A housing boom is kicking off economic revitalization in a Jackson neighborhood. It’s happening on Jackson’s east side in the Health District, a neighborhood along E. Michigan Avenue between Downtown Jackson and Henry Ford Jackson Hospital.
A groundbreaking event for the new housing developments happened Tuesday, Nov. 12. Residents, City staff, developers and elected officials gathered at the intersection of Van Dorn and Detroit streets to celebrate the 94 new housing units that are coming to the Health District.
The City Council recently approved the sale of vacant lots on N. Van Dorn, Homewild, Detroit, Pearl and N. Perrine streets to VMG Construction of Lansing. The development company is breaking ground on 20 new housing units, a mix of duplexes and single family homes, in Nov. 2024. VMG selected this area because they were looking for a neighborhood revitalization opportunity that was near employment opportunities.
Even more new home construction is planned in the Health District. Allen Edwin Homes intends to build seven rental homes in the neighborhood. Greater Jackson Habitat for Humanity is building two affordable single-family homes at the intersection of Cooper and Trail streets. The City of Jackson is also investing in this area, planning two accessible homes for people with disabilities using a State grant. One new home is coming to the district from Fannie Mae. The federal government-sponsored home financier is building a new house to replace a foreclosed structure that was demolished.
Apartments are also coming to the neighborhood. The former Allen Elementary School building, which has been vacant for more than 20 years, is being converted into 62 market-rate apartments and commercial space. The renovation project, named the Allen Lofts, is located on E. Pearl Street directly across from the Henry Ford Jackson Hospital campus. Construction on the $15 million investment from Design Build Detroit is set for Jan. 2025.
“The amount of private investment we’re receiving in the City of Jackson is the result of close relationships with developers and our business-friendly approaches,” said Community Development Director Shane LaPorte. “Developers are impressed with the ease of collaborating with City staff, and our neighborhoods, residents and local businesses are seeing the benefits of this work.”
Local leaders expect new residents to boost current businesses and bring new opportunities. The Health District is served by the E. Michigan Avenue commercial corridor. While the Downtown Development Authority works with businesses on facade and street scape improvements, the City is engaging east side residents on what changes they’d like to see to the corridor.
“Investments in Loomis Park and the Boos Recreation Center from the City laid the groundwork for all of this new housing and I’m looking forward to seeing the improvements continue,” said Ward 2 City Councilmember Freddie Dancy, who represents this area on the City Council. “We want to hear from residents about what other upgrades are needed so they are a part of this economic revitalization.”