2 affordable housing developments break ground in Midtown, Brush Park

The city broke ground today on two affordable housing developments, this time in two of the more expensive neighborhoods of the city – Midtown and Brush Park. MLK on 2nd and Brush Park Apartments will bring 86 new apartments to the neighborhood.

MHT Housing Inc. is leading both of the projects. The $15 million Brush Park Apartments are located at the corner of Brush and Winder (close to City Modern) and will have 53 apartments and 3,800 square feet of commercial space. The four-story building will have three studios and 50 one-bedroom apartments. 10 units are coming in at 30 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), 20 at 40 percent AMI, and 20 at or below 80 percent.

“MHT is proud to be able to provide high quality, affordable units in neighborhoods that are experiencing tremendous growth,” said Van Fox, president of MHT Housing. “Brush Park Apartments and MLK on Second are creating homes where lower-income Detroiters can have access to amenities and neighborhoods where they otherwise might not have been able to afford to live in quality housing.”

The Brush Park Apartments are funded through a combination of a 9 percent Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) allocation from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority last year, financing from Bedrock, a construction loan from Fifth Third Bank, and tax credit equity from CVS Health and CREA.

“Social determinants of health have a major impact on health outcomes, especially for historically marginalized communities,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, vice president and chief health equity officer at CVS Health. “That’s why addressing social determinants such as housing is an important part of CVS Health’s overall health equity strategy. By helping to provide affordable housing in communities like Detroit, we are giving people an opportunity to live healthier and helping to make a meaningful and lasting impact on their lives.”

About a mile away, the $9.5 million MLK on 2nd will have 33 one-bedroom apartments and 1,000 square feet of retail space along MLK Boulevard.

All units will be for those earning 60 percent AMI or less. 12 apartments will be leased for those making 40 percent AMI, and 5.apartments will have residents receiving Project-Based Vouchers through the Detroit Housing Commission, so residents won't pay more than 30 percent of their income. MHT will also cover utilities for some of the residents.

Both developments are expected to open in 2024.