DETROIT – An area of Southwest Detroit that’s seeing signs of change has neighbors buzzing about some new development.
Construction crews are turning ground at 5800 Michigan Avenue. They are preparing to build the new Campbell Street Apartments.
The $18 million investment will bring 39 affordable housing units to this community in its first phase.
“I’ve got a couple of buddies that work construction,” said Juan Santana. “They’re saying it’s going to be a better environment. It’s going to have a lot of housing for a lot of people.”
The Campbell Street Apartments is a mixed-use development that will feature one to three-bedroom units. The developer, MiSide Community Impact Network, said it will be targeting tenants who’ve experienced homelessness and other housing challenges.
With the help of a housing voucher program through its partners with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, no resident will pay more than 30% of their income on rent.
“It brings new opportunity, for not just the people that are living there, but for the people that are out here living their life, so they can explore what’s going on,” Santana said.
The affordable housing apartment complex is being built on a brownfield site that’s been vacant for three decades.
“We are now approaching 10,000 affordable housing units,” said Mayor Mike Duggan during the groundbreaking event.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy approved a multi-million-dollar grant to help remove more than 20-thousand tons of soil so safe development could happen here.
“We see a need for affordable housing, also, and more jobs in the community,” said neighbor Mari Bourdon.
She hopes a project like this could also spark more economic development, potentially attracting more businesses to the area.
“There are lots of people in the community, but there’s not a lot of work for them,” Bourdon said. “So, a lot of people in the community, they have to leave out of the community, just to get a job.”
Developers said The Campbell Street Apartments will be impressive. Each home will have quartz countertops, stainless steel, hardwood floors, and other attractive features.
The momentum will not stop with Phase 1. An additional 40 apartment units are planned for Phase 2, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.