As Detroit’s most iconic skyscraper complex seeks a $1.6 billion rebirth, 24 hours in the Renaissance Center underscore what many have learned the hard way: It’s impossible to navigate. If you go, bring snacks and patience.
Paula Gardner
Paula directs the business reporting on Bridge, writing much of it and setting the strategy for how statewide business coverage fits into Bridge’s nonpartisan policy-driven editorial mix. Paula came to Bridge in 2020 after several years at MLive.com, where she covered the state on both business and environmental teams. Prior to that, she was editor of the Ann Arbor News and news director of online startup AnnArbor,com, and also focused on business news as an editor and reporter at Michigan Business Review. Born and raised in metro Detroit, Paula moved to Ann Arbor to attend the University of Michigan, and has lived in the city for 20 years with her husband, who grew up in their neighborhood. Paula also regularly visits East Lansing and Grand Rapids to visit her college-aged children. She can be reached at pgardner@bridgemi.com
Posted inBusiness Watch
Renaissance Center looks to future. Should taxpayers help pay the bill?
A familiar debate is brewing in Lansing and Detroit, as plans to transform the 5.5 million square-foot site hinge on money from taxpayers. Developers say the RenCen will molder and rot without support.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Q&A: ‘Grand Rapids is going to be the benchmark’ for Michigan growth
West Michigan’s success is poised to be a national example, economic developer Randy Thelen says.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Report: Michigan mobility jobs grow as traditional auto employment falls
As transportation evolves, job growth needs to focus on the full range of mobility employment, a new report from MichAuto says.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan’s $1B bet on EVs has produced few jobs. Should lawmakers double down?
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants to increase funding to lure big projects to Michigan, but EV battery plants heavily subsidized by Michigan so far have created far fewer than the 11,000 jobs they promised.
Posted inBusiness Watch
GM sells stake in Michigan EV battery factory subsidized by state
The Ultium Cells factory near Lansing received nearly $200 million in public subsidies. Partner LG Energy Solutions has until 2030 to meet hiring goals.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan’s surplus sale: deals on pans, thermometers, more in time for holidays
Michigan’s surplus sale is Friday: Inventory isn’t just excess office furniture. Shoppers also will find unused toys, cast-iron pans and forehead thermometers left over from the pandemic.
Posted inBusiness Watch
More cruise ships coming to Great Lakes as industry sets sights on growth
Bankruptcies took two ships out of the Great Lakes this year, but the cruise industry will make more port stops on more voyages starting in spring.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan economy in ‘soft patch,’ facing uncertainty under Trump, reports say
A pair of new reports on the state’s economy show stagnation. But in Michigan, avoiding further declines can be a win.
Posted inBusiness Watch
GM layoffs in Michigan an 'unmistakable sign the auto industry is slowing'
Most of the 1,000 jobs were cut from the GM Tech Center in Warren. It’s the second layoff round there in months.