Detroit senior housing project fully opens on historic Lewis College campus

Dr. Violet T. Lewis Village is now fully complete in Detroit after the East Building received its certificate of occupancy June 29 and leasing begins July 22. The $29.3 million redevelopment turns the former Lewis College of Business campus into 105 affordable apartment homes for residents 55 and older while preserving a key piece of Black higher-education history.

Why it matters: - Dr. Violet T. Lewis Village adds 105 affordable homes for Detroit seniors age 55 and older. - The project reuses the former campus of Michigan's only historically Black college and university, preserving a landmark tied to Detroit's education history. - The development is designed for households earning up to 80% of area median income, with some units set aside for residents with the lowest incomes through project-based housing vouchers.

What happened: - Presbyterian Villages of Michigan and Wallick Communities announced the full opening of Dr. Violet T. Lewis Village on July 9, 2026. - The East Building received its certificate of occupancy on June 29. - Leasing begins July 22. - The $29.3 million community is located at 17370 Meyers Road in Detroit. - The three-building project combines the adaptive reuse of two historic Lewis College of Business buildings with a newly constructed four-story residential building.

The details: - The former Lewis College of Business campus had been vacant since the college closed in 2013. - The completed community includes modern amenities such as community gathering spaces, a fitness area, and a computer lab. - The development was financed through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits allocated by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. - Additional support came from MSHDA, the City of Detroit, The Kresge Foundation, Merchants Capital, Security Bank, First Merchants Bank, and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis. - The community is named for Dr. Violet T. Lewis, founder of Lewis Business College. - Lewis Business College became Michigan's only HBCU in 1987.

Between the lines: - The project pairs historic preservation with a housing need that remains acute for older adults in Detroit. - The redevelopment turns an idle campus into a revenue-producing housing asset while keeping the site's legacy visible. - Roger L. Myers, president and CEO of Presbyterian Villages of Michigan, said the project reflects a combination of mission, investment, and respect for history. - Amy Albery, CEO of Wallick Communities, said the development restores purpose to the campus and creates opportunities for residents.

What's next: - Leasing starts July 22, opening the final phase of the three-building community to residents. - The project will begin serving income-qualified seniors as move-ins continue. - The site is positioned to carry forward the campus mission through affordable housing rather than classroom use.