$108M Lafayette West to include 12-story high rise at Shapero Hall site

New details are emerging for a large residential development coming to Lafayette Park. The $108 million development—dubbed Lafayette West—will bring 374 for-rent and for-sale residential units, along with parking and amenities.

The developers—Ginosko Development Company—will offer 20 percent of the units “affordable.” The large development is subject to the city’s Community Benefits Ordinance, and neighborhood meetings are scheduled through the summer.

City of Detroit

The development will land on 5.2 acres at the site of the old Shapero Hall at I-375 and Rivard Street. It will include, according to a release, “A 12-story high-rise with 114 luxury rental units and attached parking, 200 lofts for rent, also with enclosed parking, and 60 for-sale townhouses, carriage houses, and stacked flats with attached garages.” It’s also expected to bring green space, a fitness center, and a rooftop terrace.

20 percent of the units will be “affordable,” or 80 percent of area median income or lower. Right now, that income is $38,000 (a reminder that it’s area, not city). The Community Benefits Ordinance also, “requires that 51 percent of the hours worked on the construction must be performed by verified Detroit residents, or that the developer contributes to the city’s Workforce Training Fund to build the pool of skilled trade workers who live in the city.” A Neighborhood Advisory Council will also be selected to work with the developers.

The first community benefits meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 3. Future community benefits meetings will be listed through the Planning Department (you can also find info here one some of the larger developments going through this process in the city).

The developer is hoping to break ground early next year, with a completion date in late 2020. While not far outside of downtown, this should be one of the larger residential developments outside of the Central Business District.

City of Detroit