February 2006 The online newsletter of the Michigan State Housing Development AuthorityVol. 2, issue 1

Great things can happenwhen we choose to focusour attention on a com-

mon goal. If you believe this istrue, then Governor Granholm’snew initiative dubbed Cities ofPromise will be a source of greathope for some of Michigan’s mostvulnerable cities.

Continued on Page 7

MSHDMSHDMSHDMSHDMSHDA A A A A Announces $4 Million to HelpAnnounces $4 Million to HelpAnnounces $4 Million to HelpAnnounces $4 Million to HelpAnnounces $4 Million to HelpHomeless SurHomeless SurHomeless SurHomeless SurHomeless Survivvivvivvivvivors of Domestic ors of Domestic ors of Domestic ors of Domestic ors of Domestic ViolenceViolenceViolenceViolenceViolence

Approximately 90 percent of homelessmothers experience physical or sexual assaultin their lifetime.

MSHDA has approved $4million to create support-ive housing for homeless

survivors of domestic violence.“This Domestic Violence Hous-

ing Initiative will be among thefirst of its kind in the nation toprovide supportive housing tohomeless domestic violence survi-vors,” Governor JenniferGranholm said. “Through thiscollaboration of state agencies, localgovernments, and service providers,

we can create permanent supportivehousing programs that will meet theneeds of survivors of domesticviolence, and ultimately providethem with opportunities to becomere-engaged with their community in apositive way.”

Through the Domestic ViolenceHousing Initiative, a partnershipmade up of the Department ofHuman Services (DHS), the Michi-gan Domestic Violence Preventionand Treatment Board (MDVPTB),the Michigan Coalition AgainstDomestic and Sexual Violence(MSADSV), and MSHDA, projectproposals will be requested fromdomestic violence service providersaround the state. Successful appli-cants will receive awards rangingfrom $250,000 to $1 million forproject implementation.

According to DHS directorMarianne Udow, domestic violenceis one of the leading causes ofhomelessness nationally, withapproximately 90 percent of home-less mothers experiencing physicalor sexual assault in their lifetimes.

“In 2004, over 6,000 womenand nearly 7,000 children experi-enced shelter stays in Michigan,”Udow said. “From the available

Continued on Page 8

Cities of PrCities of PrCities of PrCities of PrCities of PromiseomiseomiseomiseomiseInitiativInitiativInitiativInitiativInitiative Pre Pre Pre Pre ProoooovidesvidesvidesvidesvidesHope to State’Hope to State’Hope to State’Hope to State’Hope to State’s Mosts Mosts Mosts Mosts MostVVVVVulnerable Citiesulnerable Citiesulnerable Citiesulnerable Citiesulnerable Cities

Possibly the most famous factory in history,the Henry Ford’s Model T Automobile Plantin Highland Park is expected to be revitalizedfor the benefit of the city’s citizens.

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2 February 2006 • Building Blocks

Michael DeVos

WWWWWe Build Comme Build Comme Build Comme Build Comme Build Community and Imprunity and Imprunity and Imprunity and Imprunity and Improoooovvvvve Live Live Live Live Lives —es —es —es —es —It’It’It’It’It’s the Right s the Right s the Right s the Right s the Right Thing to DoThing to DoThing to DoThing to DoThing to Do

My first year as executivedirector of the MichiganState Housing Develop-

ment Authority has been a fulfill-ing one as well as a valuablelearning experience. One thing isfor certain—no matter where aperson or family hails from, thereshould be a place in every commu-nity for everyone; and affordabilityis the foundation upon which tobuild a safe, decent dwelling forevery single person throughout thestate of Michigan.

Though affordability and theending of homelessness have beenat the heart of our efforts, many ofthe Authority’s achievementsduring my first year as executivedirector have been especiallygratifying and reflect the dedica-tion of our staff, partners andboard. Just to name a few of thosesuccesses: • MSHDA solidified its commit-

ment to addressing the needs ofMichigan’s homeless by creatinga new division, SupportiveHousing and Homeless Initia-tives.

• Seventeen workgroups consistingof MSHDA internal staff andoutside partners were establishedto design a five-year strategicplan for Michigan’s affordablehousing community.

• The MSHDA board has approveda New “Tipping Point Neighbor-hood Initiative” focused onmarket-rate, mixed income newconstruction housing develop-ment designed to keep youngprofessionals and workers in thecreative economy from leavingMichigan’s urban centers.

• And MSHDA awarded $3.2million to Habitat for Humanityfor the Jimmy Carter WorkProject.

• We are especially proud of the $4million Domestic ViolenceHousing Initiative recentlyapproved by the board. It will beamong the first of its kind in thenation to provide supportivehousing to homeless domesticviolence survivors.We also are pleased to an-

nounce that programs and servicesdedicated to community anddowntown revitalization willcontinue as a result of the success-ful transition of the MichiganEconomic DevelopmentCorporation’s (MEDC) Commu-nity Assistance Team (CATeam) toMSHDA. New programs geared todowntown revival will furtherenhance these programs andservices, and will be announced atthe 2006 Downtown RevitalizationConference April 4-6 inKalamazoo. Visit the Web site atwww.michigan.org/downtownconf.

Other exciting news breakingon the horizon includes thegovernor’s “Cities of Promise”initiative that should be a sourceof great hope for some ofMichigan’s most vulnerablecities. Benton Harbor, Flint,Detroit, Hamtramck, HighlandPark, Muskegon Heights andSaginaw are the targeted citieswhere we are encouraging city-specific partnerships to bringtogether the best resources of thelocal community with those ofseveral state agencies, includingMSHDA and the Department ofHuman Services as the lead organi-zations. In Highland Park, thepartnership committee has beenmeeting for a few months and hasalready identified and prioritizedthree signature projects, includingthe restoration of the historicMacGregor Library. Be sure and

look at the “before” photos onpage 7 of the newsletter. Then staytuned for the “after” photos. Theyshould show great promise andstriking improvements.

Another positive event inprogress is the introduction of anew underwriting process thatpromises to be more streamlined,transparent, and responsive tooutside partners. A MSHDA teamof Marjorie Green (Multifamily),Donna McMillan (Asset Manage-ment) and Ted Rozeboom (LegalAffairs) will present the innovativeprogram at the Michigan HousingCouncil annual meeting in May.

It has been a productive year forthe affordable housing industry,thanks to all of you. I can onlyforesee more success and promisefor the coming year as our com-mon vision shapes us into oneinclusive, warm affordable housingcommunity. It’s simply the rightthing to do!

3 February 2006 • Building Blocks

improve upon existing programsand take them to the next level. Indoing so, she plans to work closelywith Executive Director MichaelDeVos to create new divisions andservices to further the organizationand to improve on the delivery ofproducts and services to its cus-tomers. It is also her desire toallow staff to grow in their posi-tions in a way where responsibili-ties and experiences are combinedto be meaningful and productive.

“This can be accomplished in acareful and thoughtful ways;through brainstorming to see whatpeople are thinking and asking forstaff input” she said “communica-tion is the key to achieve thesegoals.”

As a resident of Detroit, sheplans on spending most of herwork week in MSHDA’s Detroitoffice where she can best serveSoutheast Michigan.

When Burney Johnson took theposition of MSHDA’s DeputyDirector, it was a natural movegiven her background.

Johnson has a Bachelor’s De-gree from Fisk University in Sociol-ogy and Urban Planning and aMaster’s Degree in Urban Planningform Wayne State University. Hercareer experience in government atboth the county and city levelsprovides her with formal trainingin urban planning and a host ofskills and abilities in neighbor-hood revitalization.

When asked why she decided toleave local government and cometo the state, Johnson replied, “Theopportunities to do differentthings along with the chance tolearn and grow were the mainreasons, and when the opportu-nity knocked, I opened the door.”

As Deputy Director, Johnson’svision for the Authority is to

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“However, I plan to be inLansing once or twice a week,”Johnson said.

On a personal side, Johnsonenjoys spending her private timewith her daughter, Janesha, an 11year old sixth grader and GirlScout, and their pets, a dog namedFrazer and a cat named Magic. Onher off time, she enjoys reading,movies, music and sewing.

“Other than that, I like to hangwith friends.” Johnson said.

community. Most recently, Maryhas been participating in theMichigan Affordable Housing Five-Year Strategic Planning process.Fowlie is serving on two commit-tees —Homeownership andLender Participation.

In the 5 Year Planning Process, whatare the opportunities for MSHDAfrom your perspective as a banker?

Clearly there is lots of opportu-nity to communicate with thebanking community across Michi-gan... helping the bankers under-stand that MSHDA loan productsare competitive, a good source ofrevenue, and that communicatingwith MSHDA is easier than ever.

Are you saying that it was diffi-cult to communicate withMSHDA?

Not necessarily, but manybankers perceive MSHDA as acomplicated government entity.Anything that is done to dispelthat belief and further improvecommunications is good, espe-cially for the consumers thatdeserve the chance to improvetheir lives through homeownership.

Where are the best opportunitiesto improve the partnershipbetween bankers and MSHDA?

I think the smaller banks thatare doing home loans can be the

Continued on Page 9

Bright FuturBright FuturBright FuturBright FuturBright Futures fes fes fes fes for MSHDor MSHDor MSHDor MSHDor MSHDA and BankA and BankA and BankA and BankA and BankersersersersersA Brief InterA Brief InterA Brief InterA Brief InterA Brief Intervievievievieview with Marw with Marw with Marw with Marw with Mary Fy Fy Fy Fy Fooooowlie of LaSalle Bankwlie of LaSalle Bankwlie of LaSalle Bankwlie of LaSalle Bankwlie of LaSalle Bank

A lawyer/banker since 1981,Mary Fowlie has been a greatpartner to the Michigan StateHousing Development Authorityand Michigan’s affordable housing

4 February 2006 • Building Blocks

State Launches 2006 Cool Cities Grants & Planning PrState Launches 2006 Cool Cities Grants & Planning PrState Launches 2006 Cool Cities Grants & Planning PrState Launches 2006 Cool Cities Grants & Planning PrState Launches 2006 Cool Cities Grants & Planning ProgramsogramsogramsogramsogramsPrPrPrPrPre-Bid e-Bid e-Bid e-Bid e-Bid WWWWWorkshop Scheduled forkshop Scheduled forkshop Scheduled forkshop Scheduled forkshop Scheduled for Maror Maror Maror Maror March 14ch 14ch 14ch 14ch 14

The launch of the third yearof the Cool Cities grants andplanning programs has been

scheduled. Building strong cities ispart of Governor JenniferGranholm’s comprehensive plan togrow Michigan’s economy. Im-

proved cities can help attract jobproviders, in turn providing jobopportunities in the state. Aworkshop will be held later inmid-March to help potentialapplicants better understand theresources available.

“Michigan’s economic success istied directly to our ability to attractand retain exciting new jobs andyoung workers who are prepared tocompete in a global economy,”Granholm said. “The Cool Citiesinitiative is a critical tool for achiev-ing that goal. We need to be able toattract jobs and opportunities thatwill keep our children in Michigan.”

Cool Cities will continue tooffer a “Neighborhoods inProgress” designation, whichawards recipients with $100,000catalyst grants along with priorityaccess to existing state grant funds,loans, tax credits, or services thatcan help create vibrant, mixed-useneighborhoods.

The program was expanded in2005 with new categories: CoolCities Michigan Main Street, CoolCities Blueprints for Michigan’sDowntowns, and Cool CitiesBlueprints for Michigan’s Neigh-borhoods. Like the Neighbor-hoods in Progress, designees inthese categories will participatein a State Resource Fair andreceive the “Cool Cities Neighbor-hood” designation as well asspecial consideration for certainMSHDA programs.

“This initiative is an excellentexample of what can happen whenstate agencies, local governments anddevelopment organizations cooper-ate,” said MSHDA Executive DirectorMichael R. DeVos. “We are pleased tobe among the many organizationscontributing toward the success ofthis innovative program.”

Michigan Economic Develop-ment Corporation President andCEO Jim Epolito added that theCool Cities program is key to thestate’s overall economic develop-ment strategy.

Continued on Page 9

Cool Cities PrCool Cities PrCool Cities PrCool Cities PrCool Cities Pre-Bid e-Bid e-Bid e-Bid e-Bid WWWWWorkshop Inforkshop Inforkshop Inforkshop Inforkshop InformationormationormationormationormationThe pre-bid workshop will be held from 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on

Tuesday, March 14. No registration is necessary. Food and beveragesare not allowed at the locations that are listed below. Contact: Eliza-beth Armstrong, Cool Cities Collaborative, Michigan Department ofLabor & Economic Growth, (517) 373-9097.

Michigan State UniversityCommunications Arts & SciencesBldg., Room 145(corner of Wilson & Red Cedar)East Lansing, Michigan 48824

Grand Valley State UniversityEberhard Center, Room 201-03301 W. Fulton St.Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504

Wayne County CommunityCollegeWestern Campus, Room B-2159555 Haggerty RoadBelleville, Michigan 48111

Northwestern Michigan CollegeLes Biederman Building, Room 381701 E. Front St.Traverse City, Michigan 49686

Northern Michigan UniversityWest Science BuildingBresnan Room #28101401 Presque Isle Ave.Marquette, Michigan 49855

Lake Superior State UniversityLibrary, Room 251906 Ryan StreetSault Ste. Marie, Michigan 49783

Note: An additional Detroit area site will be announced. Pleasecheck the website in the next few days for an updated list. Thankyou.

Photo hereIn Detroit, theJefferson EastBusiness Associationbuilt 45 newcondonominums,renovated 18apartments, andbuilt 20 single-family homes

MSHDMSHDMSHDMSHDMSHDA A A A A ApprApprApprApprApprooooovvvvves Loan fes Loan fes Loan fes Loan fes Loan forororororCondominium UnitsCondominium UnitsCondominium UnitsCondominium UnitsCondominium Units

MSHDA has approved a Homebuyer Mezzanine ConstructionLoan for 75 condominiums aimed at luring young professionalsto one of Detroit’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

The Mezzanine Loan program is part of Governor Granholm’s Tip-ping Point Neighborhoods Strategy, a plan to keep young professionalsand workers in the creative economy from leaving Michigan’s urbancenters. Willys Overland Lofts is in the heart of Midtown Detroit, one ofthe most exciting urban centers in the state, and provides an excellentlocation for such a project, anchored by Wayne State University and theDetroit Medical Center. These and other cultural facilities make the loftsmarketable to young professionals.

“Projects like the Willys Overland Lofts are key to our efforts increating appealing places to live, work and play,” Governor Granholmsaid. “MSHDA’s contribution is to assure that the housing markets inurban neighborhoods are providing a range of choices that will attractmarket-rate homebuyers to choose urban living.”

The Willys Overland building will be renovated in Detroit’s Midtownneighborhood with the help of a $3 million loan from MSHDA, result-ing in 75 for-sale condominiums.

“The Willys Overland renovation is an integral part of the city’s effortsto revitalize the entire downtown, and we are pleased to be a part of thisexciting project,” MSHDA executive director Michael DeVos said. “Byproviding this loan, we are demonstrating our commitment to theredevelopment and success of Detroit.”

DeVos added that nearly 300 year-long jobs in construction andrelated trades, crucial to the city’s economic future, will be created inkeeping with the governor’s Jobs Today, Jobs Tomorrow initiative.

The Willys Overland building is located on Willis Street between Cass and2nd Avenue. Neighbors include many distinctive shops, pubs, and eateriesincluding Avalon Bakery, Mario’s Restaurant, and Traffic Jam and Snug.

Continued on Page 8

5 February 2006 • Building Blocks

CrCrCrCrCreates Jeates Jeates Jeates Jeates Jobs and Kobs and Kobs and Kobs and Kobs and Keeps eeps eeps eeps eeps YYYYYoung Proung Proung Proung Proung Profofofofofessionals in Detressionals in Detressionals in Detressionals in Detressionals in Detroitoitoitoitoit

The Willys Overland Lofts will consist of 75 for-sale custom condominiums

Michigan Magnet FundMichigan Magnet FundMichigan Magnet FundMichigan Magnet FundMichigan Magnet FundWill Create Jobs, SpurWill Create Jobs, SpurWill Create Jobs, SpurWill Create Jobs, SpurWill Create Jobs, SpurEconomic DevelopmentEconomic DevelopmentEconomic DevelopmentEconomic DevelopmentEconomic DevelopmentAcrAcrAcrAcrAcross Michiganoss Michiganoss Michiganoss Michiganoss Michigan

Governor Jennifer Granholmhas announced that as apart of her Cool Cities

Initiative the Michigan MagnetFund (MMF) has awarded morethan $49 million in federal NewMarkets Tax Credits to sevencommunity development projectsin the first round of funding.

The projects are expected tocreate more than 2,806 new jobsand spur more than $585 millionin private investment. In May2005, the fund received $60 mil-lion in federal tax credits throughthe Community DevelopmentFinancial Institutions Fund.

“The Cool Cities Initiative is allabout helping Michigan’s neigh-borhoods become exciting placesto live, work, and raise a family,”Granholm said. “These tax creditsmake possible projects that willcreate new downtown and neigh-borhood developments and jobopportunities for families.”

The MMF, a partnership betweenthe Michigan Economic Develop-ment Corporation, MSHDA andthe Great Lakes Capital Fund, is anonprofit Michigan corporationgoverned by a 19-member board ofdirectors. The partnership will usethe tax credit allocation to helpfinance community developmentprojects in targeted communitiesacross the state.

“These projects are the catalystthat will help transform theirneighborhoods into places thatpeople will actively seek out to liveand work,” MSHDA ExecutiveDirector Michael R. DeVos said.

For a list of the winningprojects, visit: www.michigan.org/medc/news/combo.asp?ContentId=AE552FBE-2108-4322-A98C-B661FE7A1717

6 February 2006 • Building Blocks

ImprImprImprImprImproooooving the Livving the Livving the Livving the Livving the Lives of Michigan Citizenses of Michigan Citizenses of Michigan Citizenses of Michigan Citizenses of Michigan Citizens

By Ashley Mead,Communications Coordinator

Lender Lender Lender Lender Lender WWWWWorks with MSHDorks with MSHDorks with MSHDorks with MSHDorks with MSHDA to House SingleA to House SingleA to House SingleA to House SingleA to House SingleMotherMotherMotherMotherMother

As a local lender, PeteBurnaford has helped anumber of families through

the homeownership process byworking closely with MSHDA.Many families who could notafford their own home wereapproved for a MSHDA loan withhis help. Burnaford began hiscareer on a heart-touching casethat has kept him working hard tohelp house those in need.

About 15 years ago a youngsingle mother in the MountClemens area was looking for asmall suitable home. She was livingin poverty with her three-year-olddaughter and after meeting with aRealtor, they came to Burnaford atFlagstar Bank for additional assis-tance.

After reviewing her history hefound that she was a food servermaking minimum wage; however,

she had decent credit. Upon hisarrival at Flagstar he found someinformation about the MSHDAprograms and began workingdiligently to find her a suitablehome.

“After visiting her apartmentand seeing the bullet holes in theceiling and the conditions under

which she and her daughter wereliving, I became passionate aboutthis case,” said Burnaford.

Once the initial stages had beencompleted, Burnaford met withthe mother and her daughter atthe Realtor’s office. During thatmeeting she told her daughter, “IfMr. Pete can get us a house, a fewChristmas presents will be underthe tree this year.” The little girl’sonly wish was to get a kitten forthe holidays.

Seeing the desperation in theeyes of this small family,

Burnaford and the Realtorfought hard to get her ap-proved for a MSHDA loan.Once the approval wasprocessed, she was able tomove into a place calledEastpoint.

Both Burnaford andthe Realtor attended the

closing and took pictures of themother and daughter in front ofthe sold sign. Since her friends andfamily had been skeptical that shewould actually be able to have ahome, she wanted photographicevidence to prove that she in factcould succeed. Immediately afterthe closing, Burnaford and theRealtor went to the Humane Soci-ety and picked out a kitten for thelittle girl.

“This was one of the mostrewarding experiences I’ve had as alender,” said Burnaford, “and itwas my first as well.”

Over the last 15 years he hasdone approximately 20 MSHDAloans per year, and when askedwhy he puts so much effort into itBurnaford said, “Because I see thisstory over and over. Young familiesget into homes they never thoughtthey could get into without theassistance of a lender and theMSHDA programs.”

“This was one of“This was one of“This was one of“This was one of“This was one ofthe most rewardingthe most rewardingthe most rewardingthe most rewardingthe most rewardingexperiences I’experiences I’experiences I’experiences I’experiences I’vvvvve hade hade hade hade had

as a lenderas a lenderas a lenderas a lenderas a lender.....”””””

Sign up to receive

Building Blocks via

e-mail! Visit

www.housingconference.org

for more information.

7 February 2006 • Building Blocks

Continued from Page 1

By encouraging city-specific partnerships that bring together the best resources of the local community withthose of several state agencies including MSHDA, a city’s highest priorities can be addressed and expedited.

The Cities of Promise are those that are experiencing sometimes devastating conditions because of decliningpopulation, extreme poverty, loss of industry and jobs, crumbling infrastructure, and blighted neighborhoods. InHighland Park, the partnership committee has been meeting for a few months and has already identified and priori-tized three signature projects including the restoration of the historic McGregor Library. Possible sources of grants andfunding have been identified and plans for organizing the community to respond to the project are underway.

State agencies directly involved in the Cities of Promise initiative include lead agencies MSHDA and MichiganDepartment of Human Services. Priority assistance is also coming from Michigan Department of Transportation,Department of History, Arts and Libraries, the Land Bank Fast Track Authority and Wayne County.

MSHDA has earmarked funding for the demolition of blightedsingle family properties that are beyond recovery. Over 100properties are already scheduled for demolition before June ofthis year, creating a clean slate for neighborhood redevelopmentin the city’s southeast quadrant.

The McGregor Library was built in 1923 in an effort to meet thecultural and civic needs of the burgeoning Highland Park. Today, itstands boarded up and neglected but will soon be restored to itsformer glory as a Cities of Promise signature project.

Many well-preserved historic homes and manicuredstreets can be found throughout Highland Park.

Sanctuary in acommunity neglected.The Cities of PromiseInitiative offersinspiration and hopethat prayers for a safeand revived HighlandPark will be answered.

8 February 2006 • Building Blocks

Continued from Page 1

data, approximately 613 womenand children are sleeping in shel-ters each night.”

The program is expected tofund four to eight projects state-wide. Funds may be used fordevelopment costs associatedwith the new construction, acqui-sition/rehabilitation, masterleasing of existing units, orhomeownership to create perma-nent supportive housing forpeople who are homeless survi-vors of domestic violence.

“Accessing safe, stable and afford-able housing is an often insur-mountable barrier to escapingdomestic violence, forcing victims tostay with or return to an abusivepartner rather than find themselvesand their children homeless,” saidKathy Hagenian, Executive PolicyDirector of the Michigan CoalitionAgainst Domestic and Sexual Vio-lence. “This initiative will not onlymake life better for many survivorsof domestic violence, it will helpsave lives.”

Proposals will be evaluated andselected based on the followingfactors: ability to meet the statedRequirements to Participate; demon-stration of local need; ability to targetsurvivors of domestic violence whoare homeless, underserved and mayhave special needs; capacity toadminister and implement theproject; project feasibility; strategy toincorporate input of the domesticviolence survivor into the develop-ment of the project; and an effectiveCommunity Supportive Services Planand Tenant Eviction Prevention Plan.

It is expected that projectsfunded under the new initiativewill be brought to commitment bySeptember 2006.

MSHDMSHDMSHDMSHDMSHDA A A A A AnnouncesAnnouncesAnnouncesAnnouncesAnnounces$4 Million to Help$4 Million to Help$4 Million to Help$4 Million to Help$4 Million to HelpHomeless SurHomeless SurHomeless SurHomeless SurHomeless Survivvivvivvivvivorsorsorsorsorsof Domestic of Domestic of Domestic of Domestic of Domestic ViolenceViolenceViolenceViolenceViolence

Continued from Page 5

“The City of Detroit commendsMSHDA, Midtown Developmentand DeMattia Investments II for theircontinued investment in the City ofDetroit,” said Douglass Diggs,director of development activities forthe City of Detroit. “Willys OverlandLoft project is consistent with theMayor’s primary focus of redevelop-ing Detroit’s neighborhoods. It alsotakes us a step closer to meeting theoverwhelming demand in Detroit forloft living.”

Willys Overland Lofts will consistof 75 custom condominiumsranging in size from 982 square feetto 2,476 square feet. Approximately20 units will have private rooftopterraces and another 13 ground floorunits will have private patios. Allresidents will have access to a roof-top common area.

Amenities will include 14 to 16foot ceiling heights, historicallyappropriate large pane windows,stained/colored concrete floors,granite kitchen countertops, in-unit storage space and stainlesssteel appliances. Additional up-grade packages will be available.

Under the Mezzanine Loanprogram, the maximum loan termis five years. The loan will berepaid with proceeds from thecondominium sales.

Built in 1912, the original facilitywas home to Willys Overland Com-pany, best known for the productionof the WWII military Jeeps. WillysOverland was second only to FordMotor Company in sales from 1912to 1918. Around 1953, the facility wassold to Davidson Brothers WholesaleDry Goods Store and has since beena Federal Department Store andwarehouse for the Detroit PublicSchools.

The sponsors of Willys Over-land Lofts are Midtown Develop-ment Inc. and DeMattia Invest-ments II, LLC. Initial occupancy isscheduled for March 2007. Amodel unit will be open for toursin time for the annual DetroitFestival of Arts June 9 – 11, 2006.Interested parties can reserve unitsor sign up for a mailing list bycalling 313.832.2000 or734.354.6125. Information is alsoavailable atwww.willysoverlandlofts.com.

GoGoGoGoGovvvvvernor ernor ernor ernor ernor Announces Loan fAnnounces Loan fAnnounces Loan fAnnounces Loan fAnnounces Loan forororororCondominium Units in DetrCondominium Units in DetrCondominium Units in DetrCondominium Units in DetrCondominium Units in Detroitoitoitoitoit

Willys Overland Lofts is located in midtown Detroit near Wayne StateUniversity and the Detroit Medical Center

Volume 2, Number 1

A bi-monthly publication of the Michigan StateHousing Development Authority

LANSING OFFICE735 East Michigan AvenueLansing, Michigan 48911

(517) 373-8370 • (517) 335-4797 (fax)TTY (800) 382-4568

DETROIT OFFICE3028 West Grand Boulevard, Suites 4-600

Detroit, Michigan 48202(313) 456-3540 • (313) 456-3571 (fax)

Equal Opportunity Lender

The Department of Labor and Economic Growth will not discriminateagainst any individual or group because of race, sex, religion, age, nationalorigin, color, marital status, disability, or political beliefs. If you needassistance with reading, writing, hearing, etc., under the Americans withDisabilities Act, you may make your needs known to this agency at (517)373-1820.

9 February 2006 • Building Blocks

MSHDMSHDMSHDMSHDMSHDA DeA DeA DeA DeA Devvvvvelops Strategelops Strategelops Strategelops Strategelops Strategy fy fy fy fy for or or or or Tipping PTipping PTipping PTipping PTipping Point Neighborhoods tooint Neighborhoods tooint Neighborhoods tooint Neighborhoods tooint Neighborhoods toKKKKKeep eep eep eep eep “Urban Pioneers” in Michigan“Urban Pioneers” in Michigan“Urban Pioneers” in Michigan“Urban Pioneers” in Michigan“Urban Pioneers” in Michigan

Continued from Page 4

“This is an opportunity to assist communitieswhich have a commitment to neighborhood anddowntown growth,” Epolito said. “Through CoolCities programs, these cities can achieve their eco-nomic priorities and become entrepreneurial hotspots.”

A Pre-Bid Workshop has been scheduled for 1:30-4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14th. The workshop willbe held using interactive video conferencing at remotesites in East Lansing, Grand Rapids, Detroit, TraverseCity, Marquette and Sault Ste. Marie. More informa-tion about the workshops is below and will beposted shortly on www.coolcities.com.

The workshop agenda includes a brief descriptionof each of the programs and case studies of bestpractices. The workshop also includes a sampling ofthe state resources contained in the Resource Toolboxwhich combines more than 100 of the state’s commu-

nity improvement grants, tax credits, loans andassistance programs into a single web based venuethat can be used by cities and communities forrevitalization projects.

“The Resource Toolbox made available by the CoolCities initiative is critical for successful development indowntown, near-downtown areas and traditionalresidential neighborhoods,” said Robert W. Swanson,acting director of the Department of Labor & EconomicGrowth, which oversees the Cool Cities program.

The notice of intent will be posted onwww.coolcities.com the week of March 6th and thedeadline for the notice submission is Tuesday, March21. The state will invite applications for the CoolCities program, which will be due Friday, May 5. TheCool Cities Neighborhood award designations will beannounced mid-July.

Bright FuturBright FuturBright FuturBright FuturBright Futures fes fes fes fes for MSHDor MSHDor MSHDor MSHDor MSHDA andA andA andA andA andBankBankBankBankBankersersersersersA Brief InterA Brief InterA Brief InterA Brief InterA Brief Intervievievievieview with Marw with Marw with Marw with Marw with Mary Fy Fy Fy Fy Fooooowlie ofwlie ofwlie ofwlie ofwlie ofLaSalle BankLaSalle BankLaSalle BankLaSalle BankLaSalle Bank

Continued from Page 3

first to capitalize on a closer relationship withMSHDA.

Now that Standard Federal has changed to LaSalleBank, we have heard that you are planning onretiring?

Well, not exactly. I am retiring from day to dayactivities but I will be staying on as a consultant toLaSalle. But what I am really excited about is a new rolewith the Michigan Bankers Association as Chairman ofthe Association.

Why? In that role I am in a great position to continue some

of the contributions to the affordable housing commu-nity that have been so important to me over the years. Iexpect to continue to serve on the board of Habitat forHumanity Michigan, continue my commissionership onthe Michigan Manufactured Housing Commission, andof course my role at MBA. I anticipate working closelywith MSHDA through that chairmanship.