• Showcase features seven high-quality factory-built homes, demonstrating the potential for this technology to provide attainable homeownership opportunities for Detroit families
  • A new community land trust will ensure long-term affordability and more equitable housing in the rapidly redeveloping North Corktown area

DETROIT – October 25, 2024 – Gilbert Family Foundation and the North Corktown Neighborhood Association (NCNA) today launched Tomorrow’s Housing Innovation Showcase, a special event to demonstrate how factory-built housing can deliver high-quality homes to the market more quickly and at a reduced cost. The showcase, taking place from 1-6 p.m., October 25-28, 2024, invites the community to explore seven homes and learn how manufactured housing could be part of the solution to support housing affordability and quality across the city.

The showcase will be held at the intersection of 16th and Perry streets at 2801 16th St., adjacent to the historic Corktown neighborhood and the recently reopened Michigan Central Station. As the broader Corktown area has undergone extensive redevelopment in recent years, North Corktown’s housing costs have increased rapidly, making it an ideal location for the project.

“Detroit put America in cars, now we can put America in homes,” said Laura Grannemann, Executive Director, Gilbert Family Foundation. “Tomorrow’s Housing Innovation Showcase is a bold step forward in demonstrating how modern, factory-built homes can increase access to much-needed housing options for Detroiters and lay the groundwork for Detroit to become a leader in housing innovation and inclusive development.”

Factory-built Housing: Attainable and Sustainable

Factory-built housing refers to any housing primarily constructed in a secure factory and then delivered to the building site for final placement. The showcase will feature seven energy-efficient homes representing a range of designs informed and selected by the North Corktown community during the early development of the project. The homes will eventually be sold through a newly created community land trust with occupancy expected by summer 2025. Two additional properties will be developed in 2025.

Home prices for the new development are intended to be attainable for home buyers earning 80%, or less, of the Area Median Household Income (AMI). To ensure accessibility, financing options are available through partners like Rocket Mortgage, Fifth Third Bank, and Fannie Mae, making homeownership more attainable for Detroit residents

The single-family homes include 2- and 3-bedroom options and range in size from 780 to 1,700 square feet. The homes will be available in a variety of architectural styles, including ranch and two-story designs, reflecting the diversity of modern factory-built housing. Additionally, all properties have been constructed under either HUD or Michigan Residential building codes, incorporating the heightened standards for Manufactured Homes. This range of options offers flexibility and choice for prospective homeowners in the North Corktown neighborhood. Representatives from multiple housing manufacturers will be on-site during the event to answer questions about the homes, how they are made and the rigorous construction standards used.

“We’ve worked with the community from the start to ensure that these homes meet the needs of our neighbors while still preserving the unique fabric of North Corktown,” said Tricia Talley, Executive Director of the North Corktown Neighborhood Association. “By engaging residents at every stage, from design to development, we’re not just building houses, we’re building a stronger, more resilient and more inclusive community.”

Housing technology has evolved significantly in recent years, increasing optionality, design and utility of the homes. Tomorrow’s Housing Innovation Showcase engaged several national experts to work with the community throughout the design process.

“Factory-built homes aren’t just about efficiency and speed—they’re about creating high-quality, housing that can strengthen communities like North Corktown,” said Chris Nicely, President, ManufacturedHomes.com and a consultant on the project. “By embracing these modern construction techniques, we’re providing attainable homeownership opportunities for more families, while also driving new manufacturing opportunities in Detroit.”

Community-Led Innovation and Land Trust Development

This partnership also establishes the North Corktown Housing Community Land Trust, which will own the land where the houses are located. The development of the community land trust will enable lower- and middle-income residents to own homes while preserving affordability for subsequent buyers.

This effort builds on NCNA’s ongoing commitment to equitable housing solutions, ensuring that development aligns with the community’s needs. Christina Malone, a North Corktown resident since 1978, is excited about the positive changes Tomorrow’s Housing Innovation Showcase will bring to her neighborhood.

“I’ve seen how this community has changed over the years, and I hope Tomorrow’s Housing Innovation Showcase strengthens its revival,” said Malone. “I’m looking forward to welcoming new neighbors, seeing local businesses grow and watching our community thrive.”

Tomorrow’s Housing Innovation Showcase is part of Gilbert Family Foundation’s ongoing $500 million, 10-year commitment – shared with Rocket Community Fund – to build opportunity in Detroit neighborhoods. The project complements existing initiatives like the Detroit Tax Relief Fund, Detroit Eviction Defense Fund, and Detroit Home Repair Fund, all of which aim to strengthen housing stability and create pathways to economic opportunity for Detroit residents.

For more information, please visit www.northcorktown.org.

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About Gilbert Family Foundation

Gilbert Family Foundation is a private nonprofit foundation founded by Jennifer and Dan Gilbert to accelerate a cure for neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and build economic opportunity in the city of Detroit. The Gilbert Family Foundation supports groundbreaking, cutting-edge research in hopes of eradicating NF1, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves anywhere in the body. Additionally, the Foundation supports the economic stability and mobility of residents in Detroit by investing in wealth-building opportunities and breaking down systemic barriers. For more information on the Gilbert Family Foundation, please visit gilbertfamilyfoundation.org.

About North Corktown Neighborhood Association (NCNA)

The North Corktown Neighborhood Association is the neighborhood group organized and consisting of residents, business owners, and stakeholders within the boundaries of the North Corktown neighborhood. There are general meetings held 4 times a year, with the goal of bringing together all the association members for updates and discussion on current news and initiatives involving North Corktown, as well as planning community improvements through individual and committee-led projects. For more information, please visit www.northcorktown.org.