DETROIT, MI - Rock Ventures is doing a design contest for a development at the site of former Hudson's building in Downtown Detroit, company CEO Matt Cullen said Thursday.

He disclosed the project at the Detroit Policy Conference at Motor City Casino, while talking about the different "live, work and play" initiatives that Rock Ventures and other companies are doing to create a more vibrant Downtown Detroit.

The site of the former Hudson's flagship department store, which was imploded in 1998, on Woodward Avenue is one of 15 buildings in Downtown Detroit owned by Rock Ventures, an umbrella firm for Quicken Loans and some five dozen other companies

"Functionally we know what we want it to be," Cullen said of the Hudson's renovation. The ground floor will be retail, with parking above that and and then “a lot of residential on top,” he added. He did not immediately offer any other specific details on the project, but said the design competition would begin in the next few months.

More from the conference:

-With emergency manager on the way, Mayor Dave Bing comments on debt exaggeration claims

-'Creative Class' author Richard Florida: Region should stop blaming Detroit

-State economic development official: It has to get easier for businesses to open in Detroit

-Rock Ventures CEO Matt Cullen on making Detroit an attractive place to 'live, work and play'

-Opening date of Whole Foods in Midtown Detroit to be announced Friday

-Rock Ventures CEO: Downtown Detroit's Greektown Casino-Hotel area 'can be a lot more vibrant'