
Located at a pivotal intersection in Detroit’s Brush Park neighborhood, the Brush + Watson Mixed-Use Development represents a strategic collaboration between ROSSETTI and Woodborn Partners to unify historically divided parts of the city. This redevelopment responds to the site’s complex context, which bridges Midtown, Downtown, Eastern Market, and the legacy of the Brewster-Douglass and Brush Park Historic Districts. As Brush Park continues its rapid transformation, this project seeks to foster a more inclusive, mixed-income neighborhood rooted in Detroit’s cultural fabric. Brush + Watson is envisioned not just as a singular project, but as a foundational model for equitable, vibrant, and connected urban living that supports both residents and local businesses.
Design decisions were guided by a commitment to contextual sensitivity, urban connectivity, and community activation. Three building typologies—mid-rise mixed-use apartments, townhomes, and mid-rise flats—create architectural variety while engaging all street edges with active frontages. Residential diversity is embedded through a mix of unit types and the inclusion of affordable housing, while the public realm is strengthened through walk-up units, small-scale retail, outdoor space, and community amenities. The reintroduction of a historic alley and concealed interior parking emphasize mobility and pedestrian comfort. The result is a carefully calibrated urban block that balances density, heritage, and modern living.