The city of Detroit just gained another milestone in its efforts to provide affordable housing that uplifts working families and honors the city’s historic roots. Piquette Flats, a newly completed adaptive reuse project, transforms a once-vacant industrial building into 161 affordable apartments in Milwaukee Junction. This development, led by The Platform, combines Detroit’s rich industrial history with a vision for inclusive growth.
Mayor Mike Duggan celebrated this achievement as a crucial step in Detroit’s housing landscape. “As more jobs and development keep coming to the city, the need for quality workforce housing is going to continue to grow. Thanks to The Platform, people living at Piquette Flats not only will be able to live affordably in a growing neighborhood, but also in a building rich with Detroit history,” he said. His words underscore how intentional projects like this contribute to a Detroit where progress works for everyone.
Located at the corner of Piquette Avenue and Brush Street, the Albert Kahn-designed building has a long history tied to Detroit’s industrial legacy. Built in 1920 as the Studebaker Detroit Service Building, it served the operations of the Studebaker factory nearby. The Piquette Flats redevelopment preserved its original character while incorporating modern amenities that reflect the needs of today’s residents. New windows, restored brickwork, and innovative use of Kahn’s signature concrete columns offer residents a mix of historical authenticity and modern comfort.
Piquette Flats offers 71 studios, 87 one-bedroom units, and three two-bedroom units. Monthly rents start at $1,115 for studios, $1,319 for one-bedroom units, and $1,890 for two-bedroom units. All units fall below 100% of the area median income (AMI), with 40% of the units priced below 80% AMI. For working Detroiters who often struggle to find affordable housing options in their own city, these price points create opportunities to live closer to work and community networks.
Mary Sheffield, Detroit City Council President and representative for District 5, explained the importance of workforce housing for Detroit’s growth. “As Detroit continues its resurgence, projects like Piquette Flats are crucial in ensuring that our progress is inclusive and equitable. This development is a shining example of how we can honor Detroit’s rich history while creating opportunities for residents to live, work, and thrive in the neighborhoods they love and call home. Workforce housing like this provides Detroiters with access to quality, accessible homes and builds the foundation for strong communities.”
The $40 million project became possible through strategic public and private collaboration. The City of Detroit contributed $3 million through a 12-year tax abatement and $2 million through Brownfield Tax Increment Financing. A low-interest loan of $7 million came from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and additional funding included historic tax credits at the state and federal levels. Flagstar Bank served as the senior lender, while Michigan State University joined as an investment partner.
Derrick Headd, Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Operations at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, highlighted the project’s dual impact. “This project is win-win for all. It not only preserves and rehabs a once-vacant historic Albert Kahn-designed building, but it also provides high-quality accessible housing in Detroit.” His statement captures what makes Piquette Flats more than just another development—it’s a model for preserving Detroit’s history while meeting its present needs.
Residents of Piquette Flats will find themselves at the center of a growing and thriving neighborhood. Milwaukee Junction holds deep significance as the birthplace of the U.S. auto industry, with manufacturers flocking to the area in the early 20th century. The resurgence of this neighborhood reflects its role as a hub for Detroit’s future. Nearby developments include the $140 million Fisher Body Plant 21 project and the recently completed Chap Lofts.
Piquette Flats offers a range of amenities to meet the needs of its future tenants. The building includes a fitness center, three community rooms, and laundry facilities on each floor. Pet owners will appreciate the adjacent dog run and interior pet wash. The design integrates loft-style features such as high ceilings, expansive windows, and exposed brick, which align with its industrial heritage. The renovation also added 190 surface parking spaces, ensuring accessibility for residents.
Residents will also enjoy proximity to cultural institutions and dining options that reflect Detroit’s rich and diverse culture. Local favorites like Supino Pizzeria, Baobab Fare, and Bucharest Grill are just a short walk away. The nearby QLINE station and major bus routes provide convenient public transportation options, connecting residents to the broader city.
Peter Cummings, Executive Chairman and CEO of The Platform, reflected on the project’s contribution to Detroit’s housing landscape. “Milwaukee Junction is the birthplace of the U.S. auto industry where, in the early 20th century, manufacturers sprang up around the Milwaukee and Grand Trunk railroad lines. We are pleased with the outcome of this ambitious project and repurposing this important historic building to provide new residential living options for the City of Detroit.”
The completion of Piquette Flats serves as a reminder of the possibilities within Detroit’s historic spaces. By creating housing options that support working families, this project reflects a vision for Detroit where prosperity includes everyone. As tenants prepare to move in by the ending of December 2024, this development represents another step toward a Detroit where opportunity meets the community’s needs.
About Post Author
