DEGC names developers for nearly $90M affordable housing development on 19 acres of former Rogell golf course
- DEGC
- Sep 9
- 4 min read
Detroit Blight Busters & Wallick Communities selected for marquee redevelopment project
$88 million project will deliver approximately 304 affordable housing units serving 30% to 80% area median income, including 198 townhome units, 106 senior housing units, clubhouse and 517 parking spaces
Site adjacent to new $3.4 million regional park on former golf course property
Development timeline spans fall 2025 through summer 2029
September 9, 2025 (DETROIT) — The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) announced today it has selected Detroit Blight Busters and Wallick Communities to develop nearly 19 acres of the former Rogell Golf Course site in Northwest Detroit, bringing much-needed affordable housing and senior living options to the community.
The $88 million development at 22333 West Seven Mile Road will feature approximately 304 affordable rental units serving residents earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income. The project includes an estimated 198 mixed-income townhome units and 106 senior housing units spread across 39 townhome buildings and two three-story senior apartment buildings, plus a clubhouse and 517 parking spaces. In previous community meetings, residents voiced an interest in affordable and senior housing as an option for the site.
The City will reserve a 3.3-acre portion of the site to attract a strong retail and commercial partner — prioritizing businesses that meet neighborhood needs while creating meaningful opportunities for local jobs and investment.
“The proposed development project illustrates the perfect intersection between robust community engagement and what is arguably the most desirable development site in our neighborhoods. By providing deeply affordable housing options for families and our senior citizens, it represents the community-centered growth Northwest Detroit needs,” said David Laurence Howell, vice president of Real Estate Services at DEGC. “Wallick and Detroit Blight Busters bring proven experience in affordable housing development, and their proposal perfectly complements the adjacent park space while addressing the real affordable housing challenges our residents face.”
The selection comes after a competitive review and interview process that began in April, with five development teams submitting proposals for the site. Detroit Blight Busters, a longstanding Detroit nonprofit focused on neighborhood revitalization, partnered with Wallick Communities, a Columbus, Ohio-based affordable housing developer with a national reputation. DEGC’s selection of this partnership is subject to the satisfaction of various development milestones and regulatory approvals, including City Council approval.
“Detroit is on the front porch of the greatest urban comeback story in our nation’s history,” said Detroit Blight Busters Executive Director John George. “This project is another important piece in that story.”
Wallick Communities has developed a previous project in Detroit, the Dr. Violet T. Lewis Village, an affordable senior housing community development in partnership with Presbyterian Villages of Michigan. The project was built on the former site of Lewis College of Business, Michigan's only historically black college and university. Wallick Communities has also been selected as the developer of the Alice Birney Village in Nardin Park.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Detroit Blight Busters on the future of Rogell Park. Wallick brings deep experience creating housing rooted in affordability and local connection,” said Wallick Communities CEO Amy Albery. “This project reflects our mission of Opening Doors to Homes, Opportunities and Hope, and will create lasting benefits for Detroit residents.”
The development site is adjacent to a new $3.4 million regional nature park being created from the remainder of the 120-acre former golf course. Officials said this unique combination of affordable housing and green space represents a model for sustainable community development.
The development will be developed in phases between fall 2025 and summer 2029, with predevelopment activities commencing in fall 2025 and construction expected to begin in the third quarter of 2027.
Located near major transportation corridors including the Southfield Freeway and Telegraph Road, the site benefits from strong accessibility and daily traffic volumes of 30,000 to 50,000 vehicles on West Seven Mile Road. DEGC’s selection is subject to the satisfaction of various development milestones and regulatory approvals, including City Council approval.
The Rogell development continues broader revitalization efforts in Northwest Detroit, which have included streetscape improvements along Grand River Avenue, new recreational facilities and several housing developments.
The selection concludes a comprehensive RFP process that began when DEGC first announced the development opportunity on April 1, 2025. The agency accepted proposals through June 23, with developer interviews conducted in late July and early August. The RFP was conducted by DEGC on behalf of the City of Detroit, which owns the site.
The competitive process drew five development teams, with DEGC, the Mayor’s Office, Planning and Development Department, and the Housing and Revitalization Department, ultimately selecting Detroit Blight Busters and Wallick based on their strong performance across evaluation criteria including team experience, local hiring commitments, site development strategy and financial capacity.
About Detroit Economic Growth Corporation
Detroit Economic Growth Corporation is a non-profit organization that serves as Detroit’s lead implementing agency for business retention, attraction and economic development. DEGC is led by a board comprised of business, civic and community leaders. Its staff provides services for key public authorities that facilitate incentives and other forms of financing for projects that bring new jobs and investment to the City. DEGC also manages important initiatives to support small businesses and grow neighborhood commercial corridors. DEGC is dedicated to inclusive development and access to economic opportunity.