Detroit's landscape has gained a new landmark with the unveiling of "The Ribbon," an $8.2 million mixed-use affordable housing project in East English Village. Developer Edward Carrington of Flux City Development spearheaded the initiative, marking his debut in elevating the area's housing options. According to a statement obtained by Detroitmi.gov, this substantial development on the E. Warren Ave. corridor is set to leaven the fabric of the neighborhood with affordable living spaces and invigorate it with new commercial opportunities.
The Ribbon offers 18 units of affordable apartments targeted at locals, contributing to the ongoing commitment to rejuvenate this sector of Detroit. "The East Warren corridor is undergoing a tremendous revitalization, and The Ribbon is going to be a beautiful addition and a major anchor in this area," Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan conveyed in a statement to Detroitmi.gov. With 14 apartments pegged at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) and four at or below 60% AMI, the goal is to widely open the doors to affordable living for at least a quarter-century under the stipulated terms.
Carrington's menu of offerings also includes a dedicated community space on The Ribbon's ground floor. Aura Vibez Movement Studio will hold a 2,000-square-foot zone designed to embolden community members through fitness and wellness activities, such as yoga and calisthenics.
The fiscal underpinning for the project came through various avenues, with poignant support from the Detroit Housing for the Future Fund, offering a loan of $600,000, and the Strategic Neighborhood Fund, granting $1.4 million. Contributions also included funds from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Capital Impact Partners, which made available a mix of loans, investments, and grants. Damon Hodge, senior loan officer for Capital Impact Partners complimented Carrington's dedication to community needs, stating to Detroitmi.gov, "We are proud to provide Ed Carrington and Flux City with financial support for this project. Since graduating from our Equitable Development Initiative years ago, Ed has not only developed real estate with the needs and desires of Detroit's residents in mind, but he has also become a mentor and a champion for other emerging developers in our region."
Moreover, The Ribbon is a beneficiary of the DHFF Developers of Color Matching Grant, aimed at fostering minority-led housing development initiatives. LISC Detroit and implied partners like JPMorgan Chase have stepped in to solidify the financial groundwork, helping to eliminate predevelopment cost barriers for minority developers and galvanizing inclusive community progress. Tiffany Durr, Interim President of LISC Fund Management echoed this inclusivity, remarking in an interview with Detroitmi.gov, “DHFF and LISC Detroit are not only expanding affordable housing options for Detroiters but also empowering local talent and people of color to be at the forefront of building these spaces.”
Community input has been a linchpin throughout the project's development with investments in the Strategic Neighborhood Fund reflecting the insights and desires of residents. The initiative, backed by corporations like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and others, integrates the ethos of residential aspiration with strategic implementation—a combination designed to facilitate holistic neighborhood renewal. The community-driven approach of this project was further underscored by Joseph Rashid, executive director of East Warren Development Corp., who explained how Carrington prioritized local engagement and collaboration throughout the process.
