Brewster-Douglass Housing Projects

The Brewster-Douglass Housing Projects was a large residential complex with four towers, numerous row houses, and a recreation facility spread across 14 acres near downtown Detroit. The development contained 941 units designed to house working families and their children.

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt attended the groundbreaking ceremony in 1935, launching Detroit's first public housing development for African-American families. The project responded to severe housing shortages during the Great Depression.

Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, and Florence Ballard of the Supremes, along with Smokey Robinson, grew up in these buildings during their formative years. This community became a launching pad for artists who would later shape popular music.

The site no longer exists as the buildings were completely demolished in 2014 to make way for new development in the area. Visitors can learn about this place through historical records and photographs at local museums.

The six concrete towers stood vacant for many years, becoming distinctive but deteriorating landmarks in the city. Their demolition in 2014 marked the end of an era and opened the area for new development.

Location: Detroit

Inception: 1942

Architects: HED

Floors above the ground: 14

Height: 46 m

GPS coordinates: 42.34500,-83.04700

Latest update: December 6, 2025 22:03