Historic Detroit Library Reopens As Police Precinct

A century-old building in northwest Detroit, originally meant for demolition, is now the latest Detroit police station. Once a library, the structure has found new life as the Eighth Precinct Community Annex.

The old Redford Branch Library on West McNichols Road has been reinvented. It’s now the Eighth Precinct Community Annex, home base for the Detroit PD’s neighborhood police officers. These officers answer calls that aren’t quite emergencies, so they can keep the peace and order in town.

The old building, which has stood strong since 1925, will not be restricted to police use only. The community can also use it for events and gatherings. Renovation to make this possible started back in 2019.

The current Eighth Precinct site opened its doors again in 2017 after being closed for 12 years due to police department restructuring. The mayor of the city said at the opening ceremony that he had promised to reopen the precinct during his election campaign.

“One way or another, I vowed to bring back the Eighth Precinct here in northwest Detroit,” he said. “And we did!” he said proudly at the ceremony.

Detroit started using this building as the Redford Branch Library back in 1925 when a part of Redford Township got included in the city limits. It was closed in 1971 and briefly reopened as an African American history museum before closing again in the 1990s. The building was sold in 2010 as a package deal along with the former Redford High School complex.

According to city officials, the plan was to demolish the building and use the space as a parking lot for the Eighth Precinct’s main building. But, thanks to the efforts of the City Council President, who stepped up to preserve the building, its impressive architecture was saved from destruction.

“It was obvious to us and the community that a building as beautiful as this one should not be demolished,” he said. “We knew that saving it wouldn’t be easy, and yes, it took time. Important things always do.”

The police chief, along with various high-ranking officers, and the president of the College Park Community Association, attended the ceremony too. The president is a retired social worker who has been a passionate spokesman for the people.

During the 12 years when the Eighth Precinct was merged with the Sixth Precinct, the residents kept their spirits up. They remained hopeful that the Eighth would reopen. “We’ve been waiting for a long, long time,” she said. “It’s crucial to have people in the community who act and ensure things go the right way.”