Detroit Dry Dock Works
Some notable industrial buildings are getting a new lease on life too. Detroit's waterfront was once a bustling industrial center, manufacturing stoves, train cars, and steamships. From 1867 to 1929, the Detroit Dry Dock Works built and repaired steamships that traversed the Great Lakes at their plant off on Atwater and Orleans Streets. After changing hands several times, the plant was abandoned in the 1980's. By 2007, all that remained of the vacant complex was five interconnected machine shops and a foundry.
Today, part of the engine works is being renovated into an adventure and education center for the state Department of Natural Resources. The $12.8 million dollar project will include classrooms, a multi-story climbing wall, kayaking simulator, and historic resources about the state's lesser-known industries. The center will also connect two major greenways – the Detroit Riverwalk, and the Dequindre Cut Trail.
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