Bieri replaces Taubman Centers, Inc., which had been managingthe retail leasing of the RenCen over the past four years. "We arenow moving to the second phase of retail leasing as we prepare toopen our new front entrance and riverfront plaza," says Matthew P.Cullen, general manager of GM's economic development and enterpriseservices department. "We're also adding more public events tocelebrate our opening, including activities for the North AmericanInternational Auto Show [at Cobo Center in January]."

Cullen, GM's point man for renovating the RenCen, says severalmerchants will open at the complex, including Pure Detroit,Andiamo's Riverfront Bistro, Rainbow Rascals and a florist shop. Atthe rear of the complex, GM is nearing completion of an outdoorplaza overlooking the Detroit River that will feature Italiangranite tiles, a fountain, landscaping treatments, lighting andpublic seating areas.

In January, GM will start work on a seven-story, 1,100-spaceparking deck east of the complex. The deck, to be completed inearly 2006, will offer 18,000 sf of street-level retail space.