A New Chapter for Pontiac: Developers Break Ground on Casa Del Rey Apartments

Pontiac witnessed a historic moment as developers Gregory and Ronita Coleman broke ground on the Casa Del Rey Apartments redevelopment project. This $15.5 million initiative will transform a century-old building into 50 affordable homes. Located at 111 Oneida Street in the Seminole Hills district, the project addresses Pontiac’s growing need for accessible housing.

The building, originally designed by Robert O’Derrick and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has long been a symbol of Pontiac’s history. Its redevelopment merges historic preservation with a commitment to creating housing for families. Gregory and Ronita Coleman, both Pontiac natives and General Motors executives, are leading the project through their firm, Coleman Allen LLC. They bring a deep connection to the community and a clear vision for its future.

“This project began over a cup of coffee,” said Ronita Coleman. She credited Jill Robinson of the Oakland County Land Bank Authority for helping her bring the idea to life. “Today, that dream is taking root at 111 Oneida. This is no solo effort—it’s a testament to the power of collaboration.”

The Colemans have emphasized that this redevelopment project extends beyond housing. Gregory Coleman described their mission as a commitment to community growth and empowerment. “This project represents resilience and hope for the City of Pontiac. Our mission goes beyond creating homes—we aim to uplift communities and inspire future generations to carry this work forward.”

The project involves collaboration with multiple partners, including the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), IFF, and others. These partnerships have ensured that the project has the resources and guidance needed to succeed.

Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel expressed gratitude for the Colemans’ leadership. “We are fortunate to have the Colemans, who have chosen Pontiac to invest in and bring this historic building back to its former glory. This project reflects the collaboration required to revitalize our city and honor its rich history.”

Ronita Coleman participated in the WE Build program, a platform that supports women-led real estate ventures. This program helps women scale their efforts and lead transformative projects.

“WE Build empowers women-led real estate ventures to scale, grow, and fund transformative projects,” said Sherita Smith, Senior Vice President at Cinnaire. “Ronita’s leadership exemplifies the incredible potential of women in development, and we’re proud to have supported this groundbreaking project.”

Ronita’s involvement in WE Build highlights the importance of creating opportunities for women in development. These programs ensure that diverse voices lead community-centered projects.

The Casa Del Rey Apartments redevelopment project aims to create safe, energy-efficient homes. These homes will provide much-needed affordable housing options in Pontiac. This effort combines historic preservation with solutions for housing challenges in the community.

“Quality housing is the foundation of strong communities,” said Beverley Loyd, Managing Director of Lending at IFF. “Casa Del Rey Apartments will provide safe, affordable, and energy-efficient homes while fostering a sense of community.”

Josh Campbell from MSHDA’s Missing Middle Housing Program emphasized the importance of combining preservation with housing creation. “Each time we support a historic preservation project like this, it feels like we double our impact. Not only is it creating safe, quality affordable housing for the community, but we are also reactivating a historic building that had been vacant for a long time.”

The groundbreaking event reflected a shared commitment to revitalizing Pontiac. Dignitaries and community leaders spoke about the project’s significance for the city.

Jill Robinson of the Oakland County Land Bank Authority described the project as a long-awaited solution. “The Oakland County Land Bank Authority is honored to collaborate with Ronita and Gregory Coleman and the many partners to support this incredible community and neighborhood development. It’s clear that we’ve waited for the perfect development partners to bring new life to this special building.”

The Casa Del Rey Apartments redevelopment demonstrates how communities can restore their history while creating equitable opportunities for families. The Colemans and their partners have created a model for intentional investment in communities.

This project focuses on creating homes for families and building a sense of belonging. It serves as an example of how strategic partnerships and community-driven leadership can create lasting change.

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