Historic St. Matthew School Revitalized into New Affordable Housing Community with Grand Opening of The Residences at St. Matthew

• $20.49 million redevelopment that revitalizes historic school on Detroit’s east side
• 46 affordable apartments; 25 units reserved for permanent supportive housing for those who previously experienced homelessness.
• Mayor Duggan returns to cut the ribbon on new affordable housing units at the same site where he was baptized in 1958

Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan (CCSEM), in partnership with Cinnaire Solutions, celebrated the grand opening of The Residences at St. Matthew on May 7. City leaders, community partners, and project stakeholders gathered to mark the transformation of the long-vacant St. Matthew School and activities building into a vibrant new affordable housing community on Detroit’s east side.

Vacant for nearly a decade, the architecturally significant campus at 6000 Audubon Road has been restored to purpose, now offering 46 new affordable apartments with 36 one-bedroom, four two-bedroom and six studio units.

The project reserves 25 units for Permanent Supportive Housing for individuals previously experiencing homelessness, furnished through a partnership with the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. The remaining units serve households earning between 30% and 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

“The Residences at St. Matthew is a powerful reminder that Detroit’s housing strategy is about more than bricks and mortar — it’s about restoring dignity, creating stability, and honoring our neighborhoods' rich histories,” said Julie Schneider, Director of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department. “This project delivers on our commitment to ensure every Detroiter has access to safe, affordable housing, while transforming a beloved landmark into a place of opportunity and healing.”

A Legacy of Faith and Education

Founded in 1926, St. Matthew Parish has long stood as a spiritual and community anchor on Detroit’s east side. The parish served generations of Detroit families, providing not only a place of worship but also vital educational and outreach ministries. The St. Matthew School, constructed in 1930, quickly became an essential institution, known for its academic rigor, vibrant extracurricular programs, and strong sense of faith and service. At its peak, the school served over 1,000 students and employed more than 30 religious sisters and lay teachers.

Over the decades, St. Matthew Parish expanded its presence with the addition of a convent, gymnasium, and activities building, reinforcing its role as a hub of community life. Though the school closed in 2008, its historic architecture and community legacy endured — now brought back to life through this thoughtful redevelopment.

The Residences at St. Matthews has special meaning for Mayor Duggan, who was baptized at the church in 1958.

"St. Matthews is one of several former catholic school buildings in Detroit that are seeing new life as affordable housing and the permanent supportive housing at the Residences at St. Matthews is a great example of the church continuing to deliver on its mission of caring for those most in need.  I am so grateful to the Archdiocese of Detroit, Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan and all of the partners who have made this great project possible." 

The Residences at St. Matthew is part of the national Healthy Housing Initiative launched by Catholic Charities USA, with CCSEM selected as one of only five agencies nationwide to implement this transformative model. The initiative focuses on improving health outcomes by combining affordable housing with integrated health services, delivered here through a partnership with Henry Ford St. John Hospital.

"This redevelopment represents the heart of Catholic Charities' mission — to create hope, foster dignity, and build community," said Paul Propson, CEO of CCSEM. "We are proud to honor the legacy of St. Matthew’s Parish by helping meet a critical need for affordable housing in Detroit."

The former school’s gymnasium has been reimagined as a multipurpose space, offering resident services, health programs, and community engagement opportunities — further solidifying the project’s mission to build a stronger, healthier community.

The $20.49 million redevelopment was made possible through a collaboration with Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan and Cinnaire Solutions, and financing from Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), Federal Home Loan Bank, City of Detroit HOME Funds, and Historic Tax Credits.

"This project is a shining example of what can happen when a community comes together with compassion, vision, and commitment," said Christopher Laurent, President of Cinnaire Solutions. "The Residences at St. Matthew not only preserves an important piece of Detroit’s history but also creates hope and opportunity for Detroiters who need it most."

“The transformation of the former St. Matthew School into new homes is a powerful example of what’s possible when we invest in people and place,” said MSHDA Development Director Chad Benson. “This project not only preserves a historic building; it provides 46 individuals and families—including more than half who have experienced chronic homelessness—with a safe, stable, and affordable place to live. We’re proud to support developments like this that bring together housing, health, and community to create lasting impact.”

About Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan Compelled by the love and teachings of Jesus Christ, Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan (CCSEM) is a faith-based, nonprofit organization that provides a broad spectrum of health and human services to people in need across Lapeer, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, and Wayne Counties—the six counties of the Archdiocese of Detroit. Inspired by Catholic social teaching, CCSEM serves the most vulnerable in our communities, offering help and hope to thousands each year regardless of faith, race, or background.

About Cinnaire Solutions Cinnaire Solutions is a mission-driven nonprofit developer focused on creating sustainable, inclusive communities by developing affordable housing and community facilities across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.