Landmark Affordable Housing Development Brings New Homes, Hope and Opportunity to Residents
Cinnaire recently joined community leaders, residents and development partners to celebrate the grand opening for New Parkridge in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The new affordable housing community features 86 quality apartments and townhouses with on-site support services for individuals and families. Cinnaire, through a strategic partnership with UnitedHealthCare and the Minnesota Equity Fund, provided a Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) investment to support New Parkridge. Additionally, Cinnaire provided a $1.3 million loan for the development. Washtenaw County Office of Economic and Community Development provided $915,000 and the Ypsilanti Housing Commission provided $600,000. Bank of America approved a $13 million construction loan.
Developed by the Ypsilanti Housing Commission (YHC) and Chesapeake Community Advisors (CAA), New Parkridge replaced the 70-year-old Parkridge public housing complex with a vibrant new community that includes 86 duplexes, townhouse and apartments offering one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom homes. New Parkridge provides residents quality, affordable housing and offers rental assistance through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
New Parkridge’s “new urbanism” architectural design, which connects its home to the
surrounding community and features street-facing housing, front porches, sidewalks, driveways and yards, was highlighted during the ceremony. A community building, with a large community room, kitchen, computer lab, and offices for social workers and management staff, was dedicated in honor of Amos Washington, the first African-American city council member and director of the Ypsilanti Housing Commission, which was responsible for overseeing the original Parkridge community in the 19502.
“New Parkridge is a true model for new community development, and today’s celebration represents an important moment for Ypsilanti. Without the support of so many partners, today wouldn’t be possible. This new community opens the doors to a brighter future for the individuals and families who now call New Parkridge their home.” U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell
Inside the Amos Washington Building, supportive services are offered to residents by Eastern Michigan University and Avalon Housing, providing access to health care, education, job training and childcare. This includes: individualized case management planning; coordination of care provider services for primarily health care, mental health services and dental care; assistance with Medicaid enrollment; and health education and wellness programs. Adult literacy, higher education instruction, job training and placement, and leadership development are also available.
“Cinnaire, working together with our equity partners, is helping meet a critical need within the Ypsilanti community to help provide at-risk individuals with quality, permanent housing with support services,” said Mark McDaniel, Cinnaire president & CEO.
Rohde Construction Company was the contractor for the development. KMG Prestige is the property manager and Fusco, Shaffer & Pappas was the project architect. New Parkridge is built to environmentally green stands and conveniently located adjacent to the Parkridge Community Center, operated by Washtenaw Community College, which offers a wide range of recreational and educational programming for youth.
