Dreamtroit, 1331 Holden

Dreamtroit is a mixed-use complex occupying five linked historic automotive manufacturing buildings at the junction of Detroit’s New Center and Northwest Goldberg neighborhoods. Located at 1331 Holden Street, the project entailed rehabilitation and redevelopment of a historic automobile factory that once produced brass-era Warren Motor Car automobiles and, later, Model Ts for the Ford Motor Company. The project was completed in 2023 and opened with affordable housing units, low-cost artist spaces and spaces for businesses and non-profit organizations.
Kraemer Design Group served as the architect, interior designer and historic consultant. Our historians wrote the National Register nomination for the factory complex and the buildings were listed on the National Register in 2020. We secured approvals for the federal historic tax credits for the project as well, a key part of the project financing.
The Warren Motor Car Company is significant for its association with the early design and manufacture of automobiles in the city of Detroit in 1909. Just a few years later, this was the first factory acquired by Henry Leland when he founded the Lincoln Motor Company with a goal of building airplane engines for the U.S. government during World War One. Called “Liberty Motors” the factory was the location where the first engine prototype was produced in 1917. Ford Motor Company moved into the building in 1922 to produce Model T sedans. Later tenants included a refrigeration company, a grocery wholesaler, and Recycle Here! a recycling center with artist studio spaces.
Through selective demolition and historic restoration, the Warren Motor Car Company was converted into a mix of affordable multi-family residential units and gallery space. Work included full façade restoration, new, large historic replica factory windows, and exposed timber and concrete structure within. Throughout the project, the team placed an emphasis on fostering a greater community of makers and artists who have had a significant presence in the building’s recent history and generally throughout Detroit’s history. The build out included new facilities for Recycle Here! and the non-profit organization, Green Living Science.
Dreamtroit's innovative approach to placemaking fosters a sense of ownership and pride among residents, empowering them to shape the future of their neighborhood. Through public art installations, community events, and collaborative programming, the project creates spaces for connection, creativity, and cultural exchange, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community ecosystem. The space has been historically known for, and continues to host, large parties and music events, showcasing local Detroit artists, that are free for all to attend. The space also serves as a canvas for local artists to paint murals and erect other art installations for the public to enjoy. Long home to the “Recycle Here!” recycling center, retaining this historic facility was paramount to the development team as this business helped pioneer recycling in the city of Detroit.
The successful redevelopment exemplifies the transformative impact of visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, historic tax credits, and community engagement. By embracing Detroit's rich history and cultural heritage, the project honors the past while paving the way for a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable future. The Dreamtroit project stands as a testament to effective collaboration and strategic foresight, serving as a beacon of hope for the revitalization of Detroit's heritage and cultural legacy.