NAIOP Detroit welcomed members and guests to the newly opened Hudson’s Detroit for an engaging evening of conversation, connection, and insight during Real Talk: Building Detroit Now and Beyond on May 20.

The event featured a dynamic discussion with Jared Fleisher, CEO of Bedrock, and David Massaron, Vice President of Infrastructure & Corporate Citizenship at General Motors, moderated by Kelli Herman, Strategy + Development Leader at HED. Together, the panel explored the opportunities, challenges, and partnerships shaping Detroit's future and the role that business, development, and civic leadership play in advancing the city’s growth. The conversation centered around the importance of public-private collaboration, strategic investment in infrastructure, talent attraction and retention, and creating vibrant, mixed-use environments that support both economic development and community impact. The discussion highlighted how Detroit continues to evolve through innovation, long-term vision, and a shared commitment to building resilient and connected neighborhoods.

Attendees also had the unique opportunity to experience the remarkable atrium space within Hudson’s Detroit, offering a firsthand look at one of the city's most significant development projects and a powerful symbol of Detroit's continued momentum.

Thank you to our exclusive event sponsor, Barton Malow, for helping make this evening possible, and to all who joined us for a thoughtful conversation about what it takes to build Detroit now… and beyond.

Event Photos