Woodbridge, one of Detroit’s venerable neighborhoods, took a step towards affordable living with the groundbreaking of 4401 Rosa Parks Apartments, a new affordable housing community, adding 60 units to the area. The development, spearheaded by Cinnaire Solutions and Woodbridge Neighborhood Development, promises a continuation of the district's historical and cultural fabric, while providing much-needed cost-effective housing options.
In a ceremony dotted with city leaders and community representatives, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan expressed the symbolic significance of the project, launched just as new census data revealed a burgeoning population in the city. "Breaking ground on this beautiful new affordable housing development on the same day the Census Bureau released data showing that Detroit is leading the state in population growth is so meaningful," Mayor Duggan told the City of Detroit's news release. "Adding 60 new units of beautiful affordable housing right here in the Woodbridge District demonstrates how as the city continues to grow, we are working together to make sure Detroiters of all incomes can afford to live well, even in some of the hottest neighborhoods."
The $25.8 million investment into 4401 Rosa Parks aims to blend 40 one-bedroom and 20 two-bedroom apartments with the neighborhood's demand for affordable housing, along with a commercial space and amenities geared towards fostering community engagement. Julie Schneider, Director of Housing and Revitalization for the City of Detroit, emphasized the city's commitment to equitable development and the inclusion of community insights. “The 4401 Rosa Parks Apartments project represents the kind of intentional, community-driven development that Detroit needs,” she explained. “It’s a commitment to preserving affordability, honoring the historic character of Woodbridge, and ensuring that longtime residents are part of the neighborhood’s future."
The historic Woodbridge neighborhood, once a bedrock for a diverse population during Detroit’s industrial boom, now aligns with a modern vision that includes supporting family-friendly projects like playgrounds and a MoGo bike share station. President of Cinnaire Solutions, Christopher J. Laurent, looking upon a shared vision for inclusive growth, stated, "This groundbreaking is a major milestone in our shared mission to build a more inclusive and equitable Detroit.” The partnership bringing the project to life is a coalition of financiers including the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), the City of Detroit, the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority, Cinnaire, Independent Bank, and the Detroit Housing Commission.
Jai Singletary, Executive Director of Woodbridge Neighborhood Development, highlighted the project as a cornerstone in a resident-led plan aiming to safeguard the community’s identity. “4401 Rosa Parks is the cornerstone of a resident-led plan to preserve affordability, promote connectivity, and protect the neighborhood’s sense of place,” Singletary conveyed in the City of Detroit's press release. Brad Kessel, President and CEO of Independent Bank, mirrored these remarks, applauding the relentless commitment to realize the vision for Woodbridge. “We are pleased to be able to support this critical addition of sixty new affordable apartment units to the Woodbridge Neighborhood which will provide safe, high quality, affordable housing to Detroiters,” Kessel added.
