Brewster-Douglass Housing Projects

The Brewster-Douglass Housing Projects, officially known as the Frederick Douglass Homes, were the largest public housing development in Detroit, Michigan, built between 1935 and 1955. Named after the abolitionist Frederick Douglass and Brewster Street, the complex housed notable figures like Diana Ross and Smokey Robinson during its peak, which accommodated up to 10,000 residents. Initially designed for the working poor, the project faced challenges in the 1960s and 70s, leading to its decline and eventual demolition between 2003 and 2014. The site is now being redeveloped into a mixed-income neighborhood, with plans for affordable housing and commercial space, making it a significant area of interest for both tourists and researchers exploring urban development and African American history.