Detroit opened Orchard Village Apartments, a 48-unit affordable housing complex in the Old Redford neighborhood. Mayor Mike Duggan and city officials attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Kevin Nowak, president and CEO of CHN Housing Partners, acknowledged the support from Mayor Duggan’s team, MSHDA, the State of Michigan, and other funders. Nowak stated, "Thanks to their commitment to quality, safe and affordable housing, we can provide homes to 48 families in Detroit through Orchard Village," according to the City of Detroit.
Orchard Village is a $16 million affordable housing project in Detroit’s Springwells neighborhood, built on previously vacant lots. The apartments include amenities such as in-unit laundry and air conditioning. The development was funded mainly by a 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credit from MSHDA, along with support from state, city, and private sources. It was co-developed by Detroit Blight Busters and CHN Housing Partners, designed by LOHA Architects, and constructed by JGJ Construction, completed in late 2024. Detroit City Council President Pro Tem James Tate said, "Orchard Village delivers the quality, affordable housing that our community deserves." John George, executive director of Detroit Blight Busters, stated, "Orchard Village is a dream come true thanks to the Detroit Blight Busters team, particularly Al Manfroni, as well as CHN Housing Partners and many other generous funders," as reported by the City of Detroit.
Mayor Duggan said George’s work to remove blighted properties in Detroit is now shifting toward development, stating, "Now that we’re running out of them, he’s able to put his energy into building beautiful new affordable housing." Projects such as Orchard Village, the Obama building, and the Old Redford Loop are part of this change. Julie Schneider, Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Director, said, "This community was built with heart, with the belief that every Detroiter deserves a safe, beautiful place to call home." Partners like Invest Detroit and other organizations have supported these efforts. Orchard Village is now fully leased and adds to Detroit’s affordable housing supply, as mentioned by the City of Detroit.
