On Thursday, March 26, CHN Housing Partners (CHN) and TRIBE Development were joined by Mayor Mary Sheffield, Councilmember Latisha Johnson, funders and partners to celebrate the construction of Jefferson Avenue Apartments. This new construction development, comprised of 52 one-, two- and three-bedroom homes, is located on Jefferson Avenue, between Dickerson and Lennox in the Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood.  

"We are thrilled to bring 52 brand new affordable homes to the Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood,” said Aaron Hall, vice president of the Detroit Market for CHN. “CHN is incredibly grateful to MSHDA, the City of Detroit and the Detroit Housing Commission for their support of Jefferson Avenue Apartments, and we are honored to partner with Brandon Hodges to make this development a reality.”  

A $21 million investment in the Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood, Jefferson Avenue Apartments is made possible through funding from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), HOME dollars from the City of Detroit and project-based vouchers sponsored by the Detroit Housing Commission. The 52-unit building will be affordable to residents with incomes at 30%, 50% and 60% of the Wayne County Area Median Income (AMI) levels.  

"As a Jefferson-Chalmers resident, I'm very proud to contribute to the vibrancy of our great neighborhood and do meaningful work in my backyard,” said Brandon Hodges, founder and principal of TRIBE Development. “Our partnership with CHN demonstrates the potential of intentional, mission-aligned collaboration and we look forward to future opportunities in the City of Detroit." 

Additional funders include equity partner Enterprise Community Partners, Independent Bank, Citizens Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis.  

“My administration is committed to building a city where Detroiters of all income levels can afford to live in high quality housing in strong neighborhoods," said Mayor Sheffield. "The Jefferson Avenue Apartments brings that vision to life—delivering deeply affordable units in a brand new building in the heart of Jefferson Chalmers." 

The building will include a community room with a kitchen, a fitness room and offices for an on-site property manager. Each apartment unit will be equipped with an Energy Star refrigerator, electric range and hood, dishwasher, washer and dryer, air conditioner and mini blinds. 

"District 4 and the City of Detroit urgently need more affordable housing projects like Jefferson Avenue Apartments,” said Councilmember Latisha Johnson. “I am especially pleased to see CHN Housing Partners team up with local developer and District 4 resident Brandon Hodges to make this project a reality." 

On-site tenant services will be available for Jefferson Avenue Apartments residents to assist them in achieving their personal and financial goals.  

“At the Housing & Revitalization Department, we are committed to implementing the vision residents helped shape—one that prioritizes housing stability, economic opportunity, and equitable growth,” said Julie Schneider, director of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department. “Jefferson Avenue Apartments is a great example of how we’re bringing that vision to life through strategic investment in both people and place.” 

“This development shows how targeted, community focused investment can expand access to quality, affordable housing,” said Tony Lentych, MSHDA Chief Housing Investment Officer. “Jefferson Avenue Apartments will add 52 new homes in Jefferson Chalmers and advance our shared goals under the Statewide Housing Plan through strong partnerships and effective use of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit.” 

Jefferson Avenue Apartments is designed by architects, Hiti, DiFrancesco + Siebold (HD+S), and MHT Housing is the building’s general contractor. Giffels Webster served as the engineer. Construction has begun and is expected to be completed in early 2027.