Written by Tanya Terry
On Tuesday, July 26, Communities First, Inc. hosted an in-person ground-breaking for the Grand on University-a $16.6 million, 48-unit mixed-income, multi-family housing development.
The development will feature 43 affordable units and 5 market rate units, which will allow Communities First to serve a variety of incomes through it.
The first floor will be dedicated to commercial space. There will be about 3,000 sq. feet of retail space.
Chief Strategy Officer for Communities First Essence Wilson, said of Communities First many projects this one is unique because of the location. The groundbreaking was held at 422 W. University Avenue, in Flint’s Carriagetown Neighborhood.
“We love that it’s right near the downtown corridor,” she added. “It has access to Kettering University, Along the University Avenue corridor, a lot of really positive things are happening-great developments, and we’ve just got some great partnerships here. As a member of the community, I’m excited for being able to expand the opportunities for people to have affordable housing and to have housing options in the city.”
Essence Wilson said we’re living in a time now where many people can’t find a place to live-whether it’s a rental or they want to buy a home.
“It’s just exceedingly sparse and rare to find safe quality housing,” she added. “So, to be able to expand those opportunities is phenomenal. I’m just grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it.”
President and CEO of Communities First, Inc. Glenn Wilson said it was a challenge to make it to the groundbreaking.
“But it was a challenge we were definitely up for,” he added.
According to Glenn Wilson, there were a lot of preconceived notions about what affordable housing looked like and the individuals that would live in the Grand on University.
“A lot of people were just fearful because they didn’t know,” he explained. “But once we were able to do some more community engagement sessions, talking to individuals, they started to be more comfortable. It really allowed us to meet with the neighborhood groups and find a way to get creative to deal with the preconceived notions.”
Glenn Wilson said it took four years from when Communities First took over the property until the groundbreaking.
“These properties take a long time.”
Glenn Wilson said the area has been segregated a very long time.
“So, this is a good way to do a project that is very equitable and inclusive to every walk of life and socioeconomic incomes. They can all live in this development together and have a safe, quality, affordable place to live.
Mayor Sheldon Neeley also said the groundbreaking was great for Flint.
“This shows how we’re moving forward and how we’re developing new projects as we continue to grow our city and diversify our housing base and also economic base,” he said. “This shows the positive momentum that we’re moving as one Flint.”
Flint Resident Deborah Mastin said it’s great to have new housing that will help everyone who wants housing to have it.
“Maybe some of the older people will want to sell their homes and want to stay in the community, and they can get housing with the nonprofit here,” Mastin added.
5th Ward Flint City Councilwoman Jerri Winfrey-Carter discussed what the new development will mean to her ward with the Courier.
“It was important for me to be at the groundbreaking because I believe in the project,” she stated. “It’s important to be able to have a housing development that’s going to be inclusive of all. It’s important because the residents of the city of Flint need the housing options and opportunities. We’re in an affordable housing crisis. So, this project will serve to help the nation’s housing crisis.”
Cynthia Neeley, Michigan State House Representative, District 34; Dan Kildee, Congressman for Michigan’s 5th District; Domonique Clemons, Commissioner, Genesee County Board of Commissioners Dallas Gatlin, Representative, Carriage Town Neighborhood Association; Angela Detwiler, Financial Analyst, Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSDHA); Dave Lurvey, President, Lurvey Construction, and others were also invited to celebrate the beginning of construction for the development.
This MSHDA funded development is developed by Communities First, Inc. and RAD Conversion Specialists, LLC. The architecture firm for this project is Sedgewick & Ferweda, and the lead contractor is Lurvey Construction. This project is supported by ELGA Credit Union, Cinnaire and Fifth Third Bank.
Glenn Wilson said construction would start just days after the groundbreaking, and the goal is to have the development completed by 2023.
