More likely a terminal loop for turning back cars on short workings. Detroit cars were single-ended, and also could haul trailers.

Streetcar 1156 has (then) modern features for passenger comfort, including hot water heat, evidenced by the smokestack above the front platform for venting a coal burning hot water heater.

Trying to make riding the streetcar attractive to people whose livelihood depended upon the vehicle which spelled doom to the streetcars.

I'm intrigued by the arrangement of trackage and overhead wire on the streetcar system. It appears that the double track line approaching the camera turns 90 degrees to exit the picture on the right, and that there is an additional loop encircling the cameraman upon which traffic can only move in a clockwise direction. Perhaps a monument or fountain?