Detroit Leaders Celebrate Affordable Housing Milestones in Grandmont Rosedale Neighborhood

The Residence at West Outer Drive brings 35 new affordable housing units to the west side. Two vacant buildings at 9710 W. Outer Drive have been transformed into homes for individuals and families earning at or below 60 percent of the area median income. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts at $838 per month, with two units reserved for residents earning no more than 50 percent of the area median income, offering rent at $667 per month. The project’s affordability is guaranteed for at least the next 30 years. The $9.7 million development was made possible through a mix of funding sources, including a $1 million loan from the Strategic Neighborhood Fund, a $4.6 million investment from Cinnaire Equity, and a $215,000 sponsor note from GRDC. Additional financial support came from HUD HOME grants and ARPA dollars allocated by the City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department.

 

The Grandmont Rosedale community is a vibrant area with a rich history, known for its strong sense of community and resilience. Residents have long advocated for projects that preserve affordability while encouraging economic development. This neighborhood is part of District 1, represented by Councilman Pro-Tem James Tate, who has been a champion for equitable development and ensuring that residents’ voices are heard in every stage of the planning process. These projects align with his vision of bringing meaningful, community-driven improvements to the area.

 

Mayor Duggan highlighted the significance of these investments, noting that over the past five years, more than $1 billion has been invested in affordable housing across Detroit. “Today, we are seeing one of those projects open and another one break ground that will be part of our next $1 billion of affordable housing,” said Duggan. “We are going to continue to work with partners like Cinnaire and the GRDC to build more affordable housing as fast as we can to keep up with the growing demand for housing in Detroit.”

 

Michael Randall, GRDC’s Executive Director, described the project as more than just housing. “This combined grand opening and groundbreaking ceremony marks a significant milestone in our collective vision for a more inclusive and vibrant community,” said Randall. “These two developments will not only provide safe and affordable homes for individuals and families, but it will also serve as a catalyst to enhance the quality of life for the Minock Park neighborhood and overall Grandmont Rosedale community.”

 

Less than a block away, the future of the neighborhood is taking shape with Minock Park Place. The site of a long-vacant iHop restaurant on Grand River is being transformed into a mixed-use development with 42 affordable senior housing units and 5,400 square feet of commercial space. Seniors aged 55 and older will soon have access to quality, affordable housing with rents set for individuals with low to moderate incomes. The development includes 36 one-bedroom and 6 two-bedroom apartments, along with 2,500 square feet of shared outdoor space.

 

Julie Schneider, Director of the City’s Housing and Revitalization Department, spoke about the broader impact of these projects, saying, “They are not just about building homes—they’re about creating a foundation for opportunity, stability, and growth. By improving access to quality housing, we’re fostering a stronger, more vibrant community that will serve as a model of resilience and progress for the entire city.”

The $22.5 million Minock Park Place project is being funded through various sources, including a $1 million loan from the Strategic Neighborhood Fund, a $7.3 million investment from Cinnaire Equity, and a $1.5 million sponsor note from GRDC. Support also includes approximately $2.5 million in HUD HOME grants and $5 million in ARPA dollars from the City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department. Wayne County provided an additional $2.5 million in ARPA funding, and the project also received $1 million in special funding from the State of Michigan.

 

Christopher Laurent, President of Cinnaire Solutions, reflected on the significance of this investment, emphasizing that action is what drives transformation. “For the past 30 years, Cinnaire has been investing in people and places to transform communities. We believe that potential means nothing without action behind it, and we are proud of the team that came together to bring the potential of Grandmont Rosedale to life. We are grateful for our partners at GRDC, Ethos Development Group, O’Brien Construction, the City of Detroit, MSHDA, and members of the surrounding community for their commitment to the vision that will result in much-needed affordable housing for Detroiters.”

 

Investments like these align with the broader goals of the Strategic Neighborhood Fund (SNF), a $150 million initiative launched in 2016 by Mayor Duggan and Invest Detroit. The initiative focuses on parks, streetscapes, commercial corridors, and single-family housing improvements. Resident input is a cornerstone of the SNF framework, ensuring that community voices shape the developments taking place in their neighborhoods.

 

Since its inception, SNF has invested $262 million across 10 Detroit neighborhoods, resulting in significant transformations. These efforts have led to 378 total housing units and 86 home rehabs, with numerous commercial, park, and streetscape projects completed or underway. The initiative’s impact continues to create opportunities for Detroiters to live, work, and thrive in their communities.

Jermaine Ruffin, Senior Vice President of Neighborhoods at Invest Detroit, underscored the importance of these developments, stating that they provide affordable housing, support local businesses, and generate jobs that contribute to Detroit’s economic vitality. “Minock Park Place will bring much-needed senior housing and new retail to Grand River, while The Residence at West Outer Drive transforms vacant buildings into quality homes. These projects provide affordable housing, boost local businesses, and create jobs—ensuring Detroiters can live, work, and thrive in their communities.”

 

Cinnaire Solutions’ Development Manager, Liliana Gonzalez, spoke on behalf of the team, sharing their excitement about the positive impact these developments will have on families and seniors in the Grandmont Rosedale neighborhood. The combined efforts of city leaders, developers, and community stakeholders demonstrate a collective commitment to fostering inclusive growth in Detroit’s neighborhoods. Projects like The Residence at West Outer Drive and Minock Park Place serve as a testament to what’s possible when the right partnerships and resources come together to address the city’s housing needs.