Community Renewal Good Stories - Detroit

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New Housing Popping Up in Corktown

Detroit, Michigan, EZ

A community vision is coming alive in urban Detroit, thanks to the Greater Corktown Development Corporation, U-Snap-Bac, and 11 other local housing and community development agencies funded by the Detroit Empowerment Zone Development Corporation (EZDC).

Corktown Development is building 33 new homes scattered along Cochran Avenue, Harrison Avenue, and Sycamore Street on land that had laid vacant for many years. The construction phase begins September 2004. The new houses, all pre-sold, are priced at around $80,000.

"We are proud of our partnerships with all of these agencies to make affordable housing and homeownership a reality for Detroit's low- and moderate-income residents," says Larry Givens, executive director of EZDC. "The nearly $3 million we have thus far made available to support and enhance housing and neighborhood development is an investment in people, an investment in our neighborhoods, and an investment in the future of Detroit."

The EZDC provides soft money for predevelopment costs such as architectural services, appraisals, surveys, environmental assessments, and related services, Givens explained. Corktown Development used its $210,000 grant from the EZDC to cover consultant costs and leveraged these funds for construction financing from Charter One, National City, and Bank One.

U-Snap-Bac, another community development agency, used its $300,000 grant for architectural renderings, land acquisition, title work, and engineering costs. Supporting partners created through leveraging these funds include the city of Detroit, Michigan Capital Fund, and National City Bank.

Through these partnerships with housing and community development agencies, hundreds of homeownership opportunities now exist throughout the EZ's central, east, and southwest areas. Consistent with the EZ mission, some housing is designed for special populations. "We have special housing initiatives to meet the needs of seniors, people with disabilities, and homeless families in transition," Givens explained.

In some cases homes are sold to eligible individuals and families at affordable rates based on guidelines issued by HUD. For more information on the programs of the Detroit EZ, please contact Executive Director Larry Givens at (313) 872-8050.