$250 Million to Support 1,117 New Homes Statewide

April 4, 2024

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Gov. Whitmer Announces $250 Million to Support 1,117 New Homes Statewide

Latest 9% awards advance Statewide Housing Plan through 22 investments in communities from Detroit to Escanaba

LANSING, Mich.  – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) in announcing significant new investments through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) awarded to 22 new construction and rehabilitation housing projects in 14 communities across the state.

“Housing is about so much more than a roof over your head—it’s the foundation for success at school, work, and in the community,” said Governor Whitmer. “These investments will create more than a thousand new homes, expanding supply and driving down costs for working class Michiganders. This year, we are working together to make the largest investment to build housing in Michigan history, driven by our simple philosophy of ‘build, baby, build’. Building more affordable housing also creates thousands of good-paying jobs in the trades for pipefitters, carpenters, bricklayers, and roofers. Let’s keep leading the way on housing.”

LIHTCs are federal tax credits administered through MSHDA following a competitive application process. Developers who receive Low-Income Housing Tax Credits can claim credit against their tax liability annually for up to 10 years. This 9% LIHTC round is awarding $25,065,677 of tax credits, with a total value over the next 10 years of about $250 million. The 22 projects will create 100 permanent jobs, support 1,473 temporary jobs, and generate a total development investment of over $300 million. The projects include at least 1,117 new rental homes, 1,056 of which will be affordable.

“These investments will drive our state forward toward another record-setting year in the construction and rehabilitation of new homes for Michiganders,” said Tony Lentych, MSHDA Chief Housing Investment Officer. “We will continue moving quickly with solutions, but we can’t do it alone. We’re grateful to our partners in development and construction for making these deals happen, helping build communities our neighbors are proud to call home.”

“This is incredibly welcome news for our community. All across our region in Northern Michigan, there is a lack of affordable housing, which has wide-ranging impacts on our local workforce and economy. That’s why expanding our affordable housing stock has been one of my top priorities while in office,” said state Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City). “I’ve introduced legislation alongside my colleagues that would help MSHDA create more opportunities for people across Michigan to find a home they can afford. The awards announced today are just the beginning.”

“Access to affordable housing in Flint is crucial, and with this announcement by the governor, new investments are on the way, making it happen,” said state Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint). “This opportunity will liven up the historic Marian Hall, the 43 new units will become cozy homes for those who need them. Affordable housing throughout Michigan is in dire demand, and I’m glad there is an opportunity to help address that need in my community.”

“Developing new housing options of all types is critical to the growth and overall success of our community. Housing costs are the largest part of most household budgets, and we know that Michigan renters spend more than a third of their paycheck on their rent alone,” said state Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming). “Today’s announcement will help to bring quality, financially accessible housing to many in our community, helping attract talented people to the area, create new businesses, and build a community people love to be a part of.”

“Investments in housing are investments in a community’s heart and soul, and I commend Gov. Whitmer and MSHDA for their dedication to addressing the housing needs of Michiganders. The $700,000 investment in Elmtree Ewald 3 is a lifeline for my constituents, making sure our community members can find homes and build brighter futures,” said state Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit). “Affordable housing isn’t just about roofs; it’s about stability, opportunity and dignity. I’m proud to support efforts that make Detroit stronger and more inclusive, where anyone who calls our city home has a place here.”

“People all across the state deserve affordable housing; they deserve options; they deserve pathways to ownership; and more,” said state Rep. Will Snyder (D-Muskegon). “These grants will create good-paying jobs, help seniors live independently and help people afford their own place. I’m excited for what this means for Muskegon. The State is demonstrating that affordable housing should be treated as a necessity, not a luxury.

“After years of hard work by many strong Battle Creek partners, families finally can begin rediscovering the Kalamazoo River waterfront,” said state Rep. Jim Haadsma (D- Battle Creek). “This housing plan along with the re-naturalization of the nearby concrete channel means families will be living, working and shopping in the area again soon.”

LIHTC AWARD RECIPIENTS:

Allen Crossing, Muskegon – Credit Award: $1,466,874

This project is being developed by Spire Development, Inc, the Muskegon Housing Commission and Little River Development, Inc and will create 45 units of affordable housing in Muskegon for older adults. Eight of these units will carry project-based rental assistance from the Muskegon Housing Commission. In addition, 15% of the units will carry a preference for older adult households with tenant-based rental assistance. The project is expected to create two permanent and 68 temporary jobs.

Meadowbrook Apartments, Escanaba – Credit Award: $366,100

This project is being developed by UPCAP Services, Inc. and Cove Investments, LLC and will rehabilitate 32 units of existing housing in Escanaba. All 32 units carry rental assistance from the USDA Rural Development. The project is expected to create two permanent and 51 temporary jobs.

Shea Ravines, Wyoming – Credit Award: $1,650,000

This project is being developed by Woda Cooper Development, Inc.  and Cherry Street Services, Inc and will transform land near Cherry Health in Wyoming into 56 units of affordable housing. Twenty of these units will be set-aside for supportive housing with vouchers from the Grand Rapids Housing Commission. Fifteen percent of the units at the project will carry a preference for households with tenant-based rental assistance. The project is expected to create two permanent and 62 temporary jobs.

Brewster Wheeler I, Detroit – Credit Award: $1,489,900

This project is being developed by MHT Housing, Inc. and Kirsten’s Touch and will construct 53 units of affordable housing; it is the first phase of a multi-phase development that re-develops the Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center site. Eight of these units will receive vouchers from the Detroit Housing Commission. Fifteen percent of the units at the project will carry a preference for households with tenant-based rental assistance. The project is expected to create two permanent and 75 temporary jobs.

Brewster Wheeler II, Detroit – Credit Award: $1,489,900

This project is being developed by MHT Housing, Inc. and Kirsten’s Touch and will construct 53 units of affordable housing; it is the second phase of a multi-phase development that redevelops the Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center site. Eight of these units will receive vouchers from the Detroit Housing Commission. Fifteen percent of the units at the project will carry a preference for households with tenant-based rental assistance. The project is expected to create two permanent and 75 temporary jobs.

Brewster Wheeler III, Detroit – Credit Award:

$1,489,900 This project is being developed by MHT Housing, Inc. and Kirsten’s Touch and will construct 53 units of affordable housing; it is the third phase of a multi-phase development that redevelops the Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center site. Eight of these units will receive vouchers from the Detroit Housing Commission. Fifteen percent of the units at the project will carry a preference for households with tenant-based rental assistance. The project is expected to create two permanent and 75 temporary jobs.

Wills Manor, Marysville – Credit Award: $1,489,497

This project is being developed by Cove Investments and the Marysville Housing Commission and will construct 48 units of elderly affordable housing. Eighteen of these units will receive vouchers from the Port Huron Housing Commission and five of these units will be mixed-finance public housing units undergoing the Faircloth-to-RAD process. Fifteen percent of the units at the project will carry a preference for households with tenant-based rental assistance. The project is expected to create two permanent and 117 temporary jobs.

Elmtree Ewald 3, Detroit – Credit Award: $700,000

This project is being developed by Ginosko Development Company and Century Partners LLC and will rehabilitate 67 units of affordable housing. Thirty-five of these units will receive project-based rental assistance with the preservation of a current Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that is currently in jeopardy of being terminated. The project is expected to create 29 temporary jobs during the construction period.

The Bridge II, Detroit – Credit Award: $1,650,000

This project is being developed by The Community Builders, Inc and Tribe Development Holdings LLC and will construct 31 units of affordable housing and 11 units of market-rate housing in the 9% phase and will construct 66 units in the 4% phase. Eight of these units in the 9% phase will receive vouchers from the Detroit Housing Commission. Fifteen percent of the units at the project will carry a preference for households with tenant-based rental assistance.  This development is in a Choice Neighborhood. The project is expected to create eight permanent and 100 temporary jobs.

Clarendon Glen, Clare – Credit Award: $264,088

This project is being developed by CRA Development Group, LLC and Cove Investments and will preserve 24 units of affordable housing. The development will feature 12 one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom units targeted to residents at or below 60% Area Median Income (AMI). Of the 24 units, 15 will receive project-based vouchers through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rental Assistance program. Additionally, at least 15% of the available units at the development will carry a preference for households with tenant-based rental assistance. The development is expected to create 39 temporary jobs during the construction phase.

East Bay Flats, Traverse City – Credit Award: $788,000

This project is being developed by Goodwill of Northern Michigan and TJ Acquisitions and will create 64 units of Permanent Supportive Housing. The development will feature 13 studio and 51 one-bedroom units. Each unit will receive rental assistance from MSHDA and will target clientele to include persons meeting HUD category 1 or 4 homelessness definition and are in the top 10% of the Local CoC Prioritized List. Construction of the project is expected to create 52 temporary jobs with an additional 14 permanent jobs created once the project is completed.

Village North II, Gladwin – Credit Award: $785,000

This project is being developed by DeShano Development Corporation and is the second phase of the Village North project. This second phase will create 29 new units of affordable housing in the City of Gladwin. The development will feature one, one-bedroom and 22 two-bedroom units; as well as six three-bedroom townhouses. These units will be targeted to residents earning below 60% (AMI) with seven units reserved for tenants earning below 30% AMI and one unit reserved for a tenant earning below 20% AMI.  The project is expected to create local construction jobs during its development.

VOA St. Mary, Detroit – Credit Award: $1,650,000

This project is being developed by Volunteers of America Michigan and Cove Investments, LLC. The project is an adaptive reuse of the historic St. Mary of Redford Catholic Church School Building to create 44 units of Permanent Supportive Housing. This project is the 9% LIHTC phase of a combined 4%/9% LIHTC project. The 4% LIHTC phase is expected to create an additional 17 units of supportive housing for a total of 66 units. The overall project will feature nine studio, 48 one-bedroom and four two-bedroom units. The 9% phase of the project will feature 34 units of rental assistance from MSHDA and the remaining 10 units will feature HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) rental assistance. Development of the project is expected to create 1.5 permanent and 146 temporary jobs.

Whispering Pines II Apartments, Pinconning – Credit Award: $169,710

This project is being developed by DeShano Development Corporation and is the second phase of the Whispering Pines Apartments project. This second phase will preserve 16 units of affordable housing. The development will feature eight one-bedroom and eight two-bedroom units targeted to residents at or below 60% AMI. Of the 16 units, 10 will receive project-based vouchers through the USDA Rental Assistance program. The project is expected to create several temporary jobs during the construction period.

West Shore Apartments, Whitehall – Credit Award: $559,409

This project is being developed by Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids and Little River Development LLC and will rehabilitate 48 units of affordable housing in Whitehall. Forty-two of the units will receive project-based rental assistance with the preservation of the USDA RD units while additional units will carry a preference for households with tenant-based rental assistance. The development is expected to create 59 temporary jobs during the construction phase.

Lofts of Muskegon, Muskegon – Credit Award: $1,650,000

This project is being developed by Pivotal Development LLC, Muskegon Housing Commission, and Little River Development LLC and will create 46 units of affordable housing in Muskegon. Eight of these units will receive project-based rental assistance from the Muskegon Housing Commission. Fifteen percent of the units at the project will carry a preference for households with tenant-based rental assistance. An estimated 125 to 175 temporary construction jobs and two permanent jobs will be created by this development.

Blue Light, Battle Creek – Credit Award: $1,650,000

This project is being developed by Edison Community Partners, LLC and will create 48 affordable as well as 48 market rate units in Battle Creek. A minimum of 15% of the units will be reserved for households that receive tenant-based rental assistance. This is a strategic first phase of multiple planned phases of development to support several local plans for revitalization in Battle Creek. Approximately 80 temporary construction jobs and 25 permanent jobs are expected to be created by this development.

Riverview Flats, Owosso – Credit Award: $1,500,000

This project is being developed by Venture, Inc, Capital Area Development, LLC, and Cove Investments, LLC and will create 53 units of affordable housing in Owosso. Eight of these units will receive project-based rental assistance from the Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership. Fifteen percent of the units will be prioritized for use by households receiving tenant-based rental assistance. An estimated 85 temporary construction jobs and 23 permanent jobs will be created by this development.

Kalrecovery, Kalamazoo – Credit Award: $1,214,700  This project is being developed by Edison Community Partners, LLC and will create 46 units of affordable housing in Kalamazoo. All 46 affordable units are designated as supportive housing with vouchers from MSHDA. An additional two units will be constructed for support staff to reside on-site. The supportive housing will be set-aside as recovery housing; taking tenant referrals from Michigan’s problem-solving court system which provides alternatives to imprisonment for nonviolent criminal offenders with substance use disorders and mental illnesses. Approximately 83 temporary construction jobs and six permanent jobs are expected to be created by this development.

Jefferson Avenue, Detroit – Credit Award: $1,650,000  This project is a collaboration between CHN Housing partners and TRIBE Development, two entities committed to creating positive change in the community. It entails the construction of 52 affordable housing units in Detroit. Eight units will be supported by project-based vouchers from the Detroit Housing Commission, while 15% of the units will be preferred for households with tenant-based rental subsidies. The contractors intend to employ 75 temporary employees during the project’s construction period. Two permanent positions will be created after construction.

Marian Hall, Flint – Credit Award: $1,167,417   A collaboration between Communities First, Inc. and North Flint Development LLC, this project is an adaptive reuse that will turn the historic Marian Hall building into 43 new affordable units. Seven units will be supported by project-based vouchers from the Flint Housing Commission, and at least 15% of the units carrying a preference for households with tenant-based rental assistance. The contractors intend to employ 51 temporary employees during the project’s renovation. After construction, there will be four permanent positions.

Bridgeview III, Detroit – Credit Award: $234,861  This project is a joint venture between the Church of the Messiah Housing Corporation and Capital Area Housing Partnership. It involves rehabilitating 22 units of scattered-site housing. Bridgeview III has set aside four units for households with tenant-based assistance who receive referrals from the local or housing agency in the municipality or county. This project will create 28 temporary jobs during the renovation period.