About Atwater Renaissance
Transforming Detroit’s Renaissance Center into a 100% green AI data center and STEAM education campus
Atwater Renaissance is a Detroit-born initiative dedicated to turning an iconic riverfront landmark into a global engine for innovation, education, and inclusive growth. Our vision is to deliver world-class hybrid AI & Quantum infrastructure, a hands-on STEAM/CTE education ecosystem, and a transparent, Detroit-first supply chain that lifts local businesses and talent.
Our north star: Build a future-ready campus that powers industry, opens doors for students, and proves that sustainable technology can accelerate inclusive prosperity.
Our Mission
To catalyze Detroit’s next economic era by:
Deploying cutting-edge AI and emerging compute infrastructure that attracts operators, enterprise tenants, and research partners.
Building a STEAM/CTE education hub that connects K–12, college, and adult learners to real careers through labs, apprenticeships, and industry-backed credentials.
Operating on 100% green energy, aligning environmental stewardship with economic growth from day one.
Running a Detroit-first, MWBE/SBE-forward procurement model with clear scopes, fair timelines, and transparent selection.
Why Detroit. Why Now.
Detroit’s DNA is manufacturing at scale, engineering excellence, and creative grit. The city is uniquely positioned to lead the convergence of AI, automation, mobility, media, and advanced manufacturing. By transforming a globally recognizable landmark, we signal to students, investors, and innovators: Detroit is where the future is being built.
What We’re Building
Two interconnected towers designed for impact across industry and education:
Tower: Tech/AI & Content Hub
Hybrid AI & emerging compute infrastructure
Enterprise suites and R&D floors
Content studios, esports & XR labs for training and production
Event, demo, and partner showcase spaces
Tower: STEAM/CTE Education Campus
Maker labs, robotics & fabrication
Data science, cybersecurity, and cloud classrooms
Apprenticeship & co-op command center (with partners)
Career services, mentoring, and employer matchmaking
Design principles: Safety-first, accessibility-first, and sustainability-first—architected for deconstruction/reuse where possible, and optimized to minimize environmental footprint.
Our Commitments
100% Green Operations: Renewable power strategy with energy efficiency, monitoring, and continuous improvement.
Detroit-First Procurement: Clear scopes, open bid windows, and measurable MWBE/SBE participation goals.
Workforce Pipeline: Internship, apprenticeship, and scholarship pathways with Detroit Public Schools, colleges, and industry partners.
Community Benefits: Local vendor marketplaces, public programming, and opportunities for neighborhood-based organizations.
Transparency: Quarterly updates, defined milestones, and public-facing progress dashboards.
Who We Serve
Students & Educators: Real labs, real mentors, real jobs.
Vendors & Builders: Fair access to scopes, transparent procurement, on-time payments.
Operators & Tenants: Best-in-class facilities, resilient power, and a top-tier talent pipeline.
Sponsors & Philanthropy: Named labs, fellowships, and measurable community impact.
How to Get Involved
Join the Supplier & Partners Registry to receive scopes, bid packages, and phasing timelines as they drop.
Request a 15-minute Partner Briefing to map your capabilities to active opportunities.
Bring a Program or Lab: Universities, corporate partners, and nonprofits can co-design labs, credentials, and work-study.
Leadership
Bruce Long — Project Manager
Strategic program oversight for the Renaissance Center transformation; 30+ years across mission-critical operations, global infrastructure, and immersive media. Co-authored 66 U.S. patents; led teams for events reaching hundreds of millions of viewers.Carl Grenadier — Capital/Tax Matters Partner
Investor relations, capital structure optimization, and tax strategy; nearly 50 years, 200+ transactions, $2B+ in value. Steward of a multi-generational investment legacy.Gary O. Shelton — Director, Business Development
Operator-investor who has grown telecom to $70M revenue, scaled Tier-1 automotive engineering with GM/Ford/Chrysler, and developed 350 units plus 450+ real estate projects in Detroit. Aligns investors, corporations, and community partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Atwater Renaissance a public, private, or public–private initiative?
Atwater Renaissance is a mission-driven developer assembling a coalition of operators, vendors, universities, sponsors, and civic partners to execute a sustainable, education-centered transformation.
How will sustainability be measured?
We will publish energy and emissions baselines, track intensity improvements, and report quarterly on green operations and community benefits.
How can Detroit-based small businesses participate?
Register in our Supplier & Partners Registry to receive scopes and bid packages, and attend monthly partner briefings.
What programs will the education campus offer?
Programs will be co-developed with education and industry partners across robotics, cybersecurity, data, XR, media production, and advanced manufacturing, connected to internships and apprenticeships.
What’s the timeline?
Milestones will be announced in quarterly updates. Partner onboarding, scopes, and procurement phases will be shared publicly as packages open.
Media & Inquiries
For press, partnerships, or speaking requests, contact [email protected] or schedule a Partner Briefing. Our team shares quarterly progress, procurement timelines, and spotlight stories featuring Detroit students, builders, and innovators.