August has been a busy month for development stories beyond 8 Mile. Here are a few of the stories we've been reading.
Attention turns to Pontiac
Revitalization efforts are underway in Pontiac (above). Oakland County has purchased two office towers in downtown Pontiac, with plans to relocate the parking garage, create more public green space, remove the Phoenix Center, and reopen Saginaw Street. The plan also calls for renovating the former GM building and bringing 600 employees into the building. The State is pitching in $50 million for the project, which will come in around $120-130 million. Additional funding will come from the American Rescue Plan and various tax incentives. The Oakland Press
New LGBTQ+ inclusive housing breaks ground in Ferndale
Construction is underway on a long-planned housing development in Ferndale. The Shepherd House will have 53 one- and two-bedroom affordable apartments, inclusive for older members of the LGBTQ+ community. The development is just a few blocks west of Woodward at 9 Mile and Paxton. Full Circle Communities, who worked on the Ruth Ellis Center in Detroit, is developing the project. It should be completed in fall of 2024. The Detroit News
Affordable housing for Ann Arbor
A new development in Ann Arbor will bring nearly 300 "affordable" apartments to the area. Haverhill on Clark broke ground this week, led by developer Lockwood Companies. Located in Pittsfield Township, the new development will have two four-story buildings with amenities like electric vehicle charging stations, a fitness center, a swimming pool, and an outdoor lounge. The $76 million development received low income housing tax credits, and the apartments will be for residents making 40-60% Area Median Income ($73,276 in Ann Arbor). Rents will range from $809 for a one-bedroom to $1,558 for a three-bedroom, one-bath apartment. The development is expected to be completed in spring of 2025. Crain's Detroit Business
ICYMI the old Kmart headquarters in Troy will be demoed. The sprawling offices across from Somerset have been vacant for years.
