FLINT, MI — A long-vacant apartment complex in Flint’s Carriage Town will be converted into affordable housing under a project spearheaded by Communities First, Inc.
The Georgia Manor Apartment project will convert a vacant three-story building into an apartment complex with 26 renovated units.
The current building at 411 Lyon St. has been vacant for the past 20 years. The building is walking distance from downtown Flint, Mott Community College, University of Michigan Flint and Kettering University, officials said at a ground breaking ceremony held virtually Thursday, Oct. 22.
The complex will include an interior courtyard, community space and on-site laundry.
Over the last decade, Communities First has worked to bring back equitable development throughout the city of Flint, said President and CEO of Communities First, Inc. Glen Wilson.
“Here at our organization, we believe that everyone — not some people, but everyone — deserves a quality, decent, affordable rental and, or home ownership option throughout the community,” Wilson said. “You need them both.”
At the virtual groundbreaking event, real estate development director Mike Wright said the three story building was constructed with concrete and stone masonry in 1966. The project targets a range of families with a range of incomes.
The Georgia Manor Apartment serves people with a range of incomes, offering 20 units restricted to households of 30-60% the area’s income, along with offering six unrestricted units, said Beverly Meek, Community Reinvestment Act director for Flagstar Bank, which has invested in the project.
“The project helps fill a huge need for affordable housing in Flint,” Meek said.
Communities First, Inc. has partnered with several others to bring this development to life. Partners include Michigan State Housing Development Authority, City of Flint, Flagstar Bank, Communities of Hope, Inc., C.S. Mott Foundation and Alliant Capital.
https://www.mlive.com/news/flint/2020/11/construction-begins-on-georgia-manor-apartments-in-flints-carriage-town.html