Mayor, Osborn Neighborhood Alliance and community partners celebrate completion of duplex renovation project

Mayor, Councilmember Benson join Osborn Neighborhood Alliance to celebrate the completion of three renovated, long vacant duplexes
New approach could be a solution for other vacant two- and four-family residential buildings
Project made possible with funding from Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department and Strategic Neighborhood Fund

Today, Mayor Duggan, City Council Member Scott Benson, and funders joined the Osborn Neighborhood Alliance to celebrate the completion of three newly renovated duplexes. Developed by native Detroiter Quincy Jones, the duplexes will provide six new units of affordable housing for residents, all of which will have three bedrooms and two bathrooms located on Mapleridge between Gratiot Avenue and Schoenherr on Detroit’s East Side.

In one of the first projects of its kind, each of the duplexes has been sold at a deeply discounted rate to homebuyers with incomes at or below 80% of the area median income. Those purchasing the duplexes will live in one unit and rent out the other, providing an excellent opportunity for moderate-income households to build generational wealth.

The rental units will be offered as affordable housing to households with incomes up to 60% of the area median income who have Section 8 housing vouchers. The features of each unit, including new amenities and privacy fencing, demonstrate a commitment to quality and comfort for the future homeowners and tenants to provide a safe, affordable, and spacious place to live. Each home is complete with new kitchens, new bathrooms, new roofs, granite countertops, and three bedrooms.

"Detroiters can build generational wealth by purchasing a home at a remarkable rate and renting the additional space to another family looking for a great place to live” said Mayor Mike Duggan. “I want to thank Qunicy Jones for his continued dedication to ensuring the Osborn neighborhood is a community where residents want to live.”

Mapleridge housing pic1 — Mayor Mike Duggan lifts up the crowd at the Mapleridge Duplex Project Grand Opening.

The project received $500,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding from the City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department, $288,000 in Strategic Neighborhood Fund grants from Invest Detroit, and a construction loan from Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC).

“We are proud to partner on projects that find unique solutions to create affordable housing,” said Julie Schneider, director of the Department of Housing and Revitalization. “This development provides an opportunity for home ownership, affordable rental housing, and breathes new life into this neighborhood.”

The Osborn Neighborhood Alliance partnered with Matrix Human Services to help connect the homebuyers with renter applicants who have Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers.

“It's truly fulfilling to witness this project come to life,” said developer Quincy Jones. “The Osborn Neighborhood Alliance has taken proactive steps to revitalize the community and provide affordable housing options through the Mapleridge Housing development. By rehabilitating existing duplex units, we’re not only addressing blight but also fostering a sense of pride and stability among residents.”

Mapleridge housing pic2 — Quincy Jones, Executive Director of the Osborn Neighborhood Alliance, is proud to have played a huge role in activating parcels here on Mapleridge.

Two of the three duplexes have been sold, with one of the buyers being longtime Detroit resident, Paula Sims. Paula grew up on the east side of Detroit, where she attended Denby High School and later Michigan State University. After years of renting, Paula began the journey of finding a home to own. While completing a homebuyer education course through Wayne Metro, Smith learned of this opportunity made possible by the Osborn Neighborhood Alliance.

“I am elated to be a homeowner. My city came together and made it happen for me in a time that I needed support the most,” said Paula Sims. “Owning a home in my hometown allows me to put down roots. This project in particular allows me to be a host for affordable housing for someone else, which in return is rewarding for me.”

Mapleridge housing pic3 — Proud first-time homeowner, Paula Sims, sits with her daughter Emery (7), and nephew on the porch of their new home.

Councilmember Scott Benson (District 3) represents the Osborn Neighborhood and is a huge supporter of the work the Osborn Neighborhood Alliance is doing in the community.

“Removing the barriers to homeownership is a fundamental need if we are going to grow generational wealth for Detroiters and improve the quality of housing within our neighborhoods,” said Benson. “I am thrilled to see these affordable duplexes renovated and sold in the Osborn Neighborhood and sold to residents who now are on the path to improving their economic well-being and contributing to the growth of our city. I want to thank the developer, Quincy Jones, for working so diligently on this project to bring a new level of familial wealth and housing to the Osborn community. We need more of this type of partnership across this district and the entire city to ensure Detroiters have every opportunity to grow their family’s wealth and expand the City’s portfolio of quality housing in our neighborhoods.”

The development is the latest project to tap the Strategic Neighborhood Fund (SNF), which helps strengthen neighborhoods through targeted investments in parks, streetscapes, commercial corridors and single-family housing. All along the way, the plans are guided by resident input, empowering them to decide the future of their neighborhoods.

"The Strategic Neighborhood Fund is thrilled to support a partner who brings an innovative approach to affordable housing solutions" said Jermaine Ruffin, senior vice president for neighborhoods at Invest Detroit, which administers the SNF. "This project includes a wealth building opportunity that can move our work closer to realizing stronger and more resilient Detroit neighborhoods.”

Mapleridge housing pic4 — Two of the three beautifully restored duplexes along Mapleridge. The home on the right is now owned by Paula Sims.

The Osborn Neighborhood Alliance purchased the properties from the Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA). They had sat vacant for over a decade. The DLBA is happy to partner with Quincy Jones on this exciting project.

“The Detroit Land Bank Authority is proud to have Osborn Neighborhood Alliance as a community partner,” said Detroit Land Bank Authority Chief Executive Office Tammy Daniels. “Seeing the transformation of these duplexes into affordable, and safe, housing is inspiring and the DLBA hopes it inspires others to help revitalize their neighborhoods.”

About Invest Detroit

Invest Detroit is a mission-driven nonprofit lender, investor, and partner that supports business and real estate projects that will ignite economic growth in Detroit and the region. Their goal is to increase density and job opportunities in a way that is strategic and inclusive. Learn more at www.InvestDetroit.com.

About the Strategic Neighborhood Fund

The Strategic Neighborhood Fund a $150 million initiative piloted in 2016 by Mayor Duggan and Invest Detroit. It began with a $42 million investment in three initial neighborhood areas: Livernois/McNichols, Southwest/Vernor and Islandview/Greater Villages. Two years later, the SNF initiative was expanded to seven more areas and funded by an investment of $5 million each from seven corporations: American Axle, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Chemical Bank, Fifth Third, Flagstar Bank, Huntington, and Penske. Chemical and Huntington have since merged. Fifth Third Bank is the corporate partner in Gratiot/Seven Mile.