Mayor Sheffield and Councilmember Johnson join CHN Housing Partners and TRIBE Development to celebrate construction of Jefferson Avenue Apartments

• New development will bring 52 affordable homes while supporting long-term vision for Jefferson-Chalmers

CHN Housing Partners (CHN) and TRIBE Development were joined today by Mayor Mary Sheffield, Councilmember Latisha Johnson, funders and community partners to celebrate the construction of Jefferson Avenue Apartments. This new construction development, comprised of 52 one-, two- and three-bedroom units, is located on Jefferson Avenue between Dickerson and Lennox in the Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood.

The project represents a key step forward in implementing the community-driven vision outlined in the Jefferson Chalmers Neighborhood Framework Plan, which prioritizes stabilizing neighborhood housing, revitalizing the East Jefferson corridor, and creating a more walkable, connected, and sustainable community.

"We are thrilled to bring 52 brand new affordable homes to the Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood," said Aaron Hall, vice president of the Detroit Market for CHN. "CHN is incredibly grateful to MSHDA, the City of Detroit and the Detroit Housing Commission for their support of Jefferson Avenue Apartments, and we are honored to partner with Brandon Hodges to make this development a reality."

"My administration is committed to building a city where Detroiters of all income levels can afford to live in high quality housing in strong neighborhoods," said Mayor Sheffield. "The Jefferson Avenue Apartments brings that vision to life-delivering deeply affordable units in a brand-new building in the heart of Jefferson Chalmers."

The celebration comes just days after Mayor Sheffield issued an executive order directing that, going forward, 100% of proceeds from the sale of city-owned commercial property will go to the Affordable Housing Development and Preservation Trust Fund. The Trust Fund provides gap financing, low-interest loans, and grants to developers to keep units affordable and prevent displacement.

Jefferson Avenue Apartments is made possible through funding from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), HOME dollars from the City of Detroit. The project also includes eight project-based vouchers from the Detroit Housing Commission (DHC) where tenants will pay no more than 30% of their income on rent. The 52-unit building will be affordable to residents with incomes at 30%, 50% and 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI) levels.

"As a Jefferson-Chalmers resident, I'm very proud to contribute to the vibrancy of our great neighborhood and do meaningful work in my backyard," said Brandon Hodges, founder and principal of TRIBE Development. "Our partnership with CHN demonstrates the potential of intentional, mission-aligned collaboration, and we look forward to continuing to invest along the Jefferson corridor."

"This groundbreaking shows how targeted, community-focused investment can expand access to quality, affordable housing," said Tony Lentych, MSHDA Chief Housing Investment Officer. "Jefferson Avenue Apartments will add 52 new homes in Jefferson-Chalmers and advance our shared goals under the Statewide Housing Plan through strong partnerships and effective use of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit."

Located along East Jefferson Avenue-one of Detroit's most historic and significant commercial corridors, the development builds on the legacy of the Jefferson-Chalmers Historic Business District, which has served as the center of neighborhood life for over a century, featuring a concentration of early 20th-century commercial, residential and civic buildings.

"District 4 and the City of Detroit urgently need more affordable housing projects like Jefferson Avenue Apartments," said Councilwoman Latisha Johnson. "I am especially pleased to see CHN Housing Partners team up with local developer and District 4 resident Brandon Hodges to make this project a reality."

Additional funders include equity partner Enterprise Community Partners, Independent Bank, Citizens Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis.

The building will include a community room with a kitchen, a fitness room and offices for an on-site property manager. Each apartment unit will be equipped with an Energy Star refrigerator, electric range and hood, dishwasher, washer and dryer, air conditioner and mini blinds.

On-site tenant services will be available for Jefferson Avenue Apartments residents to assist them in achieving their personal and financial goals. Construction has begun and is expected to be completed in early 2027.

"At the Housing & Revitalization Department, we are committed to implementing the vision residents helped shape-one that prioritizes housing stability, economic opportunity, and equitable growth," said Julie Schneider, Director of Detroit's Housing and Revitalization Department. "Jefferson Avenue Apartments is a great example of how we're bringing that vision to life through strategic investment in both people and place."

Jefferson Avenue Apartments is designed by architects Hiti, DiFrancesco + Siebold (HD+S), and MHT Housing is the building's general contractor. Giffels Webster served as the engineer. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2027.

ABOUT CHN HOUSING PARTNERS

CHN Housing Partners was founded in 1981 and began working in Detroit in 2017. It is a large-scale affordable housing developer, residential lender and housing service provider that works with its partners to solve major housing challenges for low-income people and underserved communities. CHN also partners with people-low-income individuals, families, seniors, the disabled and those experiencing homelessness - to improve their housing stability and economic mobility. CHN's impact in Cleveland includes 3,200 new homeowners, the housing stability services it provides annually to thousands of individuals, and the development of 7,100 new homes.

In Michigan, CHN focuses on the power of a permanent address by working with public and private partners to increase Detroit's stock of affordable housing through development, preservation and property management. CHN also leverages its expertise in nonprofit coalition building by acting as the Network Manager for the Detroit Housing Network - an alliance of housing nonprofits that have come together to provide clear and equitable access to housing services in Detroit. Learn more at chnhousingpartners.org.

ABOUT TRIBE DEVELOPMENT

TRIBE Development is an impact real estate development and consulting firm headquartered in Detroit. TRIBE's current project focus is centered on workforce and affordable housing, as well as mixed-use redevelopment opportunities throughout the City of Detroit. Through public private partnerships, TRIBE is focused on creating holistic opportunities for residents, communities, and small businesses, with an emphasis on arts and cultural integration across its portfolio.