Detroit, Mich., May 7, 2013 – With the recent acquisition of Millender Center Apartments, Village
Green, one of the nation’s largest privately-held developers, owners and managers of luxury apartment
communities, along with The Robert L. Millender, Sr. Memorial Fund and the Millender family, have
agreed to include the Millender name in the apartments to honor and recognize the late Robert
Millender’s major contributions.
The legacy of Mr. Millender will be celebrated when Millender Center Apartments are renovated and
repositioned within the marketplace. The apartment community’s new name will be announced at a later
date, but will include “at Millender Center.” A commemorative portrait and plaque will be prominently
displayed in the lobby, and a rededication will take place at the grand opening after renovations are
complete. Residents and guests will be given literature highlighting the many accomplishments of Mr.
Millender, and his achievements will be included on the community’s website.
Robert L. Millender, Sr., a political strategist, was a driving force behind the first generation of
successful African American politicians in the City of Detroit. By developing an overall strategy for
African American political aspirations, and acting as campaign manager and trusted advisor to elected
officials, including Congressman John Conyers, Jr., Michigan Secretary of State Richard Austin, Judge
and Congressman George Crocket, Mayor Coleman Young, several judges and members of Detroit City
Council, Millender helped Detroit’s African Americans gain political influence. Although never a
candidate for political office himself, Millender’s significance to the people of Detroit was demonstrated
by the naming of the Robert L. Millender Center in his honor.
The Millender family stated, “We are very appreciative for the responsiveness of Village Green and its
chief executive, Jonathan Holtzman, to the family and community concerns about maintaining the name
of our father in connection with the apartments. We understand Village Green is not involved with the
rest of the Millender Center complex.”