GM bought the Detroit landmark, with 2.2 million sf of office space, in 1996 to use as its world headquarters. The building is undergoing a $500-million redevelopment program, says Matt Cullen, general manager of the GM Enterprise Activities Group."Taubman brings an enormous wealth of retail experience to our team and knowledge of the marketplace," Cullen says. "Retail is important to our mix of services within the center for GM employees, center tenants and Detroit residents and visitors."The contract with Taubman is for five years, but could last longer, Cullen says.

There is about 230,000 sf of retail space in the center and Millender Center, an adjoining property. Taubman will be responsible for developing merchandising plans, implementing retail-leasing activities and providing retail marketing.

The Renaissance Center has four 39-story office buildings and the 73-story Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center Hotel. The retail portion in the lower levels have been configured to create clusters for retail and service firms, and include a proposed five-story atrium mall overlooking the Detroit River.The GM headquarters portion has offices for more than 5,500 GM employees and 2,500 non-tenant GM employees.