Detroit, Michigan, October 16, 2025
Restoration of Detroit’s landmark Lee Plaza tower is progressing rapidly, converting the long-vacant 15-story Art Deco building into 117 affordable housing units for seniors. Rents will be capped at 30% of residents’ income and affordability is guaranteed for at least 45 years. The project preserves and restores ornate façade details and public spaces, including recreated terra cotta lion heads. The redevelopment is led by The Roxbury Group, Ethos Development Partners and Lighthouse with city and state support, funded by LIHTC, ARPA funds, HUD subsidies and major financial investors. Phase 1 completion is targeted in late 2026 and the work aims to spur neighborhood revitalization.
Detroit’s Lee Plaza Tower Undergoes Rapid Restoration to Become Affordable Senior Housing
Detroit, Michigan – Restoration efforts at Detroit’s iconic Lee Plaza tower are advancing rapidly, transforming the long-vacant landmark into a revitalized structure. This construction project preserves art deco elegance while integrating contemporary features to enrich the city’s historic skyline.
Project Overview
The Lee Plaza tower, a 15-story art deco building located on West Grand Boulevard, is being restored into affordable housing for seniors. The project includes:
- 117 affordable housing units for seniors earning at or below 50% of the area median income.
- Rents capped at 30% of residents’ income, with affordability guaranteed for at least 45 years.
- Restoration of the building’s ornate art deco façade and public spaces, including the grand first-floor common areas.
- Recreation of the original decorative terra cotta lion heads that once adorned the exterior.
Development Team and Financing
The redevelopment is a collaborative effort involving:
- The Roxbury Group
- Ethos Development Partners
- Lighthouse
- City of Detroit
- State of Michigan
Financing sources include:
- Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).
- City of Detroit American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
- Grants from the Michigan Legislature and MSHDA.
- Rental subsidies from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
- Investments from financial institutions such as KeyBank, Invest Detroit, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, JPMorgan Chase, and the Royal Bank of Canada.
Construction Timeline
Construction is managed by Detroit-based Sachse Construction, with architectural design by Fusco, Shaffer & Pappas and historic preservation consulting from Kidorf Associates. The project is expected to generate over 200 construction and permanent jobs. Phase 1 is anticipated to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2026, with the development team actively pursuing financing for Phase 2, which will include up to 65 additional residential units on the upper five floors.
Historical Significance
Opened in 1929 as a luxury residential hotel developed by Ralph T. Lee, the 15-story building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. Despite significant vandalism and decay over the years, the development team has a proven track record of restoring Detroit landmarks, including the Metropolitan Building, David Whitney Building, and NSO Bell Building.
Community Impact
The restoration addresses long-standing blight and safety concerns, especially for students attending Northwestern High School next door. The project is expected to serve as a catalyst for additional revitalization in the Northwest Goldberg neighborhood, just west of Detroit’s New Center area.
Conclusion
The rapid progress of the Lee Plaza tower restoration signifies a significant step in Detroit’s ongoing efforts to revitalize historic structures and provide affordable housing solutions for its residents. The project not only preserves the city’s architectural heritage but also contributes to the economic and social revitalization of the surrounding community.
FAQ
What is the Lee Plaza tower?
The Lee Plaza tower is a 15-story art deco building located on West Grand Boulevard in Detroit, originally opened in 1929 as a luxury residential hotel developed by Ralph T. Lee. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
What is the current restoration project?
The current restoration project aims to transform the long-vacant Lee Plaza tower into affordable housing for seniors. The project includes 117 affordable housing units for seniors earning at or below 50% of the area median income, with rents capped at 30% of residents’ income and affordability guaranteed for at least 45 years. The restoration also involves preserving the building’s ornate art deco façade and public spaces, including the grand first-floor common areas, and recreating the original decorative terra cotta lion heads that once adorned the exterior.
Who is involved in the restoration project?
The redevelopment is a collaborative effort involving The Roxbury Group, Ethos Development Partners, Lighthouse, the City of Detroit, and the State of Michigan. Financing sources include Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), City of Detroit American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, grants from the Michigan Legislature and MSHDA, rental subsidies from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and investments from financial institutions such as KeyBank, Invest Detroit, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, JPMorgan Chase, and the Royal Bank of Canada.
What is the construction timeline?
Construction is managed by Detroit-based Sachse Construction, with architectural design by Fusco, Shaffer & Pappas and historic preservation consulting from Kidorf Associates. The project is expected to generate over 200 construction and permanent jobs. Phase 1 is anticipated to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2026, with the development team actively pursuing financing for Phase 2, which will include up to 65 additional residential units on the upper five floors.
What is the historical significance of the Lee Plaza tower?
Opened in 1929 as a luxury residential hotel developed by Ralph T. Lee, the 15-story building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. Despite significant vandalism and decay over the years, the development team has a proven track record of restoring Detroit landmarks, including the Metropolitan Building, David Whitney Building, and NSO Bell Building.
What is the expected impact on the community?
The restoration addresses long-standing blight and safety concerns, especially for students attending Northwestern High School next door. The project is expected to serve as a catalyst for additional revitalization in the Northwest Goldberg neighborhood, just west of Detroit’s New Center area.
Key Features of the Lee Plaza Restoration Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Affordable Housing Units | 117 units for seniors earning at or below 50% of the area median income, with rents capped at 30% of residents’ income and affordability guaranteed for at least 45 years. |
| Restoration of Art Deco Features | Preservation of the building’s ornate art deco façade and public spaces, including the grand first-floor common areas, and recreation of the original decorative terra cotta lion heads that once adorned the exterior. |
| Construction Timeline | Phase 1 expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2026, with the development team actively pursuing financing for Phase 2, which will include up to 65 additional residential units on the upper five floors. |
| Community Impact | Addressing long-standing blight and safety concerns, especially for students attending Northwestern High School next door, and serving as a catalyst for additional revitalization in the Northwest Goldberg neighborhood. |
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