The landscape of downtown Farmington is poised for a transformation with the demolition of the long-vacant Maxfield Training Center, paving the way for a new $16 million residential development. CBS News Detroit reported that the lot, which once served as an educational facility dating back to 1880, will introduce 53 affordable townhomes known as Hillside Townes, expected to be listed in the mid-$300,000 range. The groundbreaking initiative is a response to Michigan's tightening housing market, which seeks to address the needs of the 'missing middle'.
Michigan's Chief Growth Officer Hilary Doe emphasized "The whole country is experiencing what a lot call a housing crisis, and it's really a crisis of the type of housing that folks want and need. We have a lot of folks, especially in this missing middle, who need access to housing units that are affordable for them, and there just aren't units available on the market for them right now," and highlighted the scarcity of units currently available in the market, according to CBS News Detroit. While the state Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ramped up housing goals to ensure availability across income levels, Farmington Mayor Joe LaRussa sees the Hillside Townes as only the 'beginning' in mere words, there are future projects and targeted redevelopment already on the cards for the city, with affordable living as a cornerstone for sustainable growth.
Audacy described the demolition ceremony, marking the transition from a derelict building to a burgeoning residential community, a milestone event depicting a collaborative effort at combatting Michigan's housing shortage. LaRussa underlined the significance of this project, suggesting it heralds the advent of subsequent redevelopment in the area and the introduction of more attainable housing solutions. The Hillside Townes epitomizes the symbiotic relationship between community rejuvenation and bolstering the 'missing middle' housing sector, aligning with state directives that champion such ventures, as detailed by Audacy.
Meanwhile, reactions among Farmington residents to the Hillside Townes project veer from enthusiastic endorsement to measured skepticism, as encapsulated by WXYZ's interactions with locals. Genevieve Lilley, who resides in proximity to the site, expressed excitement over the economic impetus the development promised, saying, "I'm excited to see what comes of it," and another resident Larry Cook noted concerns regarding the preservation of green spaces between the development and nearby natural amenities Conversely, Luke Lefiles suggested a preference for repurposing rather than replacing the eliminated structure, highlighting tension between community desires and developmental imperatives; the full range of resident sentiments is detailed in the article by WXYZ.
The Hillside Townes project seems set to unfold in phases, with construction to start later this year and an optimistic completion date of 2027. It not only introduces new housing but incorporates crucial upgrades to local infrastructure such as water utilities, ADA improvements, and enhanced walkability. This multi-faceted endeavor reflects the rigorous, ongoing efforts by state authorities and private entities to diminish the stark housing shortage that Michigan grapples with, targeting a meaningful reduction from a deficit of 190,000 units to 141,000 units statewide.
