New affordable housing opens in the North End

A rehabbed apartment building and a new build are now home to 71 units of affordable housing in the North End. The project was led by Develop Detroit and Vanguard Community Development Corporation.

The $18.2 million project kicked off a year and a half ago. The 59-unit Marwood Apartments, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, now has renovated studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. Residents of the Marwood Apartments were given priority for moving back in when the building was completed, and 11 have moved back into renovated apartments with affordability guaranteed. 

Next door, the new construction includes six townhomes with attached garages, and six apartments with a community center, adding density to the formerly vacant lot.

“This project will serve as an excellent example of how inclusive development can be done,” said Develop Detroit CEO Sonya Mays. “We are proud to help build a community and work with the existing neighborhood to expand opportunities for its residents to succeed.”

All units are leasing for those making between 30 and 80 percent area median income (AMI), which works out to $19,200 to $51,200 for a family of two. 25 of the units at 30-50 percent AMI include vouchers, so residents aren't paying over 30 percent of their income on rent. 12 units are renting at 50 percent AMI, which comes out to $620 a month for a studio, $675 for a one-bedroom, and $806 for a two-bedroom. 34 units will be rented at 80 percent AMI, or $620 a month for a studio, $1,000 for a one-bedroom, and $1,319 to $1,343 for a two-bedroom.

Funding was pieced together through a number of channels, including a HOME grant, a Community Development Block Grant, funding from the CARES Act, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, MSHDA, a historic tax credit from Huntington Bank, and more.

Develop Detroit has completed multiple developments in the North End, Woodbridge, and Martin Park over the last several years, including the Freelon at Sugar Hill, opened last year.

Information for residents interested in applying for affordable housing opportunities can find out more here.