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National Corvette Museum debuts ‘Pop Culture and Corvette’

by | Nov 21, 2024 | 0 comments

National Corvette Museum debuts ‘Pop Culture and Corvette’

 Special exhibition charts 71 years of Corvettes with connections to film, TV, music, games, celebrities, and the American lifestyle

The National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Ky., has broadened its “American Love Affair” exhibit with “Pop Culture and Corvette.” The elevated exhibit is a road trip through Corvette’s impact on entertainment and popular culture. More than a dozen Corvettes are on display with the pop culture stories that made them famous.

The National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Ky., has broadened its “American Love Affair” exhibit with “Pop Culture and Corvette.” The exhibit elevated exhibit is a road trip through Corvette’s impact on entertainment and popular culture. It will be displayed through 2025. (Photos courtesy of the museum or as credited)

BY MARK MAYNARD

The National Corvette Museum has debuted a new exhibit around the Chevrolet Corvette and pop culture. Whether in film, music, TV, literature, sports, or video games, the Corvette is a powerhouse of pop culture relevance.

In tribute, the National Corvette Museum has broadened its “American Love Affair” exhibit with “Pop Culture and Corvette.” The elevated exhibit is a road trip through Corvette’s impact on entertainment and popular culture. More than a dozen Corvettes are on display with the pop culture stories that made them famous.

Opened in mid-October, the exhibit focuses on Corvettes with connections to media and the American lifestyle. Corvettes from every generation illustrate how America’s Sports Car has evolved over 71 years.

“Pop Culture and Corvette” explores how the Corvette has made its mark on everything from Hollywood blockbusters to music videos. Display elements span Elvis Presley’s 1959 Stingray Racer in “Clambake” to the Corvette-inspired characters in the “Transformers” franchise.

“Corvette has always been a pop culture icon,” Robert Maxhimer, director of curatorial affairs, said in a release. “Pop Culture and Corvette” shows how the sports car starred in moments that defined generations.

Gemini and Apollo mission astronaut Jim Lovell’s 1968 Silverstone Silver Corvette.

Gemini and Apollo mission astronaut Jim Lovell’s 1968 Silverstone Silver Corvette.

Exhibition Highlights

  • Screen Legends: A Medium Blue Metallic 1973 Corvette is featured in the reboot of “Hawaii Five-0” (2010-2020). And the “Transformers” film series introduced the Corvette-based concepts of “Crosshairs” and “Sideswipe.”
  • Gaming Great: A concept version of the C7 Corvette was brought to life in the virtual racing world of “Gran Turismo 6.” The gaming influence highlights how Corvette has reached new audiences.
  • Famous Owners: Aficionados of the nameplate might be surprised and pleased by some of the celeb’s Corvettes on view and their stories. Among them are country music icon Brad Paisley, Major League Baseball star Reggie Jackson, and rockabilly pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis.
  • Six Strings for the Z06 and 1960: A Z06-themed Paul Reed Smith guitar is signed by Corvette Hall of Famer Ron Fellows (2011). The six-string features the Corvette emblem and other flourishes. Also on display is a Les Paul guitar with styling cues from the 1960 Corvette signed by Zora Arkus-Duntov.
  • To the Moon: Astronaut Jim Lovell has shared his 1968 Silverstone Silver Corvette and artifacts from flight. Included are Lovell’s astronaut gloves and an autographed lunar navigational chart; it is on loan from the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville.
Roy Orbison’s Rally Red 1967 Sting Ray L68, with a 427cubic inch, 400-horsepower V-8.

Roy Orbison’s Rally Red 1967 Sting Ray L68, with a 427 cubic inch, 400-horsepower V-8.

Immersive Display

More than a display of cars, the exhibition is an immersion into Corvette’s cultural legacy. The exhibit includes a multimedia presentation of iconic Corvette moments in film, television, and music. The presentation shows how this automotive icon has shaped — and been influenced by — American pop culture.

The museum’s exhibits are regularly updated, deepening the storytelling that connects Corvette to American history. Exploring the intersection of Corvette and pop culture was a natural progression,” said Kaye Wagner, Chair of the National Corvette Museum Board. “With ‘Pop Culture and Corvette,’ we celebrate how Corvette has transcended the road to become a true cultural icon.”

Reggie Jackson’s 1978 Corvette Pace Car replica (center).

Reggie Jackson’s 1978 Corvette Pace Car replica (center).

 Take a Pop Quiz

This quiz might win you a couple of bar bets from those less informed.

  • In the 1967 American beach party musical “Clambake,” this actor-singer starred as Scott Hayward. An heir to an oil fortune, Hayward trades places with a water ski instructor at a Florida hotel. In the movie, Hayward drove a 1959 Stingray Racer.
  • This film franchise features two Corvette-inspired Autobot characters,  Sideswipe and Crosshairs. Sideswipe’s design is based on the 2009 Corvette Stingray concept. Crosshairs started as a deep green and black 2014 Corvette with a distinctive rear spoiler. It was updated to a 2016 Corvette with a slightly different livery.
  • This video game helped introduce the Corvette to a new generation. Released in 2013, this driving simulator featured a concept version of the C7. The game provided auto racing fans a digital “drive” of the then-brand-new Corvette.
  • Who was the Major League Baseball Hall of Famer nicknamed “Mr. October”? This slugger is known for his postseason clutch hitting with the Oakland Athletics and the New York Yankees. He was one of the lucky few to own a 1978 “Official Pace Car of the Indianapolis 500” Corvette.
  • Who was the pioneer of rockabilly music nicknamed “The Killer.” His 1954 Corvette roadster was repossessed by the IRS in 1980 to cover his back taxes.
  • Based in Nashville, rock stars such as Jimmy Page and Slash highly regard this renowned guitar maker. This custom guitar features styling details borrowed from the 1960 Corvette and signed by Zora Arkus-Duntov. The body is Tuxedo Black with an ivory scoop similar to the car’s side “scoop” design.
The 1959 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Racer in concept form.

The 1959 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Racer in concept form. (Photo courtesy of Chevrolet)

IF YOU GO

“Pop Culture and Corvette: An American Love Affair”  will be displayed through 2025. For more information or to plan your visit, go to corvettemuseum.org. And follow the museum on Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and X.

About the National Corvette Museum

The National Corvette Museum is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit foundation. The museum is an educational and research institution. It is located a mile from General Motors’ Bowling Green Assembly Plant, where the Corvette has been built since 1981. The Museum Campus has 115,000 square feet of exhibition and event space. The exhibits showcase more than 100 historically significant Corvettes, 50,000 Corvette artifacts, and the NCM Motorsports Park.

American Honda Collection Honors Car Clubs, Community at Dec. 14 Event

by | Nov 19, 2024 | 0 comments

American Honda Collection Honors Car Clubs, Community at Dec. 14 Event

Bimonthly Cars, Bikes & Coffee Show at the American Honda Collection Hall in Torrance, Calif., is an enthusiasts’ open house 

Car enthusiasts stroll the lobby of American Honda in Torrance California

Shop for Honda-Acura merch in the American Honda lobby in Torrance, Calif. (Photos courtesy of American Honda)

BY MARK MAYNARD

American Honda is in the holiday spirit for its Dec. 14 Cars, Bikes & Coffee Show. This gathering of the third Saturday events honors Clubs & Community and features a Toy Drive. Clubs will get special entry and space to display vehicles and promote their work. The toy drive is in collaboration with the City of Torrance. Those who bring a new, unwrapped toy will receive a special thank you commemorative item.

The Cars, Bikes & Coffee Show is a free enthusiast event held every other month. Fans of all models, makes, and eras of automobiles and motorcycles are welcome. Each show includes free admittance to the museum and the Power of Dreams boutique of Honda-Acura merch.

The gatherings also feature:

  • DJ Music
  • Vendors
  • Starbucks and food trucks
  • Giveaways
  • Special exhibitors
a formula style race car on view in the Honda American Collection Hall

Honda Racing has a big presence in the museum.

The 20,000-square-foot Collection Hall museum opened in mid-September 2024. More than 60 vehicles are displayed from Honda and Acura, including motorcycles, power products, engines, and racing machines.

Each cars and coffee show attracts a consistent 1,200 vehicles and 2,500 enthusiasts, Carl Pulley, American Honda Heritage, said in a release. The grand opening of the Collection Hall was last September.

2025 CARS, BIKES & COFFEE SHOWS

Feb. 15; April 5; June 21; Aug. 16; Oct. 18; Dec. 13.

IF YOU GO

The American Honda Collection Hall is at 1919 Torrance Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90501. Gates to the American Honda parking lot open at 7:30 a.m., with showtime from 9 a.m. to noon.

Learn more about American Honda Heritage here.

CoverSeal: Before the Winter Winds Blow

by | Sep 19, 2024 | 0 comments

CoverSeal: Before the Winter Winds Blow
CoverSeal’s weighted vehicle covers reach from the ground up.

CoverSeal’s weighted covers reach from the ground up. (Photos courtesy of CoverSeal)

BY MARK MAYNARD

A CoverSeal is not the same old car cover. Outdoor protective vehicle covers have had the same format since harried drivers no longer had room in their garages. Apartment and condominium car owners are at more of a disadvantage if there is no off-street parking.

I have bought and evaluated many car covers, and most outdoor car covers fall loosely to the ground, flapping in the breeze. CoverSeal rethought the concept and created weighted covers that reach from the ground up. The unique covers have a weighted tubing at the base that encircles the vehicle.

CoverSeal claims that the weighted bottom can help deter rodents from making a home and eating wiring in the vehicle. Rodents are sneaky about finding ways into a vehicle, but these covers weigh 45-50 pounds with the weighted lower portion.

The weighted bottoms are comprised of black water-resistant polyester fabric with what CoverSeal calls a sealing tube. The corrugated sealing tube looks like a flexible landscape drainage hose. The 2-inch tube is packed with powdered sand and secured in the baseline tubing with heavy-duty PVC-coated polyester. An enhanced heat seal closure prevents sand leakage, CoverSeal says.

I am particularly interested in how the covers will block sunlight from baking tires and causing premature stress cracks. The rubber in tires absorbs UV radiation from the sun, which causes the rubber to dry out and harden. This process is called photodegradation.

For drivers in northern climates, the heavy-duty covers shed water and prevent snow buildup.

CoverSeal’s weighted covers reach from the ground up. (Photos courtesy of CoverSeal)

The covers’ weighted bottoms are a black, water-resistant polyester fabric with what CoverSeal calls a sealing tube.

Heavy duty “Denier”

The best and most long-lasting car covers I have bought were made of Sunbrella fabric. CoverSeal does not use Sunbella fabric for a couple of good reasons.

“We provide a 1-year warranty for materials and workmanship,” a spokesperson wrote in an email. “Sunbrella fabrics are made from acrylic. They tend to be more coarse and more waterproof. Sunbrella covers usually have a softer laminated layer to overcome the coarse fiber. If the cover traps moisture, it can oxidize the paint. Rayon and nylon do not hold up to UV and sunlight. We use polyester at 420D (Denier). It is a nice middle ground between durability, softness and water resistance. We do not need a soft laminate layer as we can treat the fabric with various coatings.”

According to online sources, “Denier” is defined as the weight of 9,000 meters of nylon fiber in grams. Coated in polyurethane, polyester 420D is also water-repellent and mildew-resistant. The fabric was originally developed for military parachute backpacks.

CoverSeal covers cannot be secured with a lock and cable. Adding grommets was considered but voted down for two reasons: First, it gives rodents an ingress path. Second, if someone wants your cover and clips the cable or, worse, really pulls it, you might still have your cover, but it will be severely damaged.

CoverSeal vehicle covers are not custom-fitted by make and model. However, there are sizes of large, full-size, midsize, sports cars, small SUVs, and pickups.

CoverSeal vehicle covers are not custom-fitted by make and model. However, there are sizes of large, full-size, midsize, sports cars, small SUVs, and pickups.

CoverSeal Vehicle Fitment and Pricing

CoverSeal vehicle covers are not designed specifically by make and model. However, there are sizes of large, full-size, midsize, sports cars, pickups, and small SUVs.

Of special interest will be CoverSeal pricing when compared to a Sunbrella cover. A typical Sunbrella outdoor car cover can cost $300 to $600. Pricing for CoverSeal vehicle covers ranges from $330 to $390.

CoverSeal has heavy-duty covers for short- or long-bed pickups, $410 or $620.

Light-duty indoor vehicle covers are all-weather and breathable for long-term indoor storage. The cover design is loose-fitting to protect the paintwork while making the model unrecognizable and secure. There are two sizes, midsize and full size, for $160.

CoverSeal also has a range of patio furniture covers. There are choices for large or small tables and furniture groupings. These range in price according to size, about $150 to $180.

There also are covers for propane-powered barbecues, which range in price from $110 to $130.

CoverSeal also makes heavy-duty outdoor tractor covers, $375.

Sizing Guide

Tips for selecting a CoverSeal: As the dimensions listed are of maximum fit, it is necessary to confirm the vehicle’s size before purchasing a car cover. Check vehicle dimensions online for year, make, and model. Also, consider upgraded tire sizes, if the vehicle is lifted or has a roof rack and crossbars.

CoverSeal car covers are made in Tijuana, Mexico. The covers are also marketed in China.

Order and learn more at GetCoverSeal. Use COVER24 to get 15 percent off your order.

2014 Corvette Museum Sinkhole 10 Years Later

by | Jun 26, 2024 | 0 comments

2014 Corvette Museum Sinkhole 10 Years Later

“Ground to Sky: The Sinkhole Reimagined” will run through Sept. 15 in the National Corvette Museum, Bowling Green, Ky.

The main show space of the display “Ground to Sky: The Sinkhole Reimagined”

Corvettes retrieved from the sinkhole and brought out of storage include the ZR-1 Spyder, 1962 Corvette, and the 2009 1.5 millionth Corvette. (Photos courtesy of the National Corvette Museum)

REWRITE BY MARK MAYNARD

The National Corvette Museum has opened a limited engagement exhibit that chronicles the 2014 sinkhole that captured worldwide attention.

“Ground to Sky: The Sinkhole Reimagined” tells a story of resilience encapsulating a decade of progress since the cave-in. Visitors will be able to reflect on the recovery of one of the most shocking automotive stories of all time.

On Feb. 12, 2014, car enthusiasts worldwide tuned in to a captivating but cringeworthy story.  Eight iconic Corvettes had fallen 30 feet in a massive sinkhole through the museum’s show floor in Bowling Green, Ky. In the days, weeks, and years that would follow, the National Corvette Museum would recover all eight cars.

A milestone chart from 2014 to 2024

The decade’s long milestones of restoring the sinkhole damage.

Now, a decade later, the museum is telling the story of recovery and rebuilding. The three-month, limited-engagement exhibit opened June 14 and will run through Sept. 15, 2024. Among the special features are:

Recovered Sinkhole Corvettes: Corvettes retrieved from the sinkhole and brought out of storage include the ZR-1 Spyder, 1962 Corvette, and the 1.5 Millionth Corvette. These icons will be displayed alongside the 2009 ZR-1 Blue Devil and 1 Millionth Corvette.

Personal Interviews: Museum staff members give firsthand accounts of the sinkhole’s discovery, recovery, and current progress.

Museum Chronology: Reflect on the museum’s transformative journey over the past decade. Highlights include the repair of the sinkhole, two dozen new exhibits, and capital improvements to the McMichael Education Gallery.

The Ground to Sky display area

The “Road to Sky” exhibit will run through Sept. 15, 2024, in the National Corvette Museum, Bowling Green, Ky.

PLAN A VISIT

“Ground to Sky: The Sinkhole Reimagined” opened June 14 and will run through Sept. 15. Plan a visit at this link.

Museum admission includes access to the Skydome, which features a viewing platform for the 40-foot sinkhole. Visitors can also see the boulder that impacted the 2001 Mallett Hammer Z06, the last Corvette pulled out of the sinkhole. It is now outside the Stingray Grill.

The display will have special braille labels for all five Corvettes. The project was created with the American Printing House for the Blind in Louisville, Ky.

A crushed corvette that fell into the musem

The 2009 1.5 millionth Corvette.

IF YOU GO

National Corvette Museum is at 350 Corvette Drive, Bowling Green, Ky 42101.

CONTACT: (270) 781-7973

MUSEUM HOURS:

Sunday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST

COST:

General admission is $25 for ages 13-61; $14 for youth 5-12; $23 ages 62 years and older. See ticket pricing and packages here.

UPCOMING HOURS

Nov. 1-Dec. 31 – Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 pm. CST; Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST

Jan. 1-Feb. 28, 2025 – Monday -Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Tuesdays; Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Tuesdays in January and February

*The last admission tickets are sold by 4:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online. The museum is closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Weathering the Road: New Hankook Tire Survey

by | May 2, 2024 | 0 comments

Weathering the Road: New Hankook Tire Survey

New data from Hankook Tire highlights consumer stresses on the road, from inclement weather to teen driving

A passenger car on a dry road that is promoting winter-safe tires.

The latest Gauge Index survey by Hankook Tire reveals insights into the challenges faced by drivers today. (Hankook Tire)

REWRITE BY MARK MAYNARD

If it seems as if driving post-pandemic is scarier than before, you are not alone. In its latest Gauge Index survey, Hankook Tire reveals today’s biggest challenges for drivers.

Drivers face countless challenges as they take to the road each day. They must navigate unpredictable weather, deal with maintenance issues, and deal with the persistent worry parents have about teen driving.

Braving the Elements: A Driver’s Dilemma

According to the Gauge, driving in inclement weather is the top challenge for drivers (25 percent), followed by driving in unfamiliar places (17 percent) and changing a flat tire (15 percent). In addition, 51 percent of drivers indicate that bad weather would prompt them to stop driving or turn around and delay reaching their destination.Hankook Tire Gauge Index logo

When examining generational demographics, it is noteworthy that 62 percent of baby boomers, compared to 37 percent of Gen Z, identified bad weather as a reason to halt or delay their journey. Moreover, among respondents who identified changing a flat tire as the most challenging situation, 17 percent were Boomers compared to 10 percent of Gen Z.

Overall, when harsh weather is forecast, vehicle preparation becomes a ritual for many motorists:

  • 59 percent check tire pressure and tread depth;
  • 53 percent refill fluids; and
  • 50 percent replace windshield wipers.

Teen Driving a Parental Test

The Gauge survey also highlights parental concerns regarding teen driving, offering insights into the complexities of their apprehensions. While striving to maintain a sense of optimism, parents of teen drivers express varying degrees of concern depending on the distance of their teen’s journey.

When teens venture out locally, 39 percent of parents admit feeling “a bit anxious but hopeful.” However, this sentiment diminishes to 28 percent when contemplating their teen driving long distances.

Regional disparities further shape parental perceptions. Northeastern parents are in the most apprehensive group. In the Northeast, 23 percent of parents admit feeling “extremely concerned and fearful” about their teen driving locally. That percentage shows a notable difference compared to the parental concerns in the South (12 percent) and West (7 percent).

Conversely, drivers in the South exhibit a notable sense of trust in their teens’ ability to navigate long distances. A considerable 32 percent of Southern parents feel “confident and relaxed” when their teen embarks on long-distance drives. That confidence surpasses the sentiments of parents in the Northeast (14 percent) and the West (11 percent).

Choose the Correct Winter Tire

Hankook Tire's Kinergy 4S2 features excellent dry, wet and snow performance, complete with a Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating.

Hankook Tire’s Kinergy 4S2 is rated a Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake.

Traditional all-season tires offer versatility in various weather conditions, but all-weather tires can provide peace of mind. Hankook’s Kinergy 4S2, for example, has a Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating. The snowflake rating indicates a tire has met certain requirements for severe snow conditions. Dedicated winter tires, however, are the best option for deep snow and ice.

Three-peak snowflake tires have scored at least 110 on the traction index. That means the tires can accelerate at least 10 percent faster than an all-season tire that is not 3PMS-rated.

About the Survey

“The insights provided by the Hankook Gauge Index are invaluable in understanding drivers’ evolving needs and concerns,” said Rob Williams, President of Hankook Tire America Corp.

The Hankook Gauge Index surveys Americans’ attitudes and opinions about driving. The latest survey, conducted March 13-14, polled 1,012 randomly selected Americans age 18 and older.

GM to move HQ to Hudson’s Detroit

by | Apr 15, 2024 | 0 comments

GM to move HQ to Hudson’s Detroit

• GM will become the anchor tenant at Bedrock’s Hudson’s Detroit development.

• GM, Bedrock, the city of Detroit, and Wayne County will establish a partnership to explore redevelopment opportunities for the Renaissance Center site.

Conceptual rendering of Hudson's Detroit with GM branding.

Conceptual rendering of Hudson’s Detroit with GM branding. (Provided by GM Design)

REWRITE BY MARK MAYNARD

DETROIT – General Motors will relocate its global headquarters to Hudson’s Detroit in 2025, becoming the anchor tenant at Bedrock’s development on the historic site of the former J.L. Hudson Department Store. The move marks GM’s fourth headquarters location in the city since 1911, reaffirming its longstanding commitment to Detroit. GM, Bedrock, the city of Detroit, and Wayne County will establish a partnership to explore redevelopment opportunities for the Renaissance Center site over approximately the next year before GM’s move to Hudson’s Detroit.

“We are proud to remain in the city of Detroit in a modern office building that fits the evolving needs of our workforce, right in the heart of downtown,” said GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra. “Our new headquarters will provide collaboration areas for our teams, executive offices, and display space for our vehicles.”

The move to Hudson’s Detroit will mark the return of General Motors to Woodward Avenue, where it established its first headquarters in the city. GM has entered into an initial 15-year, multi-level lease for the top office floors of the state-of-the-art office building and showcase space on the street level for GM vehicles and community activations.

Conceptual rendering of GM office space at Hudson's Detroit.

Conceptual rendering of GM office space at Hudson’s Detroit. (Provided by GM Design)

What is Hudson’s?

Hudson’s Detroit is a 1.5-million-square-foot development that will feature office space, ground-floor retail, a 5-star hotel, a rooftop bar, residential condominiums, a public plaza, parking, and large event spaces. It consists of a 12-story office building with event and retail spaces and an adjacent 45-story hotel and residential tower, and it presents sweeping city views at every level.

The Hudson’s department store, known as the “Big Store” and “J.L. Hudson,” broke ground in 1891 and was the foremost retailer in Detroit. At one time, it was the second-largest department store in the world. The massive flagship store anchored the bustling Woodward Avenue corridor and was a domestic and international shopping destination until it closed its doors in 1983. The structure was eventually demolished, but Bedrock has ensured that the site’s history is echoed in the new Hudson’s Detroit.

For additional information on Hudson’s Detroit, please visit Hudsons-Detroit.

Conceptual rendering of GM's street level showcase at Hudson’s Detroit

Conceptual rendering of GM’s street-level showcase at Hudson’s Detroit. (Provided by GM Design)

Renaissance Center

The decision to explore redevelopment opportunities for the Renaissance Center site comes as the office real estate market transforms. Post-pandemic, the work environment has changed how office space is utilized. A recent study by CBRE indicated that 80 percent of current office occupiers have adopted or will adopt hybrid work.

When General Motors acquired the Renaissance Center in 1996 it was a catalyst for the revitalization of the city and the transformation of the Detroit riverfront. The development of GM Plaza was the genesis of the private-public Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. The transformation provided expansive public access to the Detroit River for the first time.

Photo of GM World in 2018, located in the Renaissance Center in Detroit.

Photo of GM World in 2018, located in the Renaissance Center in Detroit. (GM photo)

GM’s continuous improvements have bolstered the Renaissance Center area and RiverWalk, totaling more than $1 billion in investment since 1996.

The initial $500 million Renaissance Center renovation was designed to make the site more accessible to the community. This included removing the external concrete towers that limited entry from Jefferson Avenue. Interior improvements were made to ease navigation, including a central glass circulation ring and the addition of the Wintergarden. From this space, visitors and workers could enjoy panoramic views of the Detroit River.

GM developed the first phase of the Detroit International RiverWalk in partnership with the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. The project built some of the most popular places on the riverfront, including the GM Fountain, GM Plaza, and the Wintergarden. More than 3.5 million people visit the riverfront each year. USA TODAY named the Detroit RiverWalk “Best in America” in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Photo of the Albert Kahn-designed Durant Building circa 1980s, later renamed the General Motors Building.

The Albert Kahn-designed Durant Building circa 1980s, later renamed the General Motors Building. (GM photo)

GM and Detroit

General Motors invested $2.2 billion in Factory ZERO (formerly the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center) in November 2020 for retooling and upgrades.

Factory ZERO builds several Ultium-powered EVs, including:

  • GMC HUMMER EV Pickup and SUV,
  • Chevrolet Silverado EV WT,
  • The upcoming Silverado EV RST, GMC Sierra Denali EV, and Cadillac Escalade IQ.

Built in 1985, the assembly center has manufactured more than 3 million vehicles. Today, it has become one of the most modern automotive plants in the country, with nearly 4,000 employees.

Over the last decade, GM has awarded more than $117 million in grants to support Detroit-based nonprofit programs. Centered around Detroit’s people and places, GM prioritizes funding toward education, workforce development, and neighborhood revitalization efforts.

Front view of GM’s first Detroit headquarters circa early 1900s, located at 127-129 Woodward Avenue.

Front view of GM’s first Detroit headquarters circa early 1900s, located at 127-129 Woodward Avenue. (Photo provided by GM)

GM’s first home in Detroit was at 127-129 Woodward Avenue. It was along the west side of the street between Fort and Congress, where the company resided from 1911 to 1923. In 1923, GM relocated to the Albert Kahn-designed General Motors Building at 3044 West Grand Boulevard. It remained there until the company purchased the Renaissance Center in 1996.

The financial terms of the transaction between GM and Bedrock will not be disclosed.