Brewster-Douglass Housing Projects

The Brewster-Douglass Housing Projects, located in Detroit, Michigan, were the largest public housing development in the city, named after Brewster Street and abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Constructed between 1935 and 1955, the complex housed notable figures like Diana Ross and Smokey Robinson during their early years. Initially designed for the working poor, the projects faced challenges in the 1960s and 70s, leading to deterioration and eventual demolition between 2003 and 2014. The site is now being redeveloped into a mixed-income neighborhood, with plans for affordable housing units set to be completed by 2027, making it a significant area for both historical interest and urban renewal.