Exploring the Advantages of Billionaire-driven Urban Development

WHO:

Fast Company - Jared Fleisher is the president of Bedrock, a real estate developer.

Fast Company - Dan Gilbert is the founder and chairman of Bedrock and the Rock conglomerate, which includes Rocket Mortgage and the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers.

WHAT:

Fast Company - Hudson’s Detroit is a new 1.5 million-square-foot development in Detroit.

Fast Company - The project includes 400,000 square feet of office space, retail, an event venue with a rooftop lounge, and plans for a hotel and residences.

Fast Company - Bedrock has invested or committed approximately $7.5 billion to develop and restore over 140 properties.

Fast Company - The population of Detroit grew to about 650,000 in 2025, up from about 630,000 in 2020.

WHERE:

Fast Company - The development is located in Detroit, Michigan.

WHEN:

Fast Company - Jared Fleisher became president of Bedrock in August 2025 and CEO in December 2025.

Fast Company - The Gilbert Family Foundation and the Rocket Community Fund launched a $500 million 10-year commitment to Detroit neighborhoods in 2021.

WHY:

Fast Company - The goal of the development is to revitalize Detroit and attract talented young people to the city.

Fast Company - Gilbert aims to retain current residents of Detroit and prevent further population loss.

HOW:

Fast Company - Fleisher describes the approach to urban development as treating the city as a product that must appeal to customers, specifically talented young people.

(UPDATED June 22, 2026 14:58 UTC)

Jared Fleisher, who became president of Bedrock in August 2025, is leading the charge on Hudson’s Detroit, a massive new development spanning 1.5 million square feet in the heart of Detroit, Michigan. This ambitious project will feature 400,000 square feet of office space, retail options, an event venue with a rooftop lounge, and plans for a hotel and residences, all aimed at revitalizing the city and attracting talented young people. Dan Gilbert, the founder and chairman of Bedrock and the Rock conglomerate, has committed approximately $7.5 billion to develop and restore over 140 properties, with the goal of retaining current residents and preventing further population loss in a city that saw its population grow to about 650,000 in 2025.