A housing boom is kicking off economic revitalization on Jackson’s east side. It’s happening in the Health District, a neighborhood along E. Michigan Avenue between Downtown Jackson and Henry Ford Jackson Hospital. A total of 94 new housing units are coming to the Health District.
These investments were celebrated with a groundbreaking event in Nov., bringing together residents, City staff, elected officials, developers, and business leaders. “I’ve met some of the neighbors and they’re excited to see the construction,” said Ray Garcia of VMG Construction. VMG bought vacant lots in the neighborhood from the City of Jackson and is building 20 new housing units, which will be a mix of duplexes and single-family homes. Garcia says he was drawn to the Health District because of its revitalization potential and proximity to employment opportunities. “It brings the value of everything up when you have so many new builds within a couple blocks,” Garcia said.
Even more new home construction is planned in the Health District. Allen Edwin Homes intends to build seven rental homes in the area. Greater Jackson Habitat for Humanity is constructing two affordable single-family homes at the intersection of Cooper and Trail streets. The City of Jackson is investing in this neighborhood as well, planning two accessible homes for people with disabilities using a State grant. Fannie Mae, the federal government-sponsored home financier, is building one 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.
Garcia says seeing the success of other housing efforts, like the City’s 100 Homes Program, further attracted him to Jackson. “The City has been great. They make it easy to get everything done quickly. In less than two months, I had properties, site plans and permits in hand,” Garcia said. VMG’s first round of properties will be complete in spring 2025.
Community Development Director Shane LaPorte says the amount of private investment is the result of the City of Jackson’s business-friendly approaches. “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,” LaPorte said.
Local leaders expect new residents coming to the east side will boost current businesses and bring new opportunities. Ward 2 City Councilmember Freddie Dancy, who represents this neighborhood on the City Council, says investments in Loomis Park and the Boos Recreation Center from the City laid the groundwork for all of this new housing. “We want to hear from residents about what other upgrades are needed so they are a part of this economic revitalization,” Dancy said.