General Motors (GM) has established its new global headquarters in Detroit, occupying four of six office floors in a new 12-story building. This new facility, located less than a mile from the former Renaissance Center (RenCen), symbolizes a blend of GM's past and present, integrating historical artifacts and design elements into a modern workspace.
The design of the new headquarters incorporates numerous elements reflecting GM's history and innovation. Examples include a 1963 Chevrolet K20 pickup displayed alongside a new Silverado EV, a McCormick Speed Form (an aerodynamic wind-tunnel model), a wallpaper featuring 300 patented technologies, and a wall of cassette tapes referencing GM brands and executives. Rebecca Waldmeir, GM industrial design architecture and experience manager, stated that the design aims to honor the company's culture, history, and innovation.
GM officials indicate that the new offices are intended to enhance collaboration and align with contemporary work expectations, particularly in a post-pandemic context. David Massaron, GM vice president of infrastructure and corporate citizenship, highlighted that a headquarters should serve as a beacon for the company's culture. The facility will house executive offices and other corporate functions such as marketing, legal, and finance.
The new headquarters marks a significant reduction in corporate office space for GM, moving from the 5.6-million-square-foot RenCen to approximately 200,000 square feet. The RenCen, described as a "fortress" and associated with a historically siloed culture, was designed for a pre-pandemic work model where employees worked five days a week in the office. CEO Mary Barra has focused on changing this culture.
GM's approximately 50,000 U.S. salaried employees are currently required to work in-office Tuesday through Thursday, with more flexible remote working options. Most executive offices on the top floor will be shared, with only four permanently assigned to top executives like Mary Barra and Mark Reuss.
Beyond office areas, the headquarters will feature a semi-public space for product displays and events on the first floor. Amenities include social gathering areas, lounges, food and beverage services, and a pickleball court.
The new GM headquarters contrasts in size with Ford's recently christened 2.1-million-square-foot global HQ in Dearborn. GM attributes this difference to location, headcount, and its existing extensive facilities, such as the 710-acre Warren Technical Center, which houses over 24,000 employees. Massaron stated GM did not feel the need to create a "city within a city" for its new headquarters, viewing it instead as "a building within a city."