'Bittersweet' end for Detroit's Brewster housing project

Source: Detroit News

The four high-rise gutted and abandoned remnants of the Frederick Douglass public housing complex are one of the most notorious examples standing symbolizing the city's decline.

But Mayor Dave Bing promises to change that. The four 14-story apartment complexes along with the two midrise buildings and burned-out townhomes will be demolished by the end of the year. New housing and commercial redevelopment are planned at the now decrepit — but geographically desirable — location.

... The Brewster Homes provided a stable community for African-Americans and are registered as a Michigan historic site as "the nation's first federally funded public housing development for African-Americans."

In addition to Diana Ross and the Ballards, the complex was home to former Motown greats Mary Wilson and Smokey Robinson and comedienne Lily Tomlin.

Read more: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120319/METRO01/203190346/-Bittersweet-end-Detroit-s-Brewster-housing-project