The story of the district
New Amsterdam in context.
Rail infrastructure around Milwaukee Junction encouraged industrial development on both sides of Woodward. New Amsterdam developed west of the avenue, with industrial buildings and commercial activity along Cass. The area’s history reaches beyond automobile assembly into the network of services and trades surrounding it.
The Cadillac Assembly Plant at 450 Amsterdam was designed by George D. Mason in 1905. The Graphic Arts Building on Burroughs, built in 1926, housed creative and production businesses. Together with other district buildings, these places show how varied industries occupied a compact part of the growing city.
Historical context: National Park Service district record and district history and references.
What to notice.
- Compare large industrial window openings with more ornamental commercial fronts.
- Look at the relationship between street access, building scale, and the movement of goods.
- Use the nomination inventory to distinguish designated buildings from nearby industrial landmarks outside the district.
Find your bearings.
Begin with the streets around Amsterdam, Burroughs, Cass, and Second. Historic industrial buildings may have different uses today; research current access separately and use the official inventory for district membership.
Explore from public streets and sidewalks. Many district buildings are private homes or workplaces; check access with the owner or operator before entering.
Is every industrial building near New Amsterdam part of the district?
No. The designation identifies specific properties. Nearby industrial landmarks and the separate Piquette Avenue district belong to the broader story but should not automatically be treated as part of New Amsterdam.
