GM Returns to Woodward with New Detroit Headquarters
General Motors - New Headquarters - Detroit - Life in Classic
GM Returns to Woodward Avenue
On January 12, 2026, General Motors opened its global headquarters at Hudson’s Detroit, signaling a notable homecoming to Woodward Avenue. The move marks the company’s fourth Detroit headquarters since 1911 and brings the automaker back to the street where its earliest offices once stood. It also reflects a shift toward a more agile, collaborative culture.
The new address, 1240 Woodward Avenue, sits on the historic site of the former J.L. Hudson Department Store. Under an initial 15-year multi-level lease, GM is the anchor tenant of the 12-story tower that now rises on the landmark block. The new space blends history and forward-looking purpose, anchoring GM in the center of a revitalized downtown corridor.
Crucially, the decision places the company within the city’s most active business and cultural zone. As a result, leaders expect closer ties to the community, faster decision-making, and a stronger draw for top talent.
A Headquarters Built for Collaboration
While the Hudson’s Detroit footprint is smaller than the sprawling Renaissance Center, it is designed for higher engagement. The headquarters spans about 200,000 square feet, with GM occupying the top four office floors. These floors prioritize open, flexible areas where teams can meet, create, and iterate without barriers.
The layout reflects post-pandemic work habits, with a mix of focus zones and collaborative hubs. A dramatic seven-story atrium brings daylight deep into the building and creates a central gathering space. Meanwhile, amenities such as a rooftop bar, a fitness center, and even a pickleball court add energy and convenience to the workday. At street level, a public gallery showcases GM’s latest electric vehicle innovations, inviting passersby to engage with the company’s technology.
Therefore, the building does more than house employees. It supports a faster pace of development and a more open connection to the city.
Design That Nods to GM Heritage
The interior architecture pays tribute to GM’s design lineage. Materials and forms nod to Eero Saarinen’s celebrated work at the GM Global Technical Center in Warren. Clean lines, natural stone, and warm wood tones set a calm and modern aesthetic that still feels distinctly GM.
Heritage elements appear throughout. A fully restored Harry Bertoia sculpture, valued at $1 million, anchors one of the signature spaces. References to iconic brand moments appear as subtle “Easter eggs,” including decorative pillows made from concept Corvette materials. In addition, signature environments such as the Cass conference room, an executive library space, and the Woodward-facing executive boardroom underline the building’s blend of legacy and progress.
