Detroit To Restart $120M In Construction Projects

DETROIT, MI — The city is restarting more than $120 million in contruction projects that will bring over 170 affordable housing units to Detroit.

Mayor Mike Duggan announced that construction will continue on six projects across Detroit, adding more than 170 affordable units, plus shelter beds and supportive housing. Work on the combined $120 million in development, consisting of a total of 370 new units, had been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“With the governor lifting the restrictions on construction today, we are prepared to start work on some of our highest priority projects to bring more affordable housing to the city,” Duggan said. “At the same time, we will be exercising caution while ensuring the health and safety of the workers as they continue this important work.”

Contractors will be required to follow the city's coronavirus safe workplace standards, which includes testing employees, workplace distancing, mandatory use of facemasks and thorough sanitation of worksites and vehicles. The workers will receive free testing.

The projects were funded prior to the coronavirus outbreaks, meaning they will continue regardless of how the economy is impacted by the virus' fallout.

“These six developments not only bring much-needed affordable housing to the city and get construction workers earning a paycheck, but they also demonstrate the wide range of ways that the city creates affordable housing,” said Donald Rencher, director of the city's Housing and Revitalization Department. “From mixed-income to new construction to shelters and historic rehabs, our department is committed to exploring every possible avenue to provide affordable housing for our fellow Detroiters.”

Here is a breakdown of the six project resuming construction:

Parker Durand, 8003 Kercheval, at the corner of Van Dyke

Construction resumed Thursday on the $22 million development, which will bring 92 new units to West Village, 46 of which are affordable. The project is led by The Roxbury Group and is part of the Strategic Neighborhood Fund.

Sugar Hill, 119 Garfield, at the corner of John R

A mixed-income development in the heart of Midtown led by Develop Detroit. It will bring 68 new units, with 14 reserved as affordable housing for veterans. The $36.3 million project will resume construction May 11.

COTS Peterboro, 26 Peterboro, just west of Woodward

The Coalition on Temporary Shelter (COTS) will conduct a $15 million rehab of the historic Imperial Hotel in Midtown. It will offer 56 permanent supportive housing units. Work resumes May 11.

The Sanctuary, 3300 Mack, near Gratiot

MHT Housing of Bingham Farms is bringing 42 permanent supportive housing units and 63 shelter beds to the McDougall-Hunt neighborhood. Construction is slated to continue May 11.

The Marlborough, 910-1031 Marlborough

Jefferson East Inc. is rehabbing the historic Marlborough Apartments in Jefferson Chalmers as a mixed-income project with 23 units, including 12 reserved as affordable. The $5.4 million project will resume work May 11.

Midtown West, Fourth and Selden

The first phase of this $22.5 million development will see 26 mixed-income units come to Midtown, with affordable housing in the second phase of the overall project. The effort is the work of Procida Development of New York and will see construction resume May 11.