Detroit Housing Commission announces plans to rebuild 52-acre Villages of Parkside public housing, quadruple available units

2025
  • First 2 of 6 total phases to break ground this fall, investing $73 million and creating more than 200 new units to replace older ones at the aging Parkside community
  • Existing Parkside residents will move into new buildings when completed to allow demolition of outdated buildings, and construction of new modern housing in Phases 3-6.
  • Total number of available units for low-income residents to nearly quadruple from 125 to 480
  • Phases 1-2 supported with State awarded Low Housing Income Tax Credits, along with Gesu Senior Housing and 725 Amsterdam

 

The Detroit Housing Commission (DHC) CEO Arthur Jemison and board members today joined with Mayor Mike Duggan and state and city housing officials to announce details of a planned total reconstruction of the 52-acre Villages of Parkside public housing community on the city’s east side.

Located immediately south of Chandler Park near Conner and Warren, the Villages at Parkside was first built in the 1930s to address the city’s housing crisis at the time and was Detroit’s first public housing development.  The development originally consisted of 274 housing units across 42 townhome-style buildings, although due to deterioration over the years, only about 125 units are occupied today.

The first two phases ($73M investment) of the six-phase redevelopment will create 214 units located in new multi-unit midrise apartment buildings and newly constructed townhomes. Work on the first two phases is expected to begin this fall and be completed within two years.  At that time, existing residents at Parkside will be able to move into the new units, clearing the way for the existing housing to be removed to make way for another 266 units of new housing.  When all six phases are completed in the next 5-6 years, the Villages of Parkside will include 480 units of new quality housing – nearly quadruple the existing available number. The total investment cost is estimated at about $180 million.

Villages of Parkside announcement pic1

 

"The Parkside redevelopment is about more than new housing—it’s about setting a higher standard for how we deliver quality, affordable homes in Detroit," said Arthur Jemison, Director of the Detroit Housing Commission. "We are modernizing public housing in a way that keeps long-time residents in place while creating new opportunities for families at all income levels. Every unit we build or renovate is a step toward ensuring that Detroiters have access to stable, well-designed communities that support their success."

DHC is partnering with developer Amin Irving and his Ginosko Development Company to redevelop Parkside into a mixed-income residential community, expanding affordable housing options across several income levels. Phases 1 & 2 of the development were made possible thanks to a recent 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) award from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), unlocking critical funding for revitalization efforts. The DHC is currently seeking funding and tax credits for the remaining four phases.

Parkside is just one of three major affordable housing developments awarded LIHTC credits this year, alongside Gesu Senior Housing and 725 Amsterdam. Together, these two additional projects will bring another 76 new units of affordable housing to Detroit, reinforcing the city’s commitment to expanding sustainable, high-quality housing options for low- and moderate-income residents.

“By combining thoughtful design, strong community partnerships, and sustainable investment, we’re betting that affordable housing can be both high-quality and deeply rooted in the neighborhoods that make this city great.”, said Irene Tucker, Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer. With ongoing support, we aim to ensure that every Detroiter, regardless of income, has the opportunity to access housing.”

Villages of Parkside announcement map

 

As part of its broader strategy to improve affordable housing access for seniors, DHC is supporting the Gesu Senior Housing Project, a partnership between MHT Housing Inc. and Gesu Parish Detroit. The development, located at 17198 Oak Drive, will create 36 affordable units for seniors earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income (AMI). Eight of these units will be supported by DHC Project-Based Vouchers, ensuring long-term affordability. The development will preserve the historic Gesu Parish Center building while incorporating new construction, enhancing accessibility and sustainability for older residents.

"MSHDA is proud to support the Villages of Parkside redevelopment with federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit funding, helping to bring much-needed affordable housing to Detroit's east side," said Chad Benson, MSHDA Director of Development. "This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring Detroiters of all income levels have access to safe, stable housing in the community of their choice. By partnering with the Detroit Housing Commission, the City of Detroit, and dedicated developers like Ginosko Development, we are helping to create a more inclusive and vibrant future for this historic neighborhood."

Among the projects to receive LIHTC funding is the collaboration between Detroit-based Henry Ford Health, Michigan State University and the Detroit Pistons NBA team owned by private equity investor Tom Gores.

The planned housing development at 725 Amsterdam St. in Detroit’s Tech Town area is part of a much larger redevelopment of Henry Ford Health’s campus and facilities in the surrounding New Center area. The nearly $20 million housing component received $1.65 million in credits. The development consists of 40 new studio, one- and two-bedroom units, aimed at being affordable for those earning 30%-80% of the area median income. In Wayne County, that translates to incomes of between $20,160 and $53,760 for an individual, according to MSHDA figures.

"Detroit’s resurgence is built on strong neighborhoods, and that starts with investing in affordable, high-quality housing," said Mayor Duggan. "The Parkside redevelopment is a model for modernizing public housing without displacing residents, while Gesu and 725 Amsterdam offer more than 100 new units of affordable housing for residents in those neighborhoods.”

The Parkside redevelopment is a key component of DHC’s five-year transformation plan, designed to re-imagine and modernize public housing, improve resident services and integrate sustainable, mixed-income living options.

DHC is working closely with Parkside residents to ensure that current tenants have a clear path to remain in the community while benefiting from the redevelopment. Joyletha Godwin, president of the Parkside Tenant Council, shared her perspective.

"Parkside has been home to families like mine for years, and we want to make sure it stays that way," said Godwin. "We’ve seen changes before, but this time, they’re making sure the people who live here now have a place in the future. It’s not just about new buildings, it’s about keeping our community together, making it safer, and giving our kids and grandkids a real future right here at home."

This redevelopment effort aligns with Detroit’s efforts to lead in equitable development and housing expansion, ensuring long-term affordability while enhancing the city’s residential infrastructure.

The 4% LIHTC award is the first phase of funding for Parkside's redevelopment, with a 9% LIHTC award anticipated in early 2025 to accelerate the project. Public-private partnerships will be crucial in securing additional resources for infrastructure, community services, and long-term sustainability as the project goes forward.

DHC Progress Continues

The MSHDA tax credit award and planned redevelopment of Parkside is the most recent in a series of positive steps the agency is taking towards reform and improvement.

  • In October 2024, the City and DHC were awarded a US HUD Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI) Planning grant to plan for the redevelopment of DHC’s Forest Park and Diggs developments north of Eastern market.
  • In November 2024, DHC’s board approved a Hybrid Public-Private Management approach for 7 of its developments to improve the resident experience and support DHC legacy staff in achieving reform milestones.
  • In December 2024, DHC leased over 60 units, the highest leasing month in 2 years, topping over 200 admissions for calendar year 2024. According to the PIH Information System (PIC), 49% of these admissions were homeless households (Homeless designation was either self-identified by the resident or third-party partner).
  • In January 2025, additional lease-ups pushed the agency’s occupancy rate over 80%.
    About Detroit Housing Commission.

Founded in 1933, the Detroit Housing Commission (DHC) is committed to providing quality, affordable housing for low and moderate-income residents across the Detroit Metropolitan area. As Michigan's largest public housing agency, DHC manages approximately 4,000 housing units for seniors and families. For 89 years, DHC has enhanced the quality of life for its residents through safe and decent housing and comprehensive support services.

For more information, visit dhcmi.org.