Three New Developments to Bring Nearly 200 Units of Deeply Affordable, Mixed-income Housing to Corktown

DETROIT – Mayor Mary Sheffield joined development partners, residents and community leaders this past Monday, June 1 to celebrate the continued transformation of Detroit’s historic Corktown  neighborhood through the construction of three major mixed-income housing developments: Bagley Townhomes & Flats, West of 10th Apartments, and Trumbull Apartments.

Together, the three developments will bring 188 new residential housing units to Corktown, including more than 150 affordable homes supported through the City by a portion of Detroit’s $35 million federal Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant and broader neighborhood revitalization strategy. 

Fifth Third Bank (formerly Comerica Bank) and Citizens Bank are also providing funding for the developments. These phases are part of the ongoing redevelopment of the former Clement Kern Gardens site and reflect the City’s commitment to ensuring longtime residents can continue to live in one of Detroit’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.

“Corktown is growing as fast as any neighborhood in the city, which is a good thing, but it also means more rent pressures for longtime residents,” said Mayor Sheffield. “That’s why we have made it a priority to invest heavily in new and more affordable housing so working families and seniors in Corktown can continue to live here and benefit from that progress.” 

”Corktown is not only Detroit’s oldest neighborhood, but one of the most vibrant,” said Councilmember Gabriela Santiago-Romero. “As it continues to see more investment, it’s critical that we make sure it remains affordable, too. These new housing units will help keep Corktown accessible to Detroiters of all ages, incomes, and familial makeup.”

Located just west of downtown Detroit, Corktown has long served as a gateway community for generations of immigrants and working-class families. Originally settled by Irish immigrants in the mid-1800s, the neighborhood became known for its close-knit residential blocks, historic row houses and strong community identity. In recent years, Corktown has experienced significant redevelopment activity, driven by public and private investment surrounding Michigan Central, Roosevelt Park and the broader Southwest Detroit corridor.

“Corktown has long been one of Detroit’s most vibrant and historic neighborhoods,” said Jerry Krueger, President of American Community Developers, Inc., the developer of the site. “We’re thrilled to partner with the City to provide new housing options for everyone.”

The City of Detroit was awarded a $35 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation (CNI) grant awarded in May 2021 (and supplemented in 2023) by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD.) The Choice Neighborhoods Initiative, led by the City of Detroit’s Housing & Revitalization and Planning and Development Departments in partnership with residents and community stakeholders, is helping ensure that growth benefits residents of all incomes through new housing, neighborhood amenities, and community investment, especially for existing residents.

The developments also advance the vision outlined in the Greater Corktown Framework Plan, a community-driven planning effort that established a long-term roadmap for growth in Corktown and surrounding neighborhoods. The housing developments announced today align with the framework’s goals of creating a more connected, equitable and vibrant neighborhood anchored by affordable housing, activated public spaces and pedestrian-oriented development.

“MSHDA is proud to invest in historic Corktown and the creation of affordable homes where Detroiters want to live, work and play,” said Amy Hovey, MSHDA Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director. “With a 119,000unit housing shortage statewide, these developments represent the kind of smart, communityrooted growth we need to expand Michigan’s supply of quality housing.”

“As Detroit continues to grow, preserving and expanding affordable housing in neighborhoods like Corktown is critical,” said Julie Schneider, Director of Detroit’s Housing & Revitalization Department. “These projects ensure seniors, families and longtime Detroiters can remain part of this community’s future while benefiting from the new investment and opportunity taking place around them.”