LANSING, Mich. — The Lansing Housing Commission (LHC) has officially broken ground on a new housing development, marking the first such project in over two decades. City officials gathered earlier today to celebrate the milestone, which is expected to help address the city’s growing housing shortage.
The new development will include two apartment buildings, bringing nearly 120 new units to the area. With a focus on affordability, the majority of the apartments will be rent-controlled, offering a vital solution for individuals currently living in temporary shelters or struggling to find stable housing.
Doug Fleming, executive director of the Lansing Housing Commission, emphasized the importance of having access to safe and affordable housing. “The basis of all foundation of moving forward with your health, with your education, with your job skills, everything starts with a safe, clean, affordable house,” he said.
The two apartment complexes, located along Grand Avenue, will be the first new housing units built by the LHC in more than 20 years. The development is valued at over $41 million, a significant investment in the city’s housing infrastructure. In addition to the new units, the commission will provide community services to help residents gain stability and improve their lives.
“We make sure that we fill that foundational problem and get you into clean, safe, affordable housing so that we can work on the other things that may need to be worked on,” said Fleming.
The first complex, Riverview 220, will feature 56 apartments designated for low-income families, along with retail space and seven market-rate apartments. The second development, Grand Vista Place, will add 55 affordable units to the city’s housing stock. Both projects aim to provide a stepping stone for individuals and families looking to transition into better housing options over time.
Despite the positive steps, housing officials acknowledge that the new development only scratches the surface of Lansing’s pressing housing needs. According to Fleming, the Housing Choice Voucher waitlist often opens for only a few days, yet sees thousands of applicants. “These two buildings are a really small dent in the issue of capacity that we need,” he explained.
The LHC’s mission is not just to build homes but to help residents achieve long-term stability. By providing affordable housing options, the commission hopes to alleviate some of the strain on the city’s shelter system and provide families with the opportunity to thrive in safe, clean living environments.
Construction on the two complexes is expected to begin in the coming months, with the hope that they will provide much-needed relief to those struggling with housing insecurity in Lansing. While the developments are small in the context of the city’s overall needs, they represent an important step forward in addressing a critical issue for many residents.
