A US$10.8 million mixed-use complex at 7303 W McNichols in Detroit has begun construction, the Sawyer Apartments will have 38 affordable housing apartments as well as 6,186 square feet of commercial space. The block-long development is the first of its kind to begin from the ground up along the city’s recently finished McNichols streetscape, which runs from Livernois Avenue to Greenlawn Avenue near the Marygrove campus. The project is part of the Strategic Neighborhood Fund (SNF), a collaboration between the city of Detroit and Invest Detroit. The structure is named after Tylonn Sawyer, a modern Detroit artist whose work frequently investigates historical tales and iconography to establish their importance in what is occurring in America today.
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The Sawyer Art Apartments will have eight studios, 17 one-bedroom units, and 13 two-bedroom units, all of which will be accessible at rates ranging from 60% to 80% of the local median income. Individuals earning between US$34,000 and US$45,000 would be income-eligible to reside there. In addition, the retail spaces will be provided at reduced prices to entrepreneurs in order to attract additional businesses to the Live6 commercial area. The three-story, 33,000-square-foot Sawyer Art Apartments are estimated to provide roughly 100 construction jobs and 25 permanent employment. The structure is anticipated to be finished in mid-to-late 2023.
Commentary on the Detroit Sawyer Apartments
“The Sawyer Art Apartments are an example of the sort of catalytic developments that are required and attainable across the Detroit community.” These are difficult initiatives that require the combined cooperation of the city, state, private money, and foundations. “However, when done well, the impact cannot be overstated,” says Rod Hardamon, CEO of URGE Development Group. “The Sawyer Art Apartments will show how art can be blended into affordable housing so that we are not just beautifying and upscaling our communities, but also offering cultural perspective and conserving a heritage,” says George N’Namdi, managing partner of N’Namdi Holding.
