DETROIT – Neighbors in the Old Redford area of Northwest Detroit are celebrating the transformation of some once-neglected lots into a vibrant community, thanks to the development of Orchard Village Apartments.
This new housing initiative has turned nine vacant lots into 48 affordable homes, providing new opportunities for families and businesses alike.
The $16 million investment in Orchard Village Apartments is more than just an affordable housing initiative; it represents a commitment to building a strong and viable community.
Vera Cotton, one of the first tenants at Orchard Village, expressed her excitement about the development, said, “I used to pass by here and look at the progress they were making, and I liked it. We are in the middle of everything. You know, walkable.”
The apartments, which feature rent rates starting at $525 a month, are designed to attract families to the Old Redford neighborhood.
“When you look at something like Orchard Village, it creates a different sense of community,” said Kevin Nowak, President and CEO of CHN Housing Partners. “It creates a sense of belonging.”
As the ribbon was cut on this new site, community leaders, staff from CHN Housing Partners, Detroit Blight Busters, and various funding partners gathered to celebrate the occasion.
John George, Executive Director of Detroit Blight Busters, emphasized that this initiative is about more than just affordable housing.
“It’s a community where everybody feels welcome. We want to create spaces and places that people can come and experience Detroit,” George said.
In addition to the Orchard Village development, the Old Redford area has undergone updates to its retail corridor, with new businesses relocating and plans for the multi-million-dollar Sunflower Arts Center underway.
George said, “When you have a vision for a better Detroit, you have to keep striving and driving toward that vision. And that’s what you’re seeing come to light."
Neighbors like Vera Cotton believe that this positive momentum is crucial for building a strong community.
“We need to build up our old neighborhoods,” Cotton said, highlighting the importance of revitalizing the area for future generations.
This is the first development where CHN Housing Partners is cutting the ribbon in Detroit, but the team has indicated it won’t be the last.
They have other affordable housing developments currently underway in Detroit, including a site in the Jefferson-Chalmers area.