest: The Midwest alliance group announced another $22 million late last month from the U.S. Department of Energy to help plan supply chains for heavy-duty clean hydrogen uses like long-haul trucking.

Zoom in: Part of the funding will assist with creating a model hydrogen fueling site — a "truck stop of the future" — in a yet-to-be-determined location in Detroit.

What they're saying: With this funding, the process of selecting a site and developer can begin, Zachary Kolodin, the state's chief infrastructure officer, tells Axios.

Context: After decades of unfulfilled hype and challenges, the outlook for the success of hydrogen-powered vehicles is improving with recent federal support and private investment.

• Detroit also recently showcased hydrogen by using hydrogen power during the tree-lighting festival and to food trucks downtown on a weekday.

📷 Want more RenCen? Check out this gallery of historical photos. (Free Press)

🏈 Bryce Underwood, the nation's top quarterback recruit in the class of 2025, signed an agreement Wednesday at Belleville High School to join U of M's football program. (Free Press)

🔧 The Detroit Three automakers couldn't make the top 10 of Consumer Reports' Annual Auto Reliability study. Subaru, Lexus and Toyota were the top three brands. (Detroit News)

If good football teams win games they shouldn't, this year's Lions could be something special.

• Detroit overcame a stunning slew of injuries against the Green Bay Packers to pull off a 34-31 victory last night at Ford Field.

Why it matters: The Lions clinched a playoff berth after their franchise-record 11th straight win.

Driving the news: Detroit came into the game with 13 defensive players on injured reserve and also dealt with tackle Alim McNeill and safety Brian Branch leaving early to injury.

• But a defense full of backups and players off the street did its job by holding the Packers to a field goal late in the 4th quarter, giving the Lions plenty of time to march down for a 35-yard game-winning field goal from kicker Jake Bates.

The intrigue: With 43 seconds left and the game tied 31-31, coach Dan Campbell decided to go for it on fourth down instead of kicking the go-ahead field goal and giving the Packers a chance to score against his depleted defense.

• David Montgomery picked up the first down and Bates did the rest.
• "I told the team, 'This'll be one of those (games) you never forget,'" Campbell said afterwards.

What's next: The Lions hope to get some defenders back before hosting the Buffalo Bills next week.

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