For nearly 100 years, the JL Hudson's Department Store in downtown Detroit stood as a mecca of shopping ? the 25-story structure at one point holding the record for world?s tallest retail building. Then in 1983, following a downturn of the Detroit economy, the department store was closed. Its implosion followed in 1998. In the years since, the important site has laid mainly vacant, save for an underground parking structure inserted into the store?s former underground retail levels. But now, plans have been revealed to return the site to its former glory.

© SHoP Architects PC

For nearly 100 years, the JL Hudson's Department Store in downtown Detroit stood as a mecca of shopping ? the 25-story structure at one point holding the record for world?s tallest retail building. Then in 1983, following a downturn of the Detroit economy, the department store was closed. Its implosion followed in 1998. In the years since, the important site has laid mainly vacant, save for an underground parking structure inserted into the store?s former underground retail levels. But now, plans have been revealed to return the site to its former glory.Announced yesterday by Detroit-based development group Bedrock, the site is set to receive a brand new 1.2 million-square-foot development designed by SHoP Architects and consisting of a nine-story retail podium and a 52-story, 734-foot tower that would claim the title of Detroit?s tallest building.
© SHoP Architects PC

?Fo...