Detroit, MI (September 18, 2024). Read the press release from the Detroit Mayor's office here.
Mayor Mike Duggan, members of Detroit City Council, LISC Detroit, and developers Central Detroit Christian Community Development Corporation and 360 Detroit celebrated the start of rehab construction on eight vacant duplexes and one 4-plex in Detroit’s Virginia Park neighborhood. The development, “West Euclid Gateway”, will bring another 20 units of brand-new affordable multifamily housing to Detroit.
West Euclid Gateway is part of a multi-phase revitalization effort by Central Detroit Christian and 360 Detroit near the Herman Keifer development area, which has seen $30 million in investment including 15 nearby single-family housing rehabilitation projects.
“Thanks to our funders and the Detroit Housing for the Future Fund, we can continue building a city where people of all income levels are able to live in any neighborhood."
- Mayor Duggan
“West Euclid Gateway is bringing much-needed affordable multifamily housing to the area,” said Mayor Duggan. “Thanks to our funders and the Detroit Housing for the Future Fund, we can continue building a city where people of all income levels are able to live in any neighborhood. These properties will bring life back to the community and provide quality affordable family housing in a neighborhood that is starting to see a lot of new investment.”
When complete, the West Euclid Gateway will feature 20 fully renovated two-bedroom, one-bath units, ranging in size from 1,000 (four-plex) to 1,200 (duplexes) square feet. Each unit will include a new kitchen, a dedicated laundry area with washer/dryer hookups, and basements.
Each unit will be available to residents making at or below 60% AMI, with affordability guaranteed for 11 years. Residents will be connected to neighborhood amenities including the Joseph Walker Williams Recreation Center, Henry Ford Health System, and more.
CDC is a non-profit, faith-based organization committed to empowering people and creating positive opportunities for the community. Lisa Johnson, founder & executive director of CDC, and her team have made a concentrated effort to meet the needs of the low to moderate-income population, so far renovating 244 units of housing and building 9 new homes. “The transformation we are seeing and will continue to see as housing units come on line is amazing,” says Lisa. “We are bringing vacant and abandoned housing back to life.”
360 Detroit, Inc. was founded with a vision of a cohesive community, inspired by the vibrant history of the Virginia Park neighborhood. While the organization’s work initially stemmed from the vision of one man, George Adams, Jr., and the support of a small group, it has since evolved into a collaborative, community-driven effort.
“In 2014, my neighbor and I took it upon ourselves to board up several properties on W. Euclid that were open, vacant, and hazardous,” said George. “Nearly a decade later, we now have the opportunity to be part of their revitalization—an effort that will reshape the neighborhood and leave a lasting impact for generations to come.”
Through volunteer-powered initiatives and impactful community engagement events, 360 Detroit, Inc. has partnered with residents to revitalize neighborhoods, one project at a time. The organization’s unwavering commitment is to foster connections, build trust, and sustain meaningful engagement for the long-term benefit of the community.
Funding from DHFF, LISC Detroit, MSHDA, Gilbert Family Foundation
West Euclid Gateway was made possible by the support from LISC Detroit, the Detroit Housing for the Future Fund (DHFF), the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), and the Gilbert Family Foundation.
"Our mission at the Gilbert Family Foundation is to drive inclusive growth and opportunity within Detroit's neighborhoods," said Darnell Adams, Vice President of Detroit Community Initiatives, Gilbert Family Foundation. "This project supports that goal by creating more long-term affordable housing in a rapidly growing neighborhood and supporting two vital neighborhood nonprofits.”
In addition to supporting the current phase of the West Euclid Gateway project, the Gilbert Family Foundation previously contributed to phase one, which involved the renovation of single-family homes and duplexes in Detroit’s Virginia Park neighborhood. This phase created new affordable homeownership opportunities and rental units, aligned with the Foundation’s broader goal of fostering inclusive neighborhood development in Detroit.
LISC Detroit and DHFF’s investment allows the development to provide housing to residents in an area impacted by disinvestment. DHFF, a private investment fund aimed at directing capital to creating new and preserving existing affordable housing in Detroit, is anchored by a $15 million commitment from JPMorgan Chase of the fund’s total $58 million raise and a $10 million guarantee from The Kresge Foundation. Steady in its mission to provide funding and innovative solutions to increase long-term quality affordable housing for all Detroiters, LISC Detroit & DHFF continues to support affordable housing and a valuable resource to tackling housing inequality.
“DHFF and LISC Detroit are expanding affordable housing options for Detroiters, and the West Euclid Gateway project is a prime example of what can be achieved through partnerships,”
- Michael T. Pugh, President & CEO of LISC.
“DHFF and LISC Detroit are expanding affordable housing options for Detroiters, and the West Euclid Gateway project is a prime example of what can be achieved through partnerships,” said Michael T. Pugh, President & CEO of LISC. “By aligning private capital with community organizations, we’re creating quality, affordable housing and driving sustainable growth in historically underserved neighborhoods. This project reflects our commitment to inclusive development, ensuring Detroit remains a city where residents of all income levels can thrive.”
“MSHDA is proud to support the West Euclid Gateway project with a Missing Middle Housing Program grant,” said Chad Benson, Development Director at MSHDA. “This initiative is a prime example of how targeted investments in housing can drive revitalization in Detroit's neighborhoods, providing affordable, quality homes for residents while contributing to the broader community's growth. We're excited to see these vacant buildings transformed into a source of stability and opportunity for families."
DHFF is managed by LISC Fund Management, LLC, a subsidiary of Local Initiatives Support Corporation. LISC Detroit sources and originates loans for DHFF. DHFF is a part of the larger Affordable Housing Leverage Fund, which is an initiative with the City of Detroit’s Housing & Revitalization Department and MSHDA. Including West Euclid Gateway, the DHFF has now funded 16 projects totaling 438 new or preserved affordable units in the city.
To learn more about the Detroit Housing for the Future Fund, click here.
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