Fouts touted automakers' ongoing spending in the area. Detroit-based GM announced in 2015 it would invest $1 billion in its tech center. Auburn Hills-based FCA US LLC said in January it would invest more than $1 billion and add 2,500 jobs as it modernized its nearby Warren truck plant to produce the next-generation Ram Heavy Duty pickup, Automotive News reported.

The city's Warren Town Center proposal entails building a 175- to 200-room, 7- to 10-story luxury hotel, according to city documents outlining the initiative. The plan also includes an upscale grocery store, 400-500 residential units, a walkable main street with retail and — the key element — an enclosed bridge that passes over Van Dyke Avenue, connecting the downtown hotel with GM's tech center.

Fouts said his intention with the 16-acre project is not just to create a destination and draw new residents, but to build a hub where thousands of GM employees and guests can live, visit and spend money.

"The bridge is a necessity in order to have a group of well-financed, well-educated people to come in (from the GM Technical Center) and enjoy the walkability of the downtown area," he said.

The city aims to partner with GM. Fouts said the company might contribute financially to the climate-controlled pedestrian bridge over Van Dyke, but declined to provide specifics.

"General Motors is always supportive of developments that make the areas surrounding our campuses a great places to work and play for our employees and members of the community," GM said in an emailed statement. "We will continue to invest in the Warren Technical Center ..."

A GM representative didn't respond to more specific questions about its involvement.

Warren would seek grants, offer tax incentives and work with the Michigan Economic Development Corp. to contribute to the cost of the project, Fouts said. The city's Downtown Development Authority approved $4.6 million for infrastructure improvements there.

The city worked on the project with Birmingham-based Gibbs Planning Group Inc., which also assisted Troy with its master city development plan.

The mayor also talked about a nearby green-space development in his 11th State of the City address on Thursday. He said that pending City Council approval, Warren would purchase the 5.5-acre former Ridgewood School site north of 12 Mile Road along Racine Road to turn it into a green space with trees and walking paths. Nearby residents had criticized previous plans for construction of new homes on the property, The Macomb Daily reported.