Brewster Homes in Detroit in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Brewster Homes
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, May 5, 2021
1. Brewster Homes Marker
Inscription.
Brewster Homes. . Between 1910 and 1940 Detroit’s African American population increased dramatically. Faced with restrictions on where they could live, many African Americans were forced into substandard housing. In 1935 First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt broke ground for the Brewster Homes, the nation’s first federally funded public housing development for African Americans. The homes opened in 1938 with 701 units. When completed in 1941 there were 941 units bounded by Beaubien, Hastings, Mack, and Wilkins Streets. Residents were required to be employed and there were limits on what they could earn. Former residents described Brewster as “a community filled with families that displayed love, respect and concern for everyone” in a “beautiful, clean and secure neighborhood.” The original Brewster Homes were demolished in 1991 and replaced by 250 townhouses.
Between 1910 and 1940 Detroit’s African American population increased dramatically. Faced with restrictions on where they could live, many African Americans were forced into substandard housing. In 1935 First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt broke ground for the Brewster Homes, the nation’s first federally funded public housing development for African Americans. The homes opened in 1938 with 701 units. When completed in 1941 there were 941 units bounded by Beaubien, Hastings, Mack, and Wilkins Streets. Residents were required to be employed and there were limits on what they could earn. Former residents described Brewster as “a community filled with families that displayed love, respect and concern for everyone” in a “beautiful, clean and secure neighborhood.” The original Brewster Homes were demolished in 1991 and replaced by 250 townhouses.
Erected 1995 by Michigan Historical Center, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number S650.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: African Americans. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1938.
Location. 42° 20.965′ N, 83° 3.006′ W. Marker is in Detroit, Michigan, in Wayne
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County. It is in Brewster Homes. Marker is at the intersection of Eliot Street and St. Antoine, on the right when traveling east on Eliot Street. Inside the Brewster Home project of townhouses near the sidewalk. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 600 Eliot St, Detroit MI 48201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 6, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 273 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on May 6, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
