Two Southwest Detroit groups are working together on a $2.7 million renovation plan that will create 12 residential units and 6,500 square feet of commercial space in two adjacent buildings, including the building that once housed the Carnival Bar.
LA SED, a nonprofit serving Southwest Detroit, purchased the buildings located on West Vernor, across the street from Clark Park, in 2001. “LA SED did the neighborhood a huge favor by buying the [Carnival] bar and shutting it down,” said Dan Pederson of Southwest Housing Solutions, which is also working on the project. “The bar was a huge blight on the neighborhood … Turning the building into housing is a very constructive way to serve the community.”
LA SED hired Southwest Housing Solutions for the residential housing redevelopment and for the acquisition of grants and funding for the project. Charter 1 Bank is also providing a $500,000 loan. Work is expected to be done by May 2007.
SER Metro-Detroit, Jobs for Progress Inc. will help rent out the commercial units. Four retail or office spaces are being planned, running from 800 square feet to 2,200 square feet.
The 12 residential units will include eight two-bedroom apartments, three one-bedroom apartments, and one three-bedroom apartment.
There will be a community reception for the groundbreaking of the project on July 14. Contact LA SED for more information at 313-554-2025.
Sources: Edith Castillo, LA SED; Dan Pederson, Southwest Housing Solutions
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