Brewster-Wheeler Recreation Center

The Brewster-Wheeler Recreation Center is a former recreation center located in Detroit, Michigan. Opened in 1929, it was a hub for community enrichment programs for those who lived in the city, especially those who lived in the Brewster and Brush Park neighborhoods. The recreation center was closed in 2006 as a result of lack of funding and decrease in usage. As of 2015, the City of Detroit is planning a multi-use redevelopment for the site, complete with restaurants, residential units, and commercial space.

Image of the exterior of Detroit's Brewster-Wheeler Recreation Center, 2011

History as Brewster-Wheeler Recreation Center

Brewster-Wheeler Recreation Center was originally opened in 1929 as the Central Community Center on the site of the former community library. The center was created to fill the need for a recreation center to serve the densely-populated, low income neighborhoods around Hastings Street and the Black Bottom area, especially those who lived in the Brewster-Douglass Housing Projects.^[1] At its dedication, Mayor John C. Nagle stated hopefully, "I dedicate this building for the people of the city of Detroit, regardless of race, color or creed. I realize that much prejudice exists in Detroit, but a building of this kind will wipe it out."^[1] The center was managed by Leon Wheeler, the city's first African-American recreational worker, from 1929 to 1945.^[2] Under his management, the center established a wide variety of community services, including a boxing program, swimming programs, billiards clubs, glee club, and even tap dancing for those low-to-mid income residents.^[1] Even as crime increased as the city began to decline due to many residents fleeing to the suburbs, throughout the 1960s and 1970s the center remained a focal point in the community, providing recreation and enrichment opportunities for many children in the surrounding area.^[1] After a decline in usage and disinvestment in the City of Detroit, the center was closed in 2006.

Redevelopment

In 2015, Mayor Mike Duggan announced a major redevelopment plan for the center led by the Detroit City Council and city Councilwoman Mary Sheffield. The redevelopment of the center has been linked to surrounding development, including the new Detroit Red Wings arena and the M-1 Rail lines being installed in 2016 and 2017. The redevelopment is being led by multiple Detroit-area companies, including contractors Schostak Bros. and restauranteurs Union Joints, who are most well-known for their suburban restaurant developments.^[3] The new center will include 150 new homes, restaurants, a community center, office space, parking facilities and other facilities. Non-profits and community organizations, including Slow Roll Detroit, are also slated to receive space as a part of the redevelopment.^[3] Redevelopment groups are hoping to preserve the rich history of the center by incorporating the history of Joe Louis, the Harlem Globetrotters, and other famous people linked to the center into the new development.^[4] The City of Detroit allowed residents to submit proposals for its redevelopment, allowing city residents to have a say in their preferences for the facility. The project is scheduled to be complete by 2017.^[5][6]

Notable people

• Joe Louis, famed boxing champion, formerly trained in the basement of the Brewster-Wheeler Recreation Center^[7]
• The Harlem Globetrotters played their first road game at the center in 1932.^[8]

References