july 17, 2021

The Historic Detroit 6thPrecinct, also known as the McGraw Precinct, operated from 1931 until 2005 when the current location closed and was relocated, along with the 8thPrecinct, just 15 minutes Northwest to Warwick Street. It has been featured on the Travel Channel’s Most Terrifying Places, Haunted Case Files, and investigated by Nick Groff for his show, Nick Groff Investigates.

The current owner, Ed Steele, states “construction…started on June 19th, 1930 and it was designed by the Detroit-based architectural firm of Van Leyen, Schilling, & Keough…” and replaced the Vinewood Precinct House. It is reported that the area had many Polish-American families that had been living in the same houses for generations and who most likely worked at the Kelsey-Hayes Wheel Plant, which is nearby.

In the early 1980’s, prostitution started to become an issue in the area. To combat the growing problem, the “Morality Unit” was established to assist in inspecting the operations of businesses with liquor license. In 1982, the community joined together and created “6thPrecinct Fun Day”, which was a summer youth program and attracted hundred of youngsters from all areas of Detroit. During the 1990’s, it was home to the Detroit Police Gang Squad.

The precinct has been involved with several historic events that has taken place in Detroit

• December 1936—UAW strike at the Kelsey-Hayes Wheel Plant
• June 20, 1943—Detroit Race Riots

       https://detroithistorical.org/learn/encyclopedia-ofdetroit/race-riot-1943

• July 23rd, 1967—Uprising of 1967 and/or Detroit Rebellion of 1967 https://detroithistorical.org/learn/encyclopedia-of-detroit/uprising-1967
• 1992—Beating death of Malice Green by two DPD officers occurred in the 6th Precincts district