• Call for Housing Implementation Entity Central to $40M Choice Neighborhoods Transformation Effort
   

The City of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department (HRD) and the Detroit Housing Commission (DHC) have released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking a qualified developer to lead a transformative housing redevelopment effort in Detroit’s Forest Park and Eastern Market neighborhoods. The RFQ is a critical step toward securing a $40 million federal Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The selected development partner will lead the housing component of the Forest Park Diggs Community Plan, a bold and community-centered effort to revitalize two deeply affordable public housing communities: Forest Park Apartments and Diggs Homes, which together include 201 units. It will also create new housing on currently vacant land at 1923 Division Street, located near Eastern Market.

“This RFQ marks a critical step in the DHC's effort to transform Diggs and Forest Park; two public housing communities deeply rooted in Detroit," said Arthur Jemison, Executive Director of the Detroit Housing Commission. “The developer ultimately selected will help shape our Choice Neighborhoods proposal to HUD and guide a redevelopment that delivers lasting impact. Just as important, we’ll work closely with residents and the community to ensure the project reflects their priorities and vision.”

Area in question

The Eastern Market and Greater Forest Park neighborhoods are seeing increased investment, with the Eastern Market Partnership launching a campaign to update its sheds and create more partnerships with food and produce-based manufacturers. Through this community plan, The City of Detroit and the DHC are committed to ensuring all residents can take part in this growth, regardless of income. 

This RFQ process follows a $500,000 HUD Planning Grant awarded in late 2024 to the City and DHC to develop a comprehensive Transformation Plan that will:

• Engage residents living in the Forest Park Apartments and the Diggs family development on 1331 East Canfield, regarding potential redevelopment.
• Identify neighborhood improvements to better connect and improve the quality of life for residents in the Eastern Market and Forest Park Neighborhoods.
• Improve outcomes of target housing residents related to employment and income, health, and education

“Eastern Market has always been more than a place to shop—it’s a community cornerstone. This RFQ represents a unique opportunity to honor that legacy by bringing new, inclusive housing options to a neighborhood deeply rooted in Detroit’s culture and economy,” said Katy Trudeau, President and CEO of Eastern Market. “We’re proud to be a partner in this transformative effort that prioritizes both people and place.”

The RFQ was issued on July 16, 2025, and is available at forestparkdiggs.com. Interested teams must submit qualifications by September 1, 2025, at 5 p.m. A virtual pre-submission conference will be held on July 31 at 11 a.m.

“This is a call to action for developers who believe in Detroit,” said Julie Schneider, Director of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department. “We are looking for a partner with the expertise, creativity, and community-centered approach to help us deliver housing that reflects the values and aspirations of the people who call Forest Park and Eastern Market neighborhoods home.”

The final Transformation Plan is expected in 2026 and will position Detroit to compete for the highly competitive HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant, which could bring up to $40 million in federal funding.

For more information, to download the RFQ, or to stay engaged in the planning process, visit forestparkdiggs.com.

Pictured above: Forest Park Apartments 

Pictured above: Diggs Homes