Two homes in one day for North End

On July 12, two modular homes were erected on Delmar Street in North End Village in a demonstration of how quickly such homes can be erected. The homes are the first of a project that will eventually total 90 homes, 50 in the first phase alone.

The two homes -- one two-story and one ranch -- were intended to be models for the development, but have already sold. Developer Kenneth Lipshutz says, "We're way ahead of where we thought we were going to be." A third model, of a cape cod, will go up in a few weeks and Lipshutz says the next set will follow as soon as permits are approved.

The homes all feature attached two-car garages and full basements. They range in size from 1,740 up to 2,020 square feet and in price from $175,000 to $210,000. Of the modular manufacturers, Lipshutz says, "We worked really hard with Champion Homes and Rochester Homes to design model homes that were the most affordable, yet provided a lot more value than comparable properties. We are using factory built homes because they are quick, better, more affordable and offer a higher value for new home buyers."

Now that the bulk of the exterior work on the homes is complete, M & M Homes will complete finish carpentry, siding, front porches, utility hookups, roof shingling and garages within 30-45 days -- and families will be moving in right away.

Lipshutz says a big part of the reason North End Village is able to get off the ground so quickly is that it is building off the groundwork of Dave Bing and others, who did much of the pre-development work and completed nine homes that are all occupied. After establishing a partnership just a few months ago, Lipshutz says, "We had 90 lots all ready to get started on."

After these 90 homes are completed and sold, Lipshutz hopes to keep going. "There is an opportunity for 200 homes or more, just in the Northend." He says the group is working on master plan that might include additional home styles.

As a Next Detroit Neighborhoods, North End Village buyers are eligible for down payment assistance. For more information about the development, contact Dana Farrell at 313-685-7283 or [email protected].

Source: Kenneth Lipshutz, North End Village
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh