Detroit has its share of crumbling buildings, remnants of a once-prosperous city now struggling to recover and redefine itself among the gradual collapse of the domestic auto industry. But along Heidelberg Street on Detroit’s east side, a unique cluster of abandoned houses and vacant lots have been transformed into a colorful and playful series of installations, primarily comprised of found and discarded objects: baby dolls, a boat, old shoes and even a house covered with stuffed animals, and another with pennies. This used to be artist Tyree Guyton’s neighborhood, and now the Heidelberg Project is his beautiful/strange monster. Check out their free summer festival on August 23rd, which will showcase Motor City art, fashion and hair, along with music, poetry, and we’re guessing more pennies.

More photos after the jump…