Work has begun on a $15.5 million project to develop 50 new affordable apartment homes in Pontiac’s historic Seminole Hills district.
The project will convert the Casa Del Ray building, a Moorish-style building at 111 Oneida designed by architect Robert O’Derrick and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, into affordable housing while restoring the building to its original look and feel, the company says.
The redevelopment is enlisting the assistance of several organizations, including the state of Michigan, Oakland County, and Cinnaire, a Lansing-based organization that provides funding, loans, and other assistance to developers and nonprofits to revitalize low-income areas.
Colemen Allen, which specializes in rehabilitating blighted places in metro Detroit to high-quality, accessible, and diverse housing options, is one of the contractors for the project.
“As enthusiasts of Pontiac, we are thrilled to embark on the revitalization of Casa Del Rey, a nationally registered historic building once owned by C.L. Groesbeck,” says Ronita Coleman co-founder of Coleman Allen. “Our endeavor not only connects us to the rich history of this landmark but also charts a new course for its future, ensuring sustainable and equitable housing for generations to come. This project’s realization owes immense gratitude to the support of our community, as well as local and state government entities. We thank God for this opportunity of a lifetime.”
The project is expected to be completed by 2026.
