State to Support Three Housing Development Projects in Detroit

The Michigan Economic Development Corp. announced that the state will be supporting three revitalization projects to bring new housing and economic growth to three Detroit neighborhoods, expected to generate a total capital investment of $33 million.
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The Michigan Economic Development Corp. announced support for three housing development projects in Detroit, meeting housing needs and spurring economic growth. // Courtesy of MEDC
The Michigan Economic Development Corp. announced support for three housing development projects in Detroit, meeting housing needs and spurring economic growth. // Courtesy of MEDC

The Michigan Economic Development Corp. announced that the state will be supporting three revitalization projects to bring new housing and economic growth to three Detroit neighborhoods, expected to generate a total capital investment of $33 million.

The Brush 8 Townhomes project will include a three-story multifamily building on two vacant sites in the Brush Park neighborhood of Detroit. It will consist of eight for-sale residential townhomes, a rooftop terrace, penthouse, garden, and alleyway improvements. It also includes upgrades to public infrastructure such as curbs, gutters, and paving the public alley.

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $4.8 million and will reactivate vacant property into a contextually appropriate building that will provide needed housing in the neighborhood.

The City of Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority has received MSF approval of $29,220 in state tax capture for the reimbursement of brownfield remediation activities. The city is supporting the project through the approval of the local tax capture, valued at $201,145. The development team is also seeking a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone tax abatement that would apply to future residents of the property.

“The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) is committed to supporting Detroit-based and minority-owned development firms. We’re excited to support City Growth Partners, and its Brush 8 Townhomes development,” says Kenyetta Bridges, executive vice president of economic development and investment services at the DEGC. “The project will redevelop vacant and previously contaminated land to provide new, high-quality and design-forward residential opportunities for Detroit’s Brush Park neighborhood.”

The 1727 Merrick Redevelopment Project will include the construction of three three-story townhome buildings in the Woodbridge neighborhood near downtown Detroit. When completed, the project will consist of 23 for-sale townhomes and public infrastructure improvements including sidewalks, a public pocket park, bike infrastructure, and onsite underground stormwater management system.

It is expected to generate a total capital investment of $7.1 million. The project will transform unused land into a development that will drive economic activity and contribute to the vitality and density of the neighborhood. It will also move tax-reverted Detroit Land Bank property back to productive use that generates tax base for the community.

“The Detroit Economic Growth Corp. is proud to support the redevelopment of the vacant 1727 Merrick site in Detroit’s Woodbridge neighborhood,” says Bridges. “The new construction will provide attainable homeownership opportunities for Detroit residents and families, which aligns with DEGC’s mission to provide inclusive economic opportunities within the communities we serve.”

The 3700 Trumbull Redevelopment Project will include the construction of 65 new, for-sale market-rate townhomes on 11 parcels in the Woodbridge area of Detroit. It will include public improvements such as storm water management features, installation of streetlights, sidewalks, landscaping, and creation of a community commons area connecting Scripps Park and Rose Dog Park that will be accessible to the public.

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $20.9 million. It will also provide needed workforce housing options immediately adjacent to an employment center and serve as a catalyst for further economic growth in the surrounding commercial district.

The City of Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority has received MSF approval of $192,481 in state tax capture for the reimbursement of eligible activities. The city of Detroit is supporting the project through the approval of local tax capture, and it is anticipated that the city will approve a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone tax abatement valued at $6.4 million.

“These three development projects reflect our continued focus on supporting innovative placemaking efforts in communities throughout the state that lays the foundation for long-term economic wins and greater opportunity for Michiganders,” says Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of MEDC and president and chair of the MSF Board.

“By focusing on traditional neighborhoods and increasing much-needed housing options, we are working with our local partners in Detroit to establish vibrant, unique places that residents and visitors will enjoy.”