Highland Park demo raises questions as to what’s next for the site

For over two decades the vacant Roselawn Apartments sat in disarray serving as a reminder of what Highland Park used to be.

The multi-unit building completed in 1927 served residents of the city seeking opulence and the finer things in life. Slogans such as “Roselawn Apartments – A Delightful Place To Live” reinforced the notion of luxury. Catering to nurses, doctors, and teachers Roselawn Apartments established itself as the place to live.

However, the 1980s brought on a series of challenges for the building. The city saw Ford sell off its Historic Highland Park plant in 1981.. Six years later Chrysler would start preparing to leave. A rapidly changing Industrial landscape mixed with the city’s demographics changing created the perfect storm for The Roselawn Apartments to ultimately become vacant by the close of the 90’s. With many units’ having asbestos issues, the only option was to bring the building down. 

The week of April 20, local residents gathered to watch as demolition crews from Adamo Group brought down the structure. As the scene unfolded spectators expressed mixed feelings.

“It’s so sad. Highland Park used to be such a wonderful place,” longtime Highland Park resident Uline Smith said.

Though overall feelings were generally positive, residents expressed concerns about a nonprofit financing the project, citing Highland Park’s lack of funds to support it.

Ronald Thomas Reed, another longtime resident, pointed out the need for more housing but also stated the city needs to do more to bring in employers so that those residents have a place to work.

“If you want people to move into the city, create employment opportunities,” Reed said.

The Roselawn Apartment building is the latest notable structure in Highland Park to be demolished joining the Highland Towers and others as the city makes way for a renewal.

Nadeem Siddiqi, Chief Administrative Officer for Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency who also controls the site said their goal is to redevelop the area into places for residents to gather. Plans for community centers and green space are being considered. 

Community input is welcomed. Reach out to Wayne Metropolitan by phone at (313)388-9799 or they can be reached via email at wmconnectcenter@waynemetro.org.

Editor’s Note: This story was updated to include formal comment from Chief Administrative Officer Nadeem Siddiqi of Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency. May 19, 2026.