FARMINGTON, Mich. – Underneath a rubble of concrete and metal, leaders are bracing for what’s being hailed as ‘transformational’ to the future of Farmington.
On Monday, Aug. 19, crews continued demolishing a vacant former downtown high school to pave the way for a new housing development.
“Now, today this property will become Hillside Townes,” said Mayor Joe LaRussa in front of the site.
How is the property of a former school and training center part of a plan to address the housing shortage in Michigan?
“We have a lot of folks, especially in this missing middle who need access to units that are affordable to them,” said Hilary Doe, Chief Growth and Marketing Officer at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
“Missing middle housing” is a phrase used by some state officials to describe housing types falling between single-family homes and mid-rise apartment buildings.
So, when the opportunity arose to turn this site into townhomes, Farmington leaders jumped at the moment.
“This is our chance to attract new families,” Mayor LaRussa said. “We’re a built-out community so our land is consumed. So, we have to find opportunities when they present themselves.”
The Hillside Townes are expected to list in the mid-$300,000 range.
The state reports current trends show Michigan can expect about 20,000 additional housing units per calendar year between now and the end of 2026.
What’s happening in Farmington is just a snapshot in tackling housing needs. There’s also hope the project will boost sales for small businesses.
Construction is scheduled for later this year with the big reveal of the first units scheduled for 2025.