Detroit's Forbidden Housing Projects Explained

The Brewster-Douglass Housing Projects in Detroit, constructed between 1935 and 1955, were among the first federally funded public housing projects in the United States. Initially intended to provide decent, affordable housing for African American families, they symbolized hope and progress during a period of rampant racial segregation and economic disparity. Named after prominent African American figures, these projects were once a thriving community that included notable residents such as Diana Ross and the Supremes. However, over the decades, the Brewster-Douglass homes fell into decline due to economic downturns, neglect, and systemic issues within public housing administration. By the early 2000s, the deteriorated conditions led to the demolition of the buildings, marking the end of an era for a significant piece of Detroit's social and architectural history.

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IT’S HISTORY - Weekly Tales of American Urban Decay as presented by your host Ryan Socash.

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Video Chapters:
0:00 The Rise & Fall of Detroit's Brewster-Douglas Homes
0:38 The Paris of the West
2:42 The History of the Brewster-Douglas Homes
4:42 Who is Fredrick Douglas
5:53 There Were Rules
7:28 The Downfall of the Brewster-Douglas Homes
10:00 Disturbing Events Doomed These Homes
11:53 Where are the Brewster-Douglas Homes Today?

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» CREDIT
Scriptwriter - Ryan Socash,
Editor - Karolina Szwata,
Host - Ryan Socash
Music/Sound Design: Dave Daddario

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