Higginbotham Art Residences will bring new life to a neighborhood landmark that has been vacant for nearly a decade. By transforming Detroit’s first all-Black school into affordable housing, the project celebrates history, art, and culture while meeting community needs.
Unveiling the story behind the William E. Higginbotham school
The former William E. Higginbotham School will be transformed into the Higginbotham Art Residences, 100 units of affordable housing.
Historic long-vacant Higginbotham school to be transformed into affordable housing, community space
Pictured: (l to r) Richard Hosey – CEO of Hosey Development, Dylan Hengy – URGE Manger Investment and Development, Darius Barrett – URGE Senior Manger Investment and Development
The project, led by URGE Development Group in partnership with Cinnaire, Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), and the City of Detroit, is designed to serve as a model for preserving historic buildings while meeting Detroit’s housing and community needs.
The MSHDA was proud to support this project with more than $24 million in financial resources, a commitment that reflects our dedication to creating safe, affordable housing for Michigan residents, said Amy Hovey, MSHDA Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director. By partnering on restoration of this cultural landmark, we’re not only expanding access to quality housing but also strengthening communities and providing a foundation for Detroiters to thrive. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have for years to come.
We are excited for the support of each of our partners for this transformative project.
Pictured: Garlin Gilchrist II – Lieutenant Governor of Michigan, Roderick A. Hardamon – CEO of URGE, Mike Duggan – Mayor.
“The Higginbotham Art Residences is a love letter to the neighborhoods of Detroit. We are creating an example of what can be done to breathe new life into our vacated school buildings. By weaving affordable housing into a campus emerged in art (both inside and outside of the building), we are showing a future of what neighborhood centric development can look like.”
