44 new homes in Southwest Detroit achieve 100% occupancy

Southwest Housing Solutions (SWHS) has completed -- and fully leased -- 33 new single-family townhouses and 11 new single-family homes in the Hubbard Farms community of Southwest Detroit. The single family homes and townhouses are both three-bedroom two-bathroom units that are approximately 1,300 square feet. They lease for $350 to $720 per month depending on the tenant's income. SWHS will own the property for 15 years after which time they can be converted to for-sale homes.

The $8.2 million development, called Hubbard Communities, is located on scattered sites on Hubbard, Vinewood, Palms, Scotten, Clark and 25th streets -- primarily north of W. Grand Blvd. and east of W. Vernor. The infill construction replaced empty lots and deteriorated properties and is intended to bolster the community against further blight. "We targeted the best of the best as far as land availability," says SWHS executive director Tim Thorland. "It's really quite amazing what it's done to the street-front, filling in the gaps."

New construction is the second phase of SWHS' comprehensive plan for the neighborhood, which started with the rehabilitation of 13 apartment buildings. The third phase calls for a community organizing effort to improve the neighborhood's environment, city services and educational opportunities and to reduce crime. So far, SWHS has invested more than $40 million into the area, with the goal of completely stabilizing the community. "We ultimately want to be able to build single-family homes and attract anyone to live here," says Thorland. "It takes about 20 years to implement this kind of change."

Hubbard Communities was funded by Great Lakes Capital Fund, JPMorgan Chase, Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), NeighborWorks Capital and the City of Detroit. Read more about the project in this article on SWHS' website, which includes photos and statements from a resident.

Source: Tim Thorland, SWHS
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh