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Published on November 13, 2024
New $7.3M "The Beauton" Development Introduces Affordable Housing to Detroit's North EndSource: City of Detroit

In a move aimed at addressing Detroit's affordable housing needs, local developer Charles Dickerson and city officials recently unveiled "The Beauton," a $7.3 million mixed-use development in the North End. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Melia Howard, Detroit City Council members, and Dickerson, signaling the completion of the project, according to a release from the City of Detroit.

"The Beauton" introduces 29 affordable housing units to a neighborhood dealing with gentrification and rising rents, consisting of micro-studio and multi-bedroom options. As per details obtained by the City of Detroit, monthly rents are pegged to a range of 50 to 120 percent of the area median income, maintaining over half of the units at or below 80 percent AMI. It notably features micro units priced as low as $700, with an affordability guarantee stretching for 12 years.

The project drew praise from Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who acknowledged the North End neighborhood's development pressures. He emphasized the need for inclusive growth that offers existing residents a place in a thriving community. Additionally, Council President Mary Sheffield spotlighted the development as an exemplar of what's possible when developers of color are included in urban revitalization efforts. "The Beauton Development not only creates new affordable housing units for residents and families, but it also showcases what is possible when developers of color are engaged and given an opportunity to participate in the revitalization of our neighborhoods," Sheffield told the City of Detroit.

The development was made possible through a combination of funding sources, including a $1.55 million loan from the Detroit Housing for the Future Fund (DHFF), equity investments, and a Developer of Color Grant. Charles Dickerson expressed appreciation for the financial support from partners that helped both launch and maintain the project's affordability. The DHFF, supported by JPMorgan Chase and The Kresge Foundation, plays a key role in directing capital to support affordable housing initiatives in Detroit, having now funded 13 projects and created more than 400 affordable housing units across the city.

Alongside DHFF, the development received significant support from Capital Impact Partners and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, highlighting a collaborative effort to address housing equity in Detroit. The Ebiara Fund loan further emphasized the strategic focus on promoting developers of color to leadership roles within Detroit's architectural and development sectors. “Our goal at Ebiara is to make sure that historically underrepresented development firms, like CADS III Management have a significant role in shaping Detroit long into the future,” Rod Hardamon, Managing Director of Ebiara, explained to the City of Detroit.

Detroit-Real Estate & Development