Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan delivered his final State of the City address from the high-rise landscapes of the Hudson's Detroit development, supplementing his farewell with plans for the Renaissance Center. According to a Detroit News report, Duggan showcased a vision for the iconic complex to embody a "public asset" and stake its claim in the riverfront's rejuvenation.

The outgoing mayor, who is not seeking re-election but is venturing into the gubernatorial race as an independent, took the opportunity to reflect on Detroit’s journey from the gloom of bankruptcy to the cusp of a revitalized future. As per Deputy Mayor Melia Howard’s words, "the mayor will talk at length about how to turn (the Renaissance Center) into a kind of a public asset that Detroiters deserve," a future critical to the riverfront's revitalization, as reported by the Detroit News. However, a proposed plan to remodel the Renaissance Center, including the demolition of two towers, has faced criticism from historical preservationists, and a snag in securing sufficient subsidies.

The Mayor’s address also signified the public introduction to the Hudson's site, a development sitting on the memories of the old department store, now resurrected as a mixed-use beacon housing General Motors' headquarters, among other commercial and residential offerings. The government-run livestream broadcasted Duggan's narrative through cables and digital waves, as invitation-only attendees received the message first-hand within the silvery innards of the city's second tallest building.

The event was an invite-only affair, but was made accessible to the general public through live streams on various social media platforms and cable channels, as per details shared by the City of Detroit’s official site. Before stepping down, Duggan's parting words not only charted out his tenure's accomplishments but also sought to pave the trajectory for future leadership to carry forward the mantle of Detroit's resurgence.