Completion of Brush Watson development adds nearly 100 units of new affordable housing to Brush Park

2023
  • 99 of 124 total units to be affordable to households ranging from 30% to 80% of area median income 
  • Rents available starting at $500 per month for studio apartment in fast-growing neighborhood 

DETROIT – Mayor Mike Duggan, Council President Mary Sheffield, American Community Developers, and state affordable housing leaders celebrated Wednesday the grand opening of Brush Watson, which will bring 99 units of affordable housing and 25 units of market-rate housing to historic Brush Park. 

Brush Watson, a $49.2 million project comprised of two buildings at 434 and 454 Watson, include 99 units with rent and income restrictions ranging from 30% to 80% area median income. The remaining 25 units are market-rate housing. Rents range from around $500 to $2,000 a month, depending on household income.  

Brush Watson pic2

 

The opening of Brush Watson is an important part of Mayor Duggan’s effort to provide more affordable housing as property values rise and rent pressures increase. Over the past 8 years, the City and its development partners have built more than 2,000 new affordable housing units and extended the affordability on more than 9,000 units.  

“In Detroit, we are building a city where people can afford to live in any neighborhood, including the most rapidly developing ones like Brush Park,” said Mayor Duggan. “Thanks to Jerry Krueger and American Community Developers, nearly 100 more families of low to moderate income will be able to live in this beautiful new development with access to an incredible array of sports and entertainment options, as well as cultural and dining offerings.” 

Brush Watson pic1

 

The studios, 1-bedroom units, and 2-bedroom units feature large windows with expansive views, tall ceilings, and in-unit laundry. Besides providing the same high-quality features in both the affordable and market-rate units, the property’s location offers quick access to vital neighborhood amenities, like Eastern Market, local businesses, and Detroit Medical Center facilities.  

“We are very excited to complete these buildings and to demonstrate what high-quality, mixed-income housing can look like,” said Jerry Krueger, president and founder of American Community Developers. 

Underground Parking with EV chargers 

Amenities at Brush Watson include community space, a rooftop terrace, and underground parking. The parking garage includes 80 spaces equipped with EV chargers representing DTE Energy’s largest Level 2 charger installation in the state. Additionally, Brush Watson was constructed in compliance with the National Green Building Standard, which is a residential building rating system for energy efficiency. 

“Enabling charging at home is a huge step in eliminating range anxiety and making EVs an even easier decision,” said Tony Tomczak, vice president of electric marketing at DTE. “We are thrilled to partner with American Community Developers on this historic development as we work to provide Detroiters and all of our customers with the EV tools they need.” 

Brush Watson was financed using the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits program administered by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. Tax credit investors include Comerica Bank, Flagstar Bank, Huntington Bank, and CIBC.  

The City of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department contributed roughly $4.6 million in funding to the mixed-income housing development. The department provided an additional $450,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to support DTE improvements in the area.  

“As Brush Park continues to see growth, Brush Watson demonstrates our commitment to creating and maintaining neighborhoods for people of all incomes,” said Julie Schneider, director of the City of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department. “Creating mixed-income housing ensures that all households have access to high-quality housing and critical neighborhood resources.”  

“I am excited to stand here today in support of real affordable housing, while providing a luxury and sustainable housing environment that links residents to walkable spaces in the heart of Detroit,” said Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield. “Residents are connected to so much in this area, from Eastern Market, health care facilities, entertainment, and so much more that provides a living experience you can't get anywhere else. This is a wonderful and welcomed addition to District 5." 

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About American Community Developers, Inc.  

American Community Developers, Inc. (“ACD”) is based in Harper Woods, Michigan, and is considered a leader in the development and preservation of affordable housing across the United States. ACD leads Michigan and Detroit as one of the top affordable developer/owners in the State. Other ACD projects in Detroit include Left Field and the redevelopment of the Clement Kern Gardens site with the City of Detroit as part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Choice Neighborhoods Initiative.