Detroit, Michigan, October 30, 2025
Detroit Blight Busters is transitioning from demolition work to building affordable housing across Detroit, focusing on community revitalization and stable living options. The organization is partnering on a major redevelopment of former golf course land to deliver hundreds of affordable rental units including mixed-income townhomes and senior apartments, and has completed smaller infill projects that turned vacant lots into affordable homes. The move leverages the city’s earlier demolition efforts to clear sites for new construction and signals a strategic pivot toward long-term neighborhood rebuilding and addressing local housing needs.
Detroit
Detroit Blight Busters is shifting from its role as demolition experts to embrace housing development, aiming to construct new affordable homes on cleared lots throughout the city. This transition highlights a focus on community building and revitalization, addressing housing needs while curbing urban decay through well-thought-out development strategies.
Recent Developments
In September 2025, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) selected Detroit Blight Busters in collaboration with Wallick Communities to redevelop nearly 19 acres of the former Rogell Golf Course located at 22333 W. Seven Mile Road. This $88 million initiative will introduce 304 affordable rental units in Northwest Detroit, which will consist of 198 mixed-income townhomes and 106 senior apartments. The project also encompasses 39 townhome buildings, two three-story senior apartment buildings, a clubhouse, and more than 500 parking spaces. Construction is set to commence in 2027 and is expected to be completed by summer 2029.
In another recent effort, the Orchard Village Apartments project in the Old Redford neighborhood was completed in June 2025. This $16 million development transformed nine vacant lots into 48 affordable homes, with rent rates starting at $525 per month. The initiative aims to attract families to the area and contribute to community renewal.
Background
Founded in 1988, Detroit Blight Busters has been a dedicated entity in communities facing disinvestment, having demolished over 300 abandoned properties and engaging in various community revitalization projects. Notable efforts include renovating the Masonic Temple into the Redford Resource Center and creating Angel’s Night to counteract Halloween arson. The organization’s transition from demolition to housing development aligns with broader efforts to address urban blight and housing shortages in Detroit, which have been exacerbated over the years.
The city’s Demolition Program, initiated in 2014, has successfully removed thousands of blighted properties to revitalize neighborhoods, making space for new developmental projects.
Future Outlook
The evolution of Detroit Blight Busters into a housing development organization represents a proactive approach to urban renewal. By prioritizing the construction of affordable housing, the organization intends to provide stable living conditions for residents and contribute to the ongoing revitalization of Detroit.
FAQ
What is Detroit Blight Busters?
Detroit Blight Busters is an organization that has been a trusted presence in communities affected by disinvestment. The organization has demolished over 300 abandoned properties and has been involved in various community revitalization projects, including the renovation of the Masonic Temple into the Redford Resource Center and the establishment of Angel’s Night to counteract Halloween arson.
What is the Rogell Golf Course redevelopment project?
The Rogell Golf Course redevelopment project is a $88 million initiative to redevelop nearly 19 acres of the former Rogell Golf Course at 22333 W. Seven Mile Road. The project will introduce 304 affordable rental units to Northwest Detroit, comprising 198 mixed-income townhomes and 106 senior apartments. The development also includes 39 townhome buildings, two three-story senior apartment buildings, a clubhouse, and over 500 parking spaces. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and conclude by summer 2029.
What is the Orchard Village Apartments project?
The Orchard Village Apartments project is a $16 million initiative that transformed nine vacant lots into 48 affordable homes in the Old Redford neighborhood. The development offers rent rates starting at $525 per month and aims to attract families to the area and contribute to community renewal.
What is the Detroit Demolition Program?
The Detroit Demolition Program, initiated in 2014, is a city initiative aimed at removing blighted properties to revitalize neighborhoods and make way for new development. The program has removed thousands of blighted properties, contributing to the city’s ongoing revitalization efforts.
Key Features of Detroit Blight Busters’ Housing Development Projects
| Project | Location | Investment | Affordable Units | Additional Features | Construction Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rogell Golf Course Redevelopment | 22333 W. Seven Mile Road, Northwest Detroit | $88 million | 304 rental units (198 townhomes, 106 senior apartments) | 39 townhome buildings, 2 senior apartment buildings, clubhouse, over 500 parking spaces | Start in 2027, complete by summer 2029 |
| Orchard Village Apartments | Old Redford neighborhood, Detroit | $16 million | 48 affordable homes | Rent rates starting at $525 per month | Completed in June 2025 |
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