Northwest Wayne News

Mayor Mike Duggan, City Council Member Scott Benson, and funders gathered with the Osborn Neighborhood Alliance to commemorate the completion of three renovated duplexes in Detroit. The project, located on Mapleridge between Gratiot Avenue and Schoenherr on Detroit’s East Side, aims to provide affordable housing solutions for residents in the area.

The duplexes, developed by native Detroiter Quincy Jones, offer six new units with three bedrooms and two bathrooms each. The unique aspect of this project is that the duplexes were sold at discounted rates to homebuyers with incomes at or below 80% of the area median income. Mayor Duggan highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, "Detroiters can build generational wealth by purchasing a home at a remarkable rate and renting the additional space to another family looking for a great place to live."

The project received funding from various sources, including the Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department and the Strategic Neighborhood Fund. Julie Schneider, director of the Department of Housing and Revitalization, expressed pride in partnering on projects that create affordable housing opportunities, emphasizing the importance of this development in providing home ownership and affordable rental housing.

Developer Quincy Jones, Executive Director of the Osborn Neighborhood Alliance, shared his satisfaction in revitalizing the community through the Mapleridge Housing development. He mentioned, "By rehabilitating existing duplex units, we’re not only addressing blight but also fostering a sense of pride and stability among residents."

One of the buyers of the duplexes, Paula Sims, a longtime Detroit resident, expressed her joy at becoming a homeowner and the opportunity to provide affordable housing to others. Councilmember Scott Benson, a supporter of the Osborn Neighborhood Alliance's work, highlighted the importance of removing barriers to homeownership to improve generational wealth and housing quality in the community.

The completion of the duplex renovation project is a testament to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders in addressing the need for affordable housing in Detroit. The success of this project serves as a model for future initiatives aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods and providing housing opportunities for residents.