A Landmark With Nearly a Century of Stories

Castle Rouge was built in 1928 in what is now known as the Castle Rouge neighborhood — a name inspired by this striking building and its proximity to the Rouge River. Over the years, the building has served as a spiritual retreat, an unrealized educational campus, and a haven for reflection and community. Today, it’s being reimagined for the future.

Timeline of Castle Rouge

Castle Rouge was originally constructed by the Catholic Passionist Fathers as the St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center. Construction began in 1928 and was completed in 1930, creating a quiet sanctuary surrounded by nature for reflection and prayer.
In the mid-1990s, there were plans to convert the building into a charter school for at-risk youth. However, the project was eventually abandoned due to the significant cost of repairs needed to bring the structure up to code.
The building found new life as the St. Andrew House Retreat Center, operated by St. Raphael of Brooklyn Orthodox Church, under the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate. For over a decade, it served as a space for spiritual retreats, gatherings, and hospitality.
In 2024, Castle Rouge was purchased with a bold new vision:
To become the future home of the Detroit Training Center (DTC) and a hub for workforce development, sustainability, and community gatherings.
Renovations are underway to stabilize, preserve, and reimagine this historic space — blending its legacy with a forward-thinking mission.