Will Kercheval housing project bring density or displacement?

October 22, 2025

A $24 million housing development project in Detroit's West Village has sparked concerns among east side residents who voiced their opinions to the City Council. The project, proposed by Arrive Community Development and Ethos Development Partners, would transform an underutilized parking lot at Butzel Family Recreation Center into a four-story building with 48 affordable housing units, retail spaces, and park improvements. Some community members worry the development might displace longtime residents and continue a pattern of gentrification, while developers insist it's an "anti-gentrification" initiative designed to preserve affordability with units targeting households earning 30-80% of the area median income.

Who is affected

East side residents and longtime community members
Potential future residents who would qualify for the affordable housing
Users of the Butzel Family Recreation Center and Butzel Play Field
Local businesses along the Kercheval corridor
Families from the nearby Garvey Academy (concerned about traffic)
The Charlevoix Village Association
The Historic Indian Village Association

What action is being taken

The City of Detroit is soliciting developers for a $24 million housing project on city-owned land
Arrive Community Development and Ethos Development Partners are advancing a proposal for 48 affordable housing units
Community input meetings are being held to gather feedback about the project
Residents are voicing concerns to the City Council about potential displacement
The developers are seeking a fast-track PILOT tax break from the City Council

Why it matters

Housing rates in the area have rapidly increased, with average flat prices doubling to $1,400-$1,500 monthly over the past five years
The project aims to provide affordable housing in an increasingly expensive neighborhood
There are concerns that recent development along Kercheval Avenue hasn't benefited longtime residents
The development would impact access to an existing recreation center and potentially change neighborhood dynamics
It represents part of over $30 million in recent investments in the area, raising questions about gentrification versus community-centered development

What's next

Several City Council approvals are needed first, including a land sale and special land use authorization
Developers will seek a fast track PILOT tax break created by the council to incentivize deeper levels of affordable housing

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com