Xavier Square, a 14-unit affordable housing complex at 3141 Alter Road on Detroit’s east side, is now providing essential housing for Detroiters with disabilities. Residents will not pay more than 30% of their income on rent, supported by project-based vouchers from the Detroit Housing Commission. This development, led by the Black-owned Nova Development Group LLC, is part of Detroit’s ongoing efforts to meet the housing needs of its most vulnerable citizens. As the city evolves, projects like Xavier Square offer critical relief to those often excluded from new development conversations, ensuring accessible and affordable living for all.
Andrew Creamer, a principal with Nova Development, spoke about the project with a deep sense of pride. “We are deeply committed to empowering individuals and fostering opportunities for every Detroiter,” Creamer said. His words echo a larger sentiment felt throughout the city—one that recognizes the power of community-led development to ensure that Detroit’s most vulnerable residents aren’t left behind in the city’s resurgence. Creamer emphasized the importance of the city’s involvement, stating that Nova Development was privileged to be part of Detroit’s growth and contribute to the community by providing quality housing for its residents.
The 14-unit building features a mix of 12 two-bedroom apartments and two one-bedroom units. All but one of these units come with outdoor access, offering residents an essential connection to the community and the surrounding environment. The design, by Hamtramck-based firm Steven C. Flum Architects, focuses on accessibility and functionality, ensuring that residents with disabilities can navigate and enjoy their new living spaces comfortably.
One of the most essential components of Xavier Square is the partnership with Central City Health, which will provide a supportive services program for the residents. This program includes life skills case management, which will equip residents with tools and support for managing their day-to-day lives more effectively. It’s not just about providing a roof over someone’s head; it’s about creating a sustainable future for residents by giving them the skills and resources to thrive in their communities.
The Xavier Square project is part of a larger, citywide effort to address the need for affordable housing in Detroit. The development was funded through a combination of sources, as is typical for many affordable housing projects. Among those sources is the federal Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), which is overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Additional funding came from various city and state programs, with East Lansing-based Cinnaire acting as the tax credit syndicator. These collaborative efforts ensure that the financial burden of creating such developments is shared, making it possible for Detroit to continue expanding its affordable housing portfolio.
Detroit has invested over $1 billion in affordable housing over the past five years, and Xavier Square is just one of the many developments made possible through this effort. Mayor Mike Duggan spoke to the significance of the project, emphasizing that it reflects the city’s commitment to ensuring that all Detroiters, regardless of income or physical ability, can live in housing that meets their needs. “This is the city we are building, where every Detroiter, regardless of their income or physical abilities, can live in quality housing that supports their needs at a rent they can afford,” Duggan said.
The Xavier Square development stands as a beacon of what can be accomplished when public and private sectors work together toward a common goal. Affordable housing in Detroit has been a significant concern for years, particularly as the city continues to experience a resurgence that has brought new investments, developments, and, in some cases, rising housing costs. For those who have lived through decades of disinvestment in Detroit’s neighborhoods, projects like Xavier Square represent hope for a future where everyone has a place to call home.
For residents of Xavier Square, this development is more than a building; it’s a lifeline. It’s the result of a concerted effort to ensure that those who have long been marginalized are given the opportunity to live with dignity. The collaboration between Nova Development Group, the City of Detroit, and Central City Health showcases the power of collective investment in communities, reminding us that equitable growth is possible when everyone is included in the conversation.
In the face of Detroit’s continued transformation, the Xavier Square project serves as a reminder that affordable, accessible housing is not just a necessity but a right. As Detroiters move into this new development, they are stepping into a space built for them, by people who believe in the importance of housing as a foundation for a better life. The city is making strides to ensure that as it grows, it does so in a way that lifts up all its residents, ensuring that no one is left behind.
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