Construction underway to deliver 211 new units; Comerica Bank to provide community development lending and investments to support development
DETROIT — At a public ceremony held Friday, Nov. 14, the City of Detroit joined development partners MHT Housing, Inc. and Kirsten’s Touch, Inc. lead by Bishop Charles H. Ellis III, to break ground on four new buildings that will bring 211 units of new affordable and permanent supportive housing to long-vacant land next to the historic Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center.
Of the total units, three affordable housing phases known as Brewster I, II and III will each include 53 units for a total of 159 units. Each received its own award of 9% low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).
Each building will be 100% affordable with a mix of 1BR and 2BR units providing housing for a wide-range of incomes ranging from 30%-80% of the area median income, with rents for one-bedroom units currently estimated to start at $473, and at $568 for two –bedroom units, with rents based on household incomes.
The remaining 52 units will be housed in a development known as The Sanctuary at Brewster, a 52-unit permanent supportive housing (PSH) community, which represents the first major phase that will be completed in the overall $83 million multi-block redevelopment.
The Sanctuary will provide 52 deeply affordable one-bedroom units, each supported with project-based vouchers that ensure residents pay no more than 30% of their income toward rent.
All 52 units are part of the City’s targeted efforts to bring deeply affordable supportive housing online to meet the needs of residents experiencing homelessness, with on-site wraparound services to support long-term housing stability. Providing this level of support has been shown to reduce recidivism back into homelessness.
Completion of the Sanctuary, as well as Brewster I, II and III, is scheduled for 2027.
“Today is about rebuilding a neighborhood and about rebuilding lives,” said Mayor Mike Duggan. “The Sanctuary at Brewster will ensure that some of our most vulnerable residents have stable housing, supportive services, and the chance to heal and thrive — right here in the heart of our city.”
“As we continue to build a more equitable Detroit, developments like The Sanctuary at Brewster remind us of our responsibility to uplift every member of our community,” said Mayor-Elect Mary Sheffield. “By providing stable, supportive housing for young people transitioning out of foster care, we are investing in human potential and showing what compassionate leadership can achieve. This is the kind of progress that honors Detroit’s legacy and secures its future.”
Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) is the combination of deeply affordable housing and supportive services that help people who face the most complex challenges to live with stability, autonomy, and dignity. At its core, PSH focuses on improving the lives of tenants.
“We are busting with excitement in humility at the opportunity to provide affordable housing, services, and resources to those who have been marginalized with the maximum hope that they will take advantage of these beneficial programs to advance themselves not just for a day; but for a Life-Time” said Bishop Charles H. Ellis III, President, Kirsten’s Touch, Inc.
The service provision teams, Neighborhood Legal Services Michigan and Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network, in partnership with Kirsten’s Touch, will provide over 60 hours of weekly on site, low-barrier service provision. This includes case management and peer support specialists. The model of support will focus on five key pillars: Education, Physical and Mental Health, Workforce Development, Life Skills, and Legal Assistance. These services are offered at no cost to residents and are optional for residents to participate in.
The groundbreaking ceremony featured over 100 dignitaries from the city of Detroit, state of Michigan agencies, construction partners, and invited guests.
MHT Housing leading transformational redevelopment
MHT Housing has long been an active developer of affordable housing in Michigan. In Detroit, they have developed several key projects in recent years, including the Rev. Jim Holley Residences, Cathedral Arts, the Brush Park Apartments, MLK on 2nd Apartments and many others. The Brewster development is MHT’s largest new construction project to date in Detroit.
“The development team is extremely proud to be able to complete the redevelopment of the Brewster Wheeler site, through the combination of a substantial amount of new affordable and workforce housing, along with the reactivation of the iconic Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center. An undertaking of this magnitude is a rare opportunity and a true testament to the collaboration and dedication of our partners and their unwavering commitment to develop high-quality, impactful affordable housing in Detroit” said Van Fox, President of MHT Housing, Inc.
“Detroit’s affordable housing strategy is rooted in ensuring that everyone — especially our neighbors experiencing homelessness — has a safe place to call home,” said Julie Schneider, Director of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department. “The Sanctuary at Brewster and the redevelopment of the Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center honor the history of this neighborhood while building a more inclusive future.”
The multi-building development also includes project-based vouchers from the Detroit Housing Commission to ensure long-term stability.
Development Partners & Financing
The Sanctuary at Brewster is co-developed by MHT Housing, Inc. and Kirsten’s Touch, Inc., with financing supported through MSHDA, the City of Detroit, and Cinnaire. Additionally, MSHDA is providing project-based voucher support for all units to ensure long-term affordability for future residents. DWIHN and NLSM will provide ongoing support services, which will be further supported by MSHDA and MDHHS.
“The Sanctuary at Brewster represents exactly what we mean when we talk about housing as a foundation for opportunity,” said Amy Hovey, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). “This development is the result of deep collaboration between the City, faith-based leaders, and housing partners who share a commitment to ensuring every Detroiter has a safe, stable, and supportive place to call home. MSHDA is proud to help make this vision possible through an award of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, HOME-ARP funding and permanent financing.”
Brewster Wheeler I, II & III is also co-developed by MHT Housing, Inc. and Kirsten’s Touch, Inc., with financing supported through various funding partners, including The City of Detroit, Fifth Third Bank, Comerica Bank, Community Preservation Corporation, Cinnaire, Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, and Lake Trust Credit Union. Additional support is being provided by the Detroit Housing Commission through the availability of project-based vouchers for 8 units in each of the 3 phases (24 PBV total).
“These homes have been championed by the collective efforts of the City of Detroit—with special thanks to Mayor Duggan and Mayor-Elect Sheffield—the State of Michigan and many other valuable partners here today,” said Michelle Lemerond, Comerica Bank Senior Vice President, Community Development Investments Group Manager, during the public groundbreaking ceremony at held at the historic Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center.
“It exemplifies what we can achieve when we work together for a larger purpose.”
Comerica is providing $40 million in community development lending and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity.
“We are committed to driving sustainable growth and creating positive change throughout the communities we serve. We believe in helping people succeed, and a home resides at the core of that success. What makes Brewster Wheeler stand out is what residents will receive beyond the housing unit itself. The wraparound services assisting residents daily will help residents here thrive.”
Lemerond noted that Comerica has invested in nearly 30 MHT Housing developments over the years.
Fifth Third Bank and Cinnaire were also critical financing partners.
“Fifth Third Bank is proud to play a key role in reshaping Detroit’s affordable housing landscape through our strategic investment in the Brewster Wheeler redevelopment in Brush Park. By leveraging a balanced mix of debt and equity financing, we’re doing more than supporting a project—we’re investing in the long-term vitality of Detroit’s neighborhoods,” said David Girodat, Regional President, Fifth Third Bank, Michigan. “Our strong collaboration with MHT Housing, a leader in affordable housing, ensures that Detroiters gain access to high-quality, attainable homes. With more than 20% of residents spending over half their income on housing, these efforts are critical to addressing this challenge and building vibrant, sustainable communities.”
“Transformational projects like this are only possible through strong public–private partnerships. By combining the City’s leadership with mission-driven developers and service providers, we’re creating affordable homes and supportive services that will provide stability and opportunity for Detroiters for years to come,” said Mark McDaniel, CEO of Cinnaire.
Restoring a Historic Detroit Landmark
The larger redevelopment also is restoring the historic Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center, where Joe Louis used to train and Diana Ross played as a child. Final uses are still unfolding as the Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center targets completion in 2026.
As part of the restoration, KRONK Gym will return to the Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center and will soon open. An event celebrating the reopening of the recreation center, and Kronk Gym will happen in the near future.
