• New 31-Unit Development Will Bring Affordable, Family-Focused Housing to Historic Community
   

City officials, community leaders, and development partners gathered today to break ground on Preston Townhomes, a transformative housing development that will deliver 31 new two- and three-bedroom townhomes to Detroit’s historic Islandview neighborhood.

The project is being developed on the former site of Detroit Eastern High School and has since been owned and cared for by the project’s Ground Lessor, Genesis Lutheran Church. The Preston Townhomes will offer high-quality, affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families. Designed to foster a connected and healthy neighborhood, Preston Townhomes includes ample green space, a playground, and a community garden. 

“Preston Townhomes represents exactly the kind of community-focused development we are committed to delivering across Detroit—affordable, family-friendly housing built in partnership with residents and rooted in neighborhood values,” said Detroit’s Deputy Mayor Melia Howard.

This project is being co-developed by GenesisHope and Cinnaire Solutions, along with financial support from the City of Detroit Home Investment Partnership (HOME) Program, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s Tax Exempt Bond and Gap Financing Program, Low Income Housing Tax Credits from Cinnaire, Project-Based vouchers from the Detroit Housing Commission, and grants raised from federal and philanthropic partners, including the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation. Preston Townhomes represents a key investment in equitable, community-centered housing in Detroit.

“This project reflects the heart of our mission—ensuring families have access not only to safe, quality housing but to a supportive community in which they can thrive,” said Nicole Solheim, SVP of Development at Cinnaire Solutions. “We are proud to support a project that reclaims a vacant site and brings much-needed housing and opportunity to Detroit families.”

“Preston Townhomes is a powerful example of what’s possible when public-private partnerships unite around a shared vision,” said Tim Klont, Chief Operating Officer of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. “This development will transform a long-vacant site into a vibrant community asset, with homes affordable to very low- and moderate-income households, and green spaces that foster health, connection, and sustainability. MSHDA is proud to support this catalytic reinvestment in Islandview and looks forward to seeing its impact take root.”

Preston Townhomes advances the city’s broader commitment to equitable development and neighborhood revitalization, that includes the development of 3,000 units of affordable housing and the preservation of at least 10,000 units of affordable housing – by 2030. The townhomes are expected to be completed in 2026.

About Detroit's Housing and Revitalization Department

The mission of the Housing and Revitalization Department (HRD) is to finance, underwrite, and administer housing and community investments that enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Detroit. Through HRD and the City’s partners in housing, including the Detroit Housing Commission, the City of Detroit is committed to ensuring that every Detroiter has access to safe, decent, and affordable housing. HRD directs the strategy, deployment, and management of the City’s housing policy and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development entitlement funding. HRD makes strategic investments in the City’s existing housing stock and new development to ensure long-term population and physical growth of Detroit. Residents looking for affordable housing can visit homeconnect.detroitmi.gov.