The Roma Breaks Ground, Bringing Mixed-Income, Mixed-Use Development to Growing Detroit Corridor

The Roma, a new mixed-income, mixed-use residential development in Detroit's Brush Park neighborhood, officially broke ground today, marking another major step in the continued transformation of one of the city's fastest-growing districts.

Developer Zain Mikho of Woodward Capital Partners was joined by Mayor Mary Sheffield, representatives from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Lake Trust Credit Union, Invest Detroit and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation for the groundbreaking ceremony.

The $15.6 million project, developed by Woodward Capital Partners, will bring 57 new residential units, integrated affordable housing and approximately 1,200 square feet of neighborhood-serving retail space to two long-vacant parcels at 301 and 321 Edmund Place just north of downtown. The development will include 30 one-bedroom units, 24 studio units and three two-bedroom units.

Twenty percent of the residential units will be designated as affordable housing for households earning up to 80 percent of area median income, helping expand housing accessibility in one of Detroit's fastest-growing neighborhoods.

"Detroit's growth has to include housing opportunities for residents at a range of income levels," said Mayor Mary Sheffield. "Expanding access to affordable housing has always been one of my top priorities, and projects like The Roma show how thoughtful development and public-private partnership can help create more inclusive neighborhoods while continuing the momentum we're seeing across the city."

The Roma will feature contemporary architectural design utilizing historically appropriate materials intended to complement the evolving character and streetscape of the Brush Park neighborhood. All units will feature a mix of contemporary finishes and resident-focused amenities, including walnut cabinetry, quartz countertops in kitchens and bathrooms, concrete flooring systems, glass shower enclosures and built-in wardrobes and storage solutions throughout the development. Ground-floor units will feature both direct outdoor access and interior corridor access, along with private gardenettes. Additional amenities will include a private resident park, dog run, controlled-access entry systems and on-site parking buffered by an evergreen screen wall.

"We're honored to work alongside the City of Detroit, the State of Michigan, DEGC, Invest Detroit, Lake Trust Credit Union and everyone involved in helping bring this vision to fruition," said Zain Mikho, managing principal of Woodward Capital Partners. "Projects like The Roma require significant collaboration and commitment from many different stakeholders, and we're proud of what this team was able to accomplish together for the future of Brush Park."

"The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is pleased to be part of the 'Team Michigan' effort to support The Roma project in the City of Detroit. By supporting statewide housing goals, creating places and spaces people want to call home, and ensuring our local communities have the tools and financial resources to create long-term success, we are creating a Michigan for today, tomorrow and the next generation," said Michele Wildman, senior vice president of community planning and development readiness for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. "We look forward to the continued progress of this site and others like it in the months and years ahead."

The development is supported by a layered financing structure that includes a $3.5 million Revitalization and Placemaking grant through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone tax abatement valued at approximately $2.6 million, a Housing Tax Increment Financing package totaling about $2.9 million and a $1 million brownfield loan.

"The Roma reflects the kind of thoughtful, mixed-use development that continues to strengthen Detroit neighborhoods and build on the momentum we've seen in Brush Park over the past decade," said David Howell, senior vice president of real estate and development services at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. "Projects that combine new housing, neighborhood retail and long-term investment help create vibrant, connected communities that support Detroit's continued growth."

"Transformational redevelopment requires more than capital, it requires conviction. At Lake Trust, we believe in investing with intention and taking a long-term view of community success" said David Morgan, executive vice president and chief lending officer at Lake Trust Credit Union. "Supporting projects like this reflects our confidence in Detroit's future and our commitment to financing initiatives that create lasting economic and neighborhood vitality. We are dedicated to helping build a world in which everyone thrives for generations to come"

Invest Detroit supported the project through a predevelopment loan and serves as fiduciary for the project's Revitalization and Placemaking grant.

Designed by McIntosh Poris Architects and constructed by PCI Dailey, The Roma is located near downtown Detroit, Little Caesars Arena, Comerica Park, Ford Field and the Detroit Medical Center, positioning the development within one of the city's most active and connected growth corridors.

Construction is underway, with project completion anticipated in mid-2027.

About Woodward Capital Partners
Woodward Capital Partners is a privately held, Detroit-based real estate development and management firm. We have brought together a diverse, experienced and talented team and pride ourselves on research and creative strategies that result in high quality, thoughtfully designed and programmed, urban-focused, mixed-use properties. Our goal is to build communities and drive value for our investors.