Two towers at Detroit's iconic Renaissance Center would be razed and the complex converted to a mix of housing and offices under an ambitious $1.6 billion plan announced Monday. The complex, which next year will lose the headquarters of owner General Motors Co.

The proposal calls for preserving Detroit's skyline, right-sizing the complex's footprint and connecting the site to "the heart of downtown."

The plan would reduce office space and redevelop the remaining three towers into hospitality and housing - leaving most of the skyline intact, while adding a large public space on the riverfront.