Renovation of
Saint Rita Apartments A Physical and Psychological Lift to the Neighborhood
L
By Trevor W. Coleman
ost in all the hoopla last Tuesday over the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announcement of a $1.6 billion investment in the repurposing the current Mack Avenue Engine Complex into a vehicle assembly plant was an equally joyous announcement the next day by Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, even if it didn’t quite carry the cache of a billion dollar investment project. No doubt about it, the FCA announcement with its potential for 5,000 jobs was another huge win for the city. But Mayor Duggan’s standing on the steps of the Saint Rita Apartments with various local officials celebrating the opening of the newly renovated apartments as an affordable housing unit should not be underestimated in its value to the community as well. You see, the $7.2M development project and 31,467 square-foot, six-story building, was once vacant and uninhabitable for many years. And the building itself, located just north of Midtown off of Woodward Ave. at 35 Owen St. in
Detroit was elegantly reconstructed featuring 26 one-bedroom, state-ofthe-art, 750-square-foot units. Its hallways were impeccably restored with detailed tile work and imported marble from Greece. Other amenities include a community room, computer lab, library, and a common laundry room. And the century-old, six-story Georgian Revival red brick apartment is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic rehabilitation project will provide housing and support services for Detroiters experiencing homelessness, with a preference for homeless veterans and individuals and Detroit residents with special needs. And the owner of the building; Central City Integrated Health will provide on-site supportive services and assistance for apartment residents to not only maintain their housing status but also to help them positively contribute to the community. “After 100 years from its creation, the historic Saint Rita Apartments are being brought back to life, not for the wealthy, but for those most in need,” said CCIH President and CEO Ryan Lepper. “We have diligently worked to ensure that these individuals can live
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catalystdetroit.com | April 2019 | catalyst 7
