Detroit, Michigan, October 29, 2025
Construction has begun to convert the historic Arthur Murray Dance Studio on Detroit’s east side into a mixed-use development with 32 residential units and roughly 7,900 sq ft of ground-floor retail. The two-story mid-century modern building will retain its historic façade while being updated for modern use. Seventeen of the 32 units will be designated as affordable housing for households earning between 50% and 80% of Area Median Income. The $14.9 million project received $2.128 million in Revitalization and Placemaking grant funding and aims to boost local small business opportunities and neighborhood revitalization.
Detroit’s East Side Arthur Murray Dance Studio Transformed into Affordable Housing and Small Business Spaces
Detroit – Construction has commenced on the historic Arthur Murray Dance Studio on Detroit’s east side, marking a significant step in revitalizing the area. The project aims to convert the former dance studio into 32 residential units and retail spaces, blending affordable housing with opportunities for small businesses.
Project Details
- Location: 16621 E. Warren Avenue, Detroit, Michigan
- Scope: Renovation of a two-story structure into 32 apartments and ground-floor retail spaces
- Affordable Housing: 17 of the 32 units will be designated as affordable housing, catering to residents earning between 50% and 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI)
- Retail Space: Approximately 7,900 square feet allocated for commercial use, aiming to support local businesses and enhance community engagement
- Investment: The $14.9 million development received $2.128 million in Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) grant funding
Historical Significance
Constructed in the early 1950s, the building originally served as the fourth location for the renowned Arthur Murray Dance Studio. It holds historical value as a mid-century modern structure, reflecting a period when social dance was a central aspect of community life. The renovation plans include preserving the historic facade while integrating modern elements that respect the property’s history and neighborhood context.
Community Impact
This redevelopment is part of a broader strategy to revitalize Detroit’s east side, particularly the East Warren neighborhood. By transforming a vacant and blighted property into a mixed-use development, the project aims to provide affordable housing options and create spaces for small businesses, thereby stimulating economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for local residents.
Background Context
The Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program, initiated by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, supports projects that rehabilitate vacant and functionally obsolete buildings. This program has been instrumental in funding developments that combine residential units with commercial spaces, contributing to the revitalization of various Detroit neighborhoods.
Related Developments in Detroit
- Broadway Lofts: A $4.275 million project involving the restoration of three buildings on Broadway, adding 80 residential units and ground-floor retail, with 20% of units offered as affordable housing.
- Fisher 21 Lofts: A $4.750 million adaptive reuse of a former body plant into 433 residential units, plus retail and coworking space, with 63 units designated as affordable housing.
- The Deco: A $4 million conversion of an 8,000-square-foot building into six apartments and a restaurant, with a portion of units set aside as affordable housing.
These projects, along with the Arthur Murray Dance Studio redevelopment, reflect a concerted effort to revitalize Detroit’s neighborhoods by repurposing historic buildings into vibrant, mixed-use developments that offer both housing and commercial opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Arthur Murray Dance Studio redevelopment project?
The project involves converting the historic Arthur Murray Dance Studio on Detroit’s east side into 32 residential units and retail spaces, with 17 units designated as affordable housing.
Where is the redevelopment located?
The redevelopment is located at 16621 E. Warren Avenue, Detroit, Michigan.
How many units will be affordable housing?
Out of the 32 residential units, 17 will be designated as affordable housing, catering to residents earning between 50% and 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
What is the total investment in the project?
The total investment in the redevelopment is $14.9 million, with $2.128 million in Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) grant funding received.
What is the historical significance of the building?
Constructed in the early 1950s, the building served as the fourth location for the renowned Arthur Murray Dance Studio and is a mid-century modern structure reflecting a period when social dance was central to community life.
How does this project fit into Detroit’s broader revitalization efforts?
This redevelopment is part of a broader strategy to revitalize Detroit’s east side, particularly the East Warren neighborhood, by transforming vacant properties into mixed-use developments that provide affordable housing and support small businesses.
Key Features of the Arthur Murray Dance Studio Redevelopment
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 16621 E. Warren Avenue, Detroit, Michigan |
| Scope | Renovation of a two-story structure into 32 apartments and ground-floor retail spaces |
| Affordable Housing | 17 of the 32 units designated as affordable housing for residents earning between 50% and 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) |
| Retail Space | Approximately 7,900 square feet allocated for commercial use to support local businesses |
| Investment | $14.9 million total investment with $2.128 million in Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) grant funding |
| Historical Significance | Constructed in the early 1950s as the fourth location for the Arthur Murray Dance Studio, a mid-century modern structure reflecting the era’s social dance culture |
| Community Impact | Part of a broader strategy to revitalize Detroit’s east side, particularly the East Warren neighborhood, by transforming vacant properties into mixed-use developments providing affordable housing and supporting small businesses |
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