Experiential Design: 6 Places to Experience in Detroit

HAPPENINGS / DESIGN FORWARD / EXPERIENTIAL DESIGN EXPERIENCE DETROIT

For close to 55 years, Neumann/Smith Architecture has been honored to work with clients in hospitality, historic preservation, mixed-use, and beyond that play a role in building up the city of Detroit.

Detroit is a survivor. Through economic ups and downs, the bankruptcy gave the city a blank slate to re-invent itself.  The revitalization started with start-ups and small businesses, then to suburban businesses who up-rooted to move back to the city.  As the city gains momentum, we are excited to see Detroit receive global recognition. TIME Magazine recently selected Detroit as one of the Greatest Places of 2022.

A Sought-After City

International connection by waterfront as well as sports and entertainment venues have been collectively attracting spectators from around the world. Whether sports enthusiasts, music lovers or festival goers, the experience in the city is layered with Detroit culture from neighboring hotels, restaurants, bars, and retail shops. Detroit is rich in culture and community and is a sought-after city that celebrates experience and lifestyle and embraces unique and design-forward developments.

Experiential Design

We design through stories by understanding the history of the community, neighborhood, its’ context, and its’ people.  Interpreting stories through design drives an authentic and memorable experience in our projects.

Explore Detroit with SIX of our experiential design projects. We are proud to play a part in the revitalization of Detroit and look forward to continuing the evolution of the city through art and architecture.

1. BESA

Experience modern Mediterranean cuisine at BESA. The  fine-dining restaurant is located in Detroit’s Financial District, inside Bedrock’s Vinton building. The interior boasts a monumental staircase, 12-seat chef’s table dining room, and luxury bar with high-top tables, leather upholstered booths, glass pendant lights.

2. MADISON ROOFTOP

Bedrock saw the potential to transform the 1917 Madison Building into a hub for high-tech entrepreneurial activity and special events that would be instrumental in the rejuvenation of the City of Detroit. The urban space can accommodate up to 180 guests for strolling events and is complete with a catering kitchen, bar, ample seating, and panoramic views of the city.

3. PARC

Located in the heart of Campus Martius, Parc was developed as an ambitious effort to set the standard of fine dining in Detroit. The former site of the Fountain Bistro added an additional 1,400 square feet onto the front of the old façade. Parc’s contemporary cuisine is a combination of “Detroit and Midwest flavors with influences of French and Mediterranean style.”  The restaurant is encased in floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a 270-degree view of downtown Detroit.

5. STATE SAVINGS BANK

Built in 1900 with an addition that duplicated the original design in 1914, the Silvers Building served as a State Savings Bank for 80 years. Today it serves as a venue for pop-up events such as weddings and corporate functions. The ornate details of the bank include coffered ceilings, brass doors, and Georgian marble.

4. THE SHED AT VALADE PARK

The 3.2 acre family-friendly urban beach is now one of Detroit’s new must-see attractions. The project includes a sandy “beach” play areas for kids as well as food and drink offerings.

6. Z DECK / THE BELT

Bedrock teamed up with Library Street Collective and 27 world-renowned street, mural and graffiti artists to create a unique destination where you would least expect it in Detroit. The Belt alleyway spans the side of the Z parking deck. Visit multiple must-see shops, bars, and restaurants including The Skip, Standby, and more. The deck features LED lighting inside and out showcasing murals and 33,000 square feet of retail space.