New Affordable and Permanent Supportive Housing Buildings To Rise Next To Historic Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center

November 20, 2025

The City of Detroit, along with development partners MHT Housing and Kirsten's Touch led by Bishop Charles H. Ellis III, has initiated construction on four buildings that will create 211 affordable housing units on previously vacant property adjacent to the historic Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center. The $83 million development includes 159 affordable housing units across three buildings (Brewster I, II, and III) serving residents earning 30-80% of area median income, plus 52 permanent supportive housing units at The Sanctuary at Brewster specifically designed for homeless individuals with wraparound services.

Who is affected

Residents experiencing homelessness in Detroit
Young people transitioning out of foster care
Low-income Detroit residents earning 30-80% of area median income
Future tenants of 211 housing units (159 affordable units and 52 permanent supportive housing units)
Current residents of the Brewster Wheeler neighborhood
MHT Housing, Inc. and Kirsten's Touch, Inc. (development partners)
City of Detroit
Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA)
Comerica Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Cinnaire, Community Preservation Corporation, Lake Trust Credit Union, and Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (financing partners)
Detroit Housing Commission
Service providers: Neighborhood Legal Services Michigan and Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network
Future users of the restored Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center and KRONK Gym

What action is being taken

Construction is underway on four new buildings to deliver 211 housing units
Comerica Bank is providing $40 million in community development lending and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit equity
The historic Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center is being restored
KRONK Gym is preparing to reopen at the Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center

Why it matters

This development addresses Detroit's critical affordable housing shortage, particularly for its most vulnerable residents experiencing homelessness, by providing deeply affordable permanent supportive housing with wraparound services proven to reduce recidivism into homelessness. The project is significant because it represents one of the largest new construction affordable housing developments by MHT Housing in Detroit and demonstrates comprehensive public-private partnership leveraging multiple funding sources to create housing across various income levels (30-80% area median income). By combining affordable housing development with the restoration of a historic community landmark (Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center) and providing optional on-site services including case management, mental health support, workforce development, and legal assistance at no cost to residents, the project rebuilds both neighborhood infrastructure and provides pathways for individual residents to achieve long-term stability and improved quality of life.

What's next

Completion of The Sanctuary at Brewster and Brewster I, II, and III is scheduled for 2027
The Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center targets completion in 2026
KRONK Gym will soon open at the recreation center
An event celebrating the reopening of the recreation center and Kronk Gym will happen in the near future
Final uses for the Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center are still unfolding

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle