$10 Million Rehab Project Brings Shelter for the Homeless

By the Editors of Commercial Property Executive

November 1, 2012

Cass Community Social Services (CCSS), a Detroit-based non-profit organization that strives to provide basic needs, including affordable housing and food to the homeless and elderly in Southeast Michigan and Wayne County, announced last week a redevelopment project that would transform the derelict building located at 1584 Elmhurst Street at Woodrow Wilson Street into permanent supportive housing for the homeless.

By Veronica Grecu, Associate Editor

Cass Community Social Services (CCSS), a Detroit-based non-profit organization that strives to provide basic needs, including affordable housing and food to the homeless and elderly in Southeast Michigan and Wayne County, announced last week a redevelopment project that would transform the derelict building located at 1584 Elmhurst Street at Woodrow Wilson Street into permanent supportive housing for the homeless.

The $10 million rehab project will be developed in a joint venture with MHT Housing Inc., an affordable housing developer headquartered in Bingham Farms, MI, under plans designed by Fusco, Shaffer & Pappas Inc. Architects and Planners in Farmington Hills. According to The Detroit News, the project is being financed through a combination of state and federal grants, low-income tax credits and sponsorships from banks.

Scheduled for completion at the end of 2013 as part of CCSS’ Arthur Antisdel Apartments project, the renovated 34,500-square-foot building will be the first homeless housing project to feature a geothermal heating/cooling system in Michigan. It will include 41 one-bedroom apartments meant to offer permanent supportive housing and a sense of community to some of the estimated 19,000 homeless men and women in Detroit. In addition to the housing units, the facility will feature a shared recreational space for residents, a computer room and office space.