City and community leaders gathered on Thursday, May 15, 2025, to mark a major milestone in the revitalization of Detroit’s Woodbridge neighborhood with the official groundbreaking of 4401 Rosa Parks Apartments, a new affordable housing community that will bring 60 high-quality homes to the area. The development is the result of a collaborative partnership between Cinnaire Solutions, a mission-driven nonprofit developer, and Woodbridge Neighborhood Development, a community-based organization dedicated to inclusive neighborhood growth.
Held at the project site at 4401 Rosa Parks Boulevard, the ceremony featured remarks from Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, along with leaders from the development team, funding partners, and community organizations. The event celebrated the beginning of construction on a project that represents the first phase of a multi-phase redevelopment of the former Wilbur Wright School/Detroit School of Arts site, located west of Rosa Parks Boulevard.
“Breaking ground on this beautiful new affordable housing development on the same day the Census Bureau released data showing that Detroit is leading the state in population growth is so meaningful,” said Mayor Mike Duggan. “Adding 60 new units of beautiful affordable housing right here in the Woodbridge District demonstrates how as the city continues to grow, we are working together to make sure Detroiters of all incomes can afford to live well, even in some of the hottest neighborhoods.”
The $25.8 million development will feature a four-story building with 40 one-bedroom and 20 two-bedroom apartments, all offered at affordable rates to meet the needs of Detroiters of varying income levels. Designed with community in mind, the building will also include a small ground-floor commercial space fronting Rosa Parks Boulevard, a community room, green gathering spaces, and a corner plaza. A new playground and a MoGo bike share station will enhance the site’s family-friendly and transportation-accessible appeal, supporting the project’s goal of fostering a vibrant and walkable neighborhood.
“We believe your zip code should not determine your future,” said Christopher J. Laurent, president of Cinnaire Solutions. “The groundbreaking at 4401 Rosa Parks represents more than new housing — it’s about creating real opportunities for Detroit residents and building a foundation for long-term success.”
The development is made possible by a coalition of public and private funding partners. Financing for the project includes 9% and 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and Gap Financing from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), HOME funds from the City of Detroit, and a grant from the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority. Cinnaire provided equity investment, the Detroit Housing Commission is contributing Project Based Vouchers, and Independent Bank is supporting the project with construction and permanent financing.
“4401 Rosa Parks is the cornerstone of a resident-led plan to preserve affordability, promote connectivity, and protect the neighborhood’s sense of place,” said Jai Singletary, Executive Director of Woodbridge Neighborhood Development. “Bringing new affordable, accessible apartments with modern amenities reflects our commitment to expanding housing options in Woodbridge.”
“We are pleased to be able to support this critical addition of sixty new affordable apartment units to the Woodbridge Neighborhood which will provide safe, high quality, affordable housing to Detroiters,” said Brad Kessel, President and CEO of Independent Bank, an investor in the project. “We applaud the unwavering commitment of the development team at Cinnaire Solutions and Woodbridge Neighborhood Development to bring this development to fruition.”
