LANSING, Mich. – Detroit is set to experience a transformation with the announcement of two major redevelopment projects supported by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The initiatives, backed by the bipartisan Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program and the Build MI Community (BMC) Grant, aim to revitalize underutilized spaces into thriving residential and commercial areas.
In the Brush Park neighborhood, two neglected parcels are slated to be developed into a vibrant residential community. Meanwhile, in Mexicantown, a vacant building will undergo a transformation into a mixed-use space, including apartments and a restaurant. Together, these projects promise a capital investment exceeding $17.5 million, breathing new life into vacant properties and adding to the community’s vibrancy.
“Support for these projects in highlights Michigan as the best place to grow and thrive,” said Governor Whitmer. “Our growing economy and ‘Make it in Michigan’ strategy that invests in people, revitalizes places, and wins projects is paying off. Our population is growing, and we’ve been ranked as a top state for opportunity and doing business. Programs like RAP help us build on this progress, attract and retain talented workers, lower costs, build housing, and enrich our communities. Let’s keep working together to get things done for our state.”
The RAP program provides essential financing for infrastructure and real estate development, while the BMC initiative focuses on turning underused spaces into dynamic areas through capital investment.
According to Michele Wildman, MEDC’s SVP of Community Planning and Development Readiness, these investments are a testament to Michigan’s broader economic strategy. “Through these investments from the Revitalization and Placemaking program and Build MI Community Grant initiative, the MEDC is supporting vibrancy and growth in the city of Detroit as part of the state’s ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy. We look forward to seeing how these developments activate vacant property, increase residential density and generate new economic activity.”
The Brush Park Project
In Brush Park, the development at 301 and 321 Edmund Place will introduce a mixed-use residential community, complete with affordable housing options. The plan includes 57 new apartments, 20% of which will be reserved for households earning no more than 80% of the Area Median Income. The entire project is set to cost approximately $15.6 million, supported by a $3.5 million RAP grant. Additionally, the ground floor will feature retail space, potentially hosting a neighborhood café.
Strategically located near Woodward Avenue, the project is within walking distance of key landmarks like Little Caesars Arena and the Detroit Medical Center. Zain Mikho, the driving force behind the development through Woodward Capital Partners, has expressed gratitude for the support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “Our development team is deeply grateful for the financial support and partnership provided by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation,” said developer Zain Mikho.
The City of Detroit is also playing a pivotal role in the project, offering local support through a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone valued at $2,647,409 and Housing Tax Incremental Financing worth $2,938,810. Moreover, the city has sold the property to the developer at a significant discount.
Amy Hovey, MSHDA CEO and Executive Director, highlighted the importance of such projects: “When we envisioned the Housing TIF program, we saw the potential for developments like 301 Edmund Place — turning underutilized sites into housing attainable for working families.”
The Mexicantown Venture
The Mexicantown neighborhood will see the rejuvenation of a two-story building at 3600 West Vernor. This mixed-use development will include four apartments and ground-floor restaurant space. Supported by a $385,000 BMC grant from the MEDC and a $1,000,000 grant from the Strategic Neighborhood Fund, the project aims to bolster local housing and retail, contributing to long-term community improvement.
Local developers Tanya Saldivar-Ali and Luis Ali, who have deep roots in southwest Detroit, are spearheading the project. “Through collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Invest Detroit, the City of Detroit Strategic Neighborhood Fund, and AGI Construction, we are proud to announce the next chapter of the historic Norteña building in Mexicantown,” said Tanya Saldivar-Ali.
Their vision emphasizes community continuity and cultural preservation, ensuring that the redevelopment aligns with the neighborhood’s authentic spirit and heritage.
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