MUSKEGON, MI — Construction on a senior affordable housing development in downtown Muskegon is officially underway.
Once built, the residential building will fill a vacant lot and expand living opportunities in the city’s downtown.
Samaritas, a nonprofit social services provider, broke ground Thursday, Aug. 12 on the four-story apartment building at the corner of Spring Street and Webster Avenue.
The $12 million development, 785 Spring St., is going up on a vacant lot near the recently renovated Al Perri furniture building on Pine Street which is home to Rake Beer Project, Aldea Coffee and Capone’s Speakeasy and Pizzeria.
It borders the edge of the downtown Muskegon social district where people can walk around with an alcoholic beverage purchased from one of 17 participating bars and restaurants.
Mayor Stephen Gawron said the housing development expands downtown Muskegon and reintroduces residents to the city.
“Those old traditional boundaries of a boundless, vibrant downtown filled with light and filled with people, we’re rebuilding that,” he said at Thursday’s groundbreaking event.
All of the one-bedroom 53 units will be dedicated to residents age 55 and older.
Joel Lautenbach, executive director of affordable living development for Samaritas, said some Muskegon residents face “tough decisions” about where to live as they get older.
“When we can create affordable options for people that are 55 and up, I think it is really a commitment to the city of Muskegon. And it’s a commitment to the quality of life for people as they age to make sure they can be healthy and they don’t have to make those difficult choices,” he said.
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSDHA) awarded Samaritas a $1.02 million Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) to complete the project.
The development will accommodate residents at various income levels ranging from 30-80% of the area median income. Additionally, the Muskegon Housing Commission partnered with Samaritas to provide eight housing vouchers for future tenants.
According to MSHDA, 30% of Muskegon County’s area median income for a one-person household is $13,560 annually and 80% translates to $36,160.
“Samaritas is committed to serving people. This isn’t just a construction project, it’s about caring for the people in Muskegon,” Lautenbach said.
A rendering of the 53-unit senior affordable housing development being constructed in Muskegon on the corner of Spring Street and Webster Avenue. (Photo provided by Samaritas)
This will be the 16th Samaritas affordable housing campus in Michigan and the second in Muskegon. The non-profit organization also operates the 42-unit senior community Christian Manor.
Office space will occupy the first floor of the Spring Street development for Samaritas to consolidate its child and family services, foster care, home-based counseling and disability services in the greater Muskegon and lakeshore area.
A similar project in Grand Rapids was completed last year. Samaritas renovated the St. Joseph Seminary building, 600 Burton St. SE, into a 53-unit low-income senior housing development.
The Muskegon building is expected to be completed in fall 2022.
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