Detroit’s Eight-Mile-Wyoming neighborhood witnessed a powerful moment on November 19, 2024, as the historic William E. Higginbotham School began its transformation into the Higginbotham Art Residences. This monumental project will provide 100 affordable housing units while preserving a significant cultural landmark that has long embodied resilience and solidarity in Detroit’s Black community.
Constructed in 1926, the Higginbotham School once served as an all-Black elementary school during a time of segregated housing practices, offering both education and a sanctuary for Black families navigating systemic barriers. Its conversion into affordable housing underscores a collective effort to honor history while addressing the ongoing housing crisis. Supported by Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, Historic Tax Credits, Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) funding, and City of Detroit ARPA funds, the $35.9 million project reflects the community’s resilience and creativity.
Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II stood among community members to celebrate this pivotal step forward. “Governor Whitmer and I are committed to growing access to affordable housing in every community, including right here in Detroit,” he said. “I am excited to be here at the groundbreaking for the Higginbotham School, which will begin new life as 100 units of affordable housing 100 years after it was built. The state of Michigan was proud to provide critical support getting this project across the finish line. Since taking office, we have invested double what we did in the previous eight years to build or rehabilitate 34,000 housing units, and we will keep standing tall for affordable housing across Michigan.”
The redevelopment is being led by URGE Development Group in partnership with Cinnaire, MSHDA, and the City of Detroit. It will not only provide housing for households earning between 30% and 80% of the Area Median Income but will also incorporate community spaces that honor Detroit’s cultural heritage. For Roderick Hardamon, CEO of URGE Development Group, the project is about creating something meaningful for the neighborhood. “The Higginbotham Art Residences is a love letter to the neighborhoods of Detroit. We are creating an example of what can be done to breathe new life into our vacated school buildings. By weaving affordable housing into a campus immersed in art (both inside and outside of the building), we are showing a future of what neighborhood-centric development can look like. We are excited for the support of each of our partners for this transformative project.”
The residences will feature spaces for nonprofit and community organizations while showcasing artwork from local Detroit artists. An outdoor sculpture garden and installations throughout the development will blend art and community, creating a vibrant environment where culture and daily life intersect.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan highlighted the critical role of affordable housing in strengthening the community. “Today’s groundbreaking is about more than a building; it’s about creating a future that respects our past and supports our neighbors. The Higginbotham Art Residences will provide quality, affordable housing that meets the needs of Detroit’s residents and fosters community pride.”
Councilmember Angela Whitfield Calloway echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of investing in neighborhoods to sustain the people who call them home. “I firmly believe that investing in our neighborhoods is the key to uplifting our entire city. By focusing on development where people have lived and worked, we ensure that residents can remain in the neighborhoods they love. The Higginbotham Art Residences not only contribute to the revitalization of this area but also address the urgent need for safe, affordable housing.”
The transformation of the historic William E. Higginbotham School into the Higginbotham Art Residences is a profound nod to the enduring resilience and creativity of Detroit’s Black community. Once a sanctuary of education and empowerment for Black children during an era of segregation and systemic barriers, this space is now being reimagined to continue its legacy of service to the community. By converting this all-Black school into affordable housing and a cultural hub, the project ensures that the building’s historic significance is not only preserved but expanded. It is a reclamation of a place that symbolized opportunity and belonging, now reimagined to address critical housing needs while celebrating the artistry and strength of Detroiters.
This redevelopment holds the unique power to serve the community in ways that echo its original purpose. Where students once learned and built futures within its walls, families will now find stability and neighbors will gather in spaces designed for connection and support. The integration of art, created by Detroit artists, into the fabric of the Higginbotham Art Residences ensures that this space remains a beacon of cultural pride and self-determination. Just as the school once stood as a cornerstone for growth and possibility, the residences will anchor a new chapter of empowerment, rooted in the same spirit of community care and progress.
For residents like Teresa Moon, President of the 8 Mile/Birwood Emerge Neighborhood and a Higginbotham alumna, the redevelopment carries personal significance. Reflecting on her years at the school, she shared, “I learned a lot here. This is where I developed into the person I am today. Now, Mr. Rod Hardamon came into our community and talked to us honestly about what he was going to do with this school. I’m just overjoyed.”
Amy Hovey, MSHDA Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, highlighted the role of partnerships in making the project possible. “MSHDA is proud to support this project with more than $24 million in financial resources, a commitment that reflects our dedication to creating safe, affordable housing for Michigan residents. By partnering on restoration of this cultural landmark, we’re not only expanding access to quality housing but also strengthening communities and providing a foundation for Detroiters to thrive. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have for years to come.”
The development team and supporters emphasized that this project is not just about housing; it’s about creating a space that uplifts the entire community. “This effort is a testament to the power of partnerships. Through collective commitment, we’re turning the vision of affordable housing and community enrichment into reality at Higginbotham, contributing to a stronger, more inclusive Detroit,” said Sherita Smith, Senior Vice President of Cinnaire Community Connection.
Funding for the Higginbotham Art Residences includes $14.1 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, $2.7 million in Historic Tax Credits, a $4.6 million MSHDA First Mortgage, $5.9 million in MSHDA CERA funding, and $8.4 million in City of Detroit ARPA funds. These investments represent a shared commitment to creating a future that addresses the challenges of today while honoring the legacy of the past.
The Higginbotham Art Residences serve as a blueprint for how we can honor the past while shaping a future rooted in equity and creativity. This project is more than construction—it’s a powerful reminder of what is possible when communities take the lead in reclaiming their history and building spaces that reflect their needs and dreams. By weaving together art, affordable housing, and cultural preservation, the Higginbotham Art Residences offer a vision of a Detroit where history fuels progress and where neighborhoods thrive through intentional investment. It leaves us with a question: if this is what we can do here, what’s next for our city’s untapped potential?
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