Cinnaire Solutions and the Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation (GRDC) celebrated the grand opening of one affordable housing development, and broke ground on a second development in Northwest Detroit. The joint event celebrated the grand opening of The Residence at West Outer Drive, and the groundbreaking of Minock Park Place, to show and celebrate increasing investments in Detroit’s Grandmont Rosedale neighborhood.
Renovations have been completed on two formerly vacant buildings now called The Residence at West Outer Drive, at 9710 W. Outer Drive, bringing 35 new units of affordable housing to the city’s west side. Less than one block away, ground was broken on Minock Park Place, a new construction project. This mixed-use structure is rising on the site of a long vacant IHOP restaurant on Grand River and will be the first affordable senior community in Grandmont Rosedale. When completed next year, it will add another 42 brand new apartments to the growing neighborhood. Both developments are supported by the Strategic Neighborhood Fund (SNF), which helps developers foster vibrant and safe places for residents to walk, eat, shop and gather. Both are located in the growing area of Grandmont Rosedale, with easy access to shops, schools, and transit options.
“In Detroit, we have built more than $1 billion in affordable housing over the past five years. Today, we are seeing one of those projects open and another one break ground that will be part of our next $1 billion of affordable housing,” said Mayor Duggan. “We are going to continue to work with partners like Cinnaire and the GRDC to build more affordable housing as fast as we can to keep up with the growing demand for housing in Detroit.”
The Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation (GRDC) has dedicated its work to preserving and revitalizing the Grandmont Rosedale communities of northwest Detroit. Closing in late March, GRDC adds its newest renovation to the list of affordable homes for the citizens of Detroit. Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation teamed up with developers Cinnaire Solutions to renovate Grandmont Rosedale Park Collective II, creating new affordable housing.
“This combined grand opening and groundbreaking ceremony marks a significant milestone in our collective vision for a more inclusive and vibrant community,” said Michael Randall, GRDC’s Executive Director. “These two developments will not only provide safe and affordable homes for individuals and families, but will also serve as a catalyst to enhance the quality of life for the Minock Park neighborhood and overall Grandmont Rosedale community.”
The Residence at West Outer Drive
Two fully renovated buildings now feature 35 units reserved for households earning at or below 60 percent of the area median income. That means rent for a one-bedroom apartment would start at $838 per month. Two units will be reserved for residents earning no more than 50% AMI, which will translate to monthly rent of $667 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. A two-bedroom apartment will rent for $1036 per month.
The affordability of all the apartments will be guaranteed for at least the next 30 years.
The $9.7 million development was made possible by $1 million in loans from the Strategic Neighborhood Fund. Cinnaire also provided a $4.6 million Low-Income Housing Tax Credit investment, and Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation provided a $215,000 sponsor note. The development also received approximately $1 million in HUD HOME grants and $351,000 in ARPA dollars from the City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department.
Renovations to The Residence at W. Outer Drive include new HVAC and electrical systems, new windows, kitchen remodeling, improved roofing, flooring and much more. The project also includes the creation of two garden level apartments.
Minock Park Place will feature 42 affordable senior housing units alongside 5,400 square feet of new, dynamic commercial spaces. This development not only promises a secure, comfortable living environment for our seniors, ensuring they remain integral to the community fabric, but also revitalizes the area with retail opportunities that cater to diverse needs and preferences. Minock Park place will consist of 36 one-bedroom and 6 two-bedroom apartments for seniors aged 55 plus, who are low to moderate income. The property will also feature 2,500 square feet of shared outdoor space.
“For more than 30 years, Cinnaire has been investing in people and places to transform communities in Detroit,” said Christopher Laurent, President of Cinnaire Solutions. “We believe our role is to help communities see their potential and reflect that potential in the development process. But potential means nothing without action behind it, and we are proud of the incredible team that came together to bring the vision for Grandmont Rosedale to life. We are deeply grateful for our partners at GRDC, Ethos Development Group, O’Brien Construction, the City of Detroit, MSHDA, and the surrounding community members, whose commitment to this vision will result in much-needed affordable housing for Detroiters.”
“These projects represent a significant investment in the Grandmont-Rosedale neighborhood.” Said Julie Schneider, director of the city’s Housing and Revitalization Department. “They are not just about building homes—they’re about creating a foundation for opportunity, stability, and growth. By improving access to quality housing, we’re fostering a stronger, more vibrant community that will serve as a model of resilience and progress for the entire city.”
“MSHDA is proud to provide financial resources to these exciting developments that combine affordable housing, historic preservation and neighborhood revitalization,” MSHDA Executive Director Amy Hovey said. “The Residences at W. Outer Drive is the first Low-Income Housing Tax Credit project for this area and reflects our commitment to Detroit and the Minock Park neighborhood within the Rosedale Park Local Historic District.”
“We are grateful for the opportunity to support GRDC in the development of more affordable housing for the Grandmont Rosedale Neighborhood,” said Liliana Gonzalez, development manager for Cinnaire Solutions. “We are thrilled to be part of two projects that will offer housing opportunities for families and our senior community.”
Dozens of projects across 10 SNF neighborhoods
Investment in SNF neighborhoods has been substantial. Since its inception in 2016, SNF has invested $262 million, resulting in 10 neighborhood framework plans, 78k SF of commercial space constructed, 378 total housing units and 86 home rehabs funded, 12 park and greenway projects completed with 4 more in progress, and 12 streetscape projects.
“The Strategic Neighborhood Fund is creating lasting impact by driving equitable development in Detroit,” said Jermaine Ruffin, Senior Vice President, Neighborhoods, Invest Detroit. “Minock Park Place will bring much-needed senior housing and new retail to Grand River, while The Residence at West Outer Drive transforms vacant buildings into quality homes. These projects provide affordable housing, boost local businesses, and create jobs—ensuring Detroiters can live, work, and thrive in their communities.”
