preserving history, building community
Henry Street Apartments
The rebirth of the Henry Street Apartments, established in the 1900’s within Detroit’s Cass Henry Historic District marks a transformative moment in the city’s urban renewal, blending historical preservation with modern revitalization, breathing new life into one of Detroit’s most iconic neighborhoods. This affordable, adaptive-reuse development transforms seven historic buildings into a city block of connected, community-focused spaces that preserves Detroit history- just around the corner from Little Caesars Arena: home to the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons.
vision
The team worked with the City of Detroit Historic Commission, State Historic Preservation Office, and National Park Service to ensure that preservation of the structures closely followed various agency guidelines. Detailed floor plans and elevations of each structure were drawn and scrutinized- making sure each window, each piece of trim matched that of the former buildings. Yet, the project goes beyond preservation—it’s deeply rooted in community, shaped by extensive engagement to reflect the true needs and desires of the people. Affordability was crucial, offering low and market rate units with funding supported by LIHTC (Low Income Housing Tax Credits) and MSHDA (Michigan State Housing Development Authority) The development capitalizes on the scale and uniqueness of the existing alleys and embraces the individuality of each building- used varied landscape and hardscape treatments to enhance streetscape walkability.
detail
This historic redevelopment blends the past with the future, featuring 170 newly renovated rental units across six buildings, with nearly half offered at affordable rates. A seventh building serves as a central Community Center, offering a business center, fitness area, dog wash, extra laundry facilities, package reception, and leasing office. With private parking and greenspace for tenants and guests, this project creates a vibrant, connected community where modern living meets historic charm.
secret
It was the motivation and drive of the local residents to work with the city government to establish the Cass/Henry area as a historic district. Due to numerous demolitions over the past few decades, the Cass/Henry district stands as the best remaining depiction of the form, scale, and density that once predominated throughout the area. As quoted in the National Historic Register, “as a representation of the type and scale of residential development that characterized the 1900s and 1910s… the buildings are an excellent example of the development of apartment hotels and flats as acceptable living quarters for the middle class.”
