First Major Phase Opened February 2024
The former Joe Louis Arena site is being transformed into Water Square, a growing waterfront neighborhood located immediately east of Riverfront Condominiums.
The development’s first major phase, The Residences at Water Square, introduced 496 new residences, upscale amenities, outdoor gathering areas and first-floor retail space to the former arena site.
Water Square is also home to Water Square Café + Market by Say Grace Collective, located just next door to our property. The café offers specialty coffee, seasonal drinks, pastries, sandwiches and other convenient food options.
The development is bringing new residents, businesses and neighborhood amenities to a previously isolated section of Detroit’s waterfront while improving connections among Downtown Detroit, the People Mover and the Riverwalk.
For Riverfront Condominium residents, Water Square is more than a nearby development—it is located immediately next door, bringing new gathering spaces, café service and additional activity directly to our waterfront community.
Renovation Beginning September 2026
The Detroit People Mover station serving our neighborhood is receiving a major upgrade as part of the continued transformation of the former Joe Louis Arena site.
Formerly known as West Riverfront Station, it was officially renamed Water Square Station in July 2025 to reflect the growing Water Square neighborhood surrounding it.
Approximately $1 million in improvements are planned for the station, with funding shared between Sterling Group and the Detroit Transportation Corporation. Planned improvements include:
The renovation is expected to continue through spring 2027, although construction schedules are subject to change. The station is expected to remain accessible during most of the project, with temporary closures announced when necessary.
With direct access from the Riverfront Towers property through the existing skywalk, the renovated Water Square Station will provide residents with an even more convenient and welcoming connection to Downtown Detroit’s restaurants, businesses, entertainment venues and attractions.
Opened October 2025
Located immediately west of Riverfront Towers, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park is a transformational 22-acre public park along the Detroit River.
The park includes:
The park’s opening introduced an entirely new recreational destination to Detroit’s west riverfront.
Located just west of Riverfront Towers along the Riverwalk, the park gives Riverfront Condominium residents convenient access to 22 acres of recreation, gardens, waterfront views, fitness opportunities and family-friendly activities.
Scheduled to Open in 2027
The 25-story JW Marriott Detroit Water Square is currently under construction on the former Joe Louis Arena site, immediately east of Riverfront Condominiums.
Planned features include:
The hotel is expected to strengthen Detroit’s ability to host conventions, sporting events and other major gatherings while bringing additional visitors and year-round activity to the Water Square neighborhood.
Located immediately east of Riverfront Condominiums, the hotel will also introduce new dining, hospitality and gathering options within walking distance of our community.
Conceptual Planning Underway
General Motors and Bedrock have proposed a major redevelopment of the Renaissance Center and surrounding Detroit riverfront property.
The conceptual vision includes transforming the area into a more accessible, mixed-use waterfront destination with housing, hospitality, restaurants, public spaces and entertainment.
Current concepts include:
The proposed project is intended to open the Renaissance Center site to the surrounding city and waterfront by replacing physical barriers with more inviting public spaces and connections.
As the east riverfront continues to evolve, Riverfront Condominium residents will be positioned between major new destinations on both sides of Downtown Detroit, connected by the Riverwalk, nearby streets and the Detroit People Mover.
This remains a proposed redevelopment and is subject to community engagement, government approvals, financing and additional planning.