East Warren Corridor revival continues with redevelopment and expansion of long-vacant Arthur Murray Building

• Work begins on 32 New Apartments & Will Include Affordable Housing for Detroit Families
• Latest Strategic Neighborhood Fund Investment Continues Revitalization of East Warren-Cadieux Corridor
• New project joins recently opened, "The Ribbon," along with new businesses and community spaces
  

Real Estate Interests, LLC (REI), joined by Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, members of the Detroit City Council, project lenders and community members, officially broke ground today on The Arthur Murray, a transformative development project at 16621-16653 E. Warren Avenue in Detroit's East English Village neighborhood.

The project will breathe new life into the long-vacant Arthur Murray building, which has stood empty for more than five years. Originally constructed in the early 1950s, the building holds deep cultural significance as the home of the world's first Arthur Murray Dance franchisee, operated by pioneering female entrepreneur Doris Eaton Travis. While the existing structure will be carefully restored, the expansion will add a third story to increase density and modernize the space, creating a vibrant anchor for the corridor.

Mayor Duggan emphasized the project's role as part of the Strategic Neighborhood Fund initiative.

"The Strategic Neighborhood Fund is about bringing investment and opportunity into Detroit's neighborhoods, not just downtown," Duggan said. "The Arthur Murray project shows exactly what can happen when public and private partners work together. This historic building will be restored, families will have access to quality, affordable housing, and new neighborhood businesses will grow - all right here on East Warren."

A range of affordability levels will ensure the new housing units are available to current area residents. Six apartments will be reserved for households earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Thirteen apartments will be reserved for households earning between 61% and 80% of AMI. The remaining units will be available to households earning between 81% and 100% of AMI, ensuring a balanced mix of affordability that meets the needs of a broad spectrum of Detroit residents.

The development is supported by key partners including Michigan Community Capital, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Invest Detroit, LISC Detroit, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, and the Ebiara Fund, and is part of the larger Strategic Neighborhood Fund initiative in the East Warren-Cadieux area. Through the Strategic Neighborhood Fund, philanthropic, corporate and civic partners are working together to revitalize Detroit neighborhoods by investing in housing, small businesses and community assets.

Since being designated as one of the 10 SNF neighborhoods, East Warren/Cadieux has already seen major infrastructure investment. An $8.8 million streetscape project was completed along 0.6 miles of East Warren, from Three Mile Drive to Cadieux, adding protected bike lanes, improved sidewalks and lighting, new landscaping and upgraded parking areas. To date, the Strategic Neighborhood Fund has leveraged more than $262 million across Detroit, fueling improvements that include commercial corridor revitalization, affordable housing and park and greenway projects. The Arthur Murray represents the next step forward in this ongoing neighborhood transformation.

The project received significant support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which awarded a $2.2 million Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) grant. The funding is part of the state's effort to advance transformational housing and community development projects across Michigan. In Detroit, the investment expands affordable housing while also preserving a historic building, ensuring long-term stability for residents and strengthening the character of the neighborhood.

In addition to the residential units, the development will feature 8,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, which will be fully occupied by Activate Detroit, a community-focused organization committed to driving neighborhood-based development and entrepreneurship. The project will also include 1,000 square feet of resident amenities, including a community gathering space and fitness center. Together, these elements will provide both new living opportunities and a hub of activity for the surrounding neighborhood.

Terence Thomas, principal of Activate Detroit, shared his vision for the new commercial space. "Activate Detroit is thrilled to be part of this project and to make our home on the first floor of The Arthur Murray," Thomas said. "We believe in the power of community-driven development, and being located in this historic building gives us the opportunity to serve residents and contribute to the growth of East Warren in a meaningful way."

Rod Hardamon, CEO of the EBIARA Fund, underscored the project's importance in fostering Black-led development. "EBIARA exists as a fund of Developers building Developers, to support talented emerging developers who are building transformative projects in Detroit's neighborhoods," Hardamon said. "The Arthur Murray is a perfect example of how trust and investment in local leadership can create affordable housing, spur entrepreneurship, and generate wealth that stays in the community."

"This project is about more than bricks and mortar-it's about creating opportunities for residents and businesses to thrive," said Emery Matthews, CEO of Real Estate Interests, LLC. "We are grateful to our partners, lenders and the residents of this community who have worked alongside us to make this vision a reality. By restoring the historic Arthur Murray building and expanding its purpose, we're honoring Detroit's history while building for its future."

"The Arthur Murray project reflects exactly what our affordable housing strategy is all about," said Julie Schneider, Director of Detroit's Housing & Revitalization Department. "Through partnerships like the Strategic Neighborhood Fund, we're creating high-quality, affordable housing and vibrant community spaces that allow Detroiters to stay in the neighborhoods they love while welcoming new investment and opportunity."

About Real Estate Interests, LLC

Real Estate Interests, LLC (REI) is a cutting-edge, 100% African American-owned, full-service commercial real estate development and advisory firm led by CEO Emery Matthews. REI develops high-quality projects and provides advisory services to investors, tenants and clients with a focus on robust analysis, effective risk mitigation and best-in-class properties. The firm creates value by excelling in three areas: Managing Change, Managing Assets and Advising Decision Makers.

About the Strategic Neighborhood Fund

The Strategic Neighborhood Fund (SNF) is a partnership between the City of Detroit, Invest Detroit, corporate and philanthropic funders and neighborhood residents. Launched in 2017, the fund focuses on driving inclusive growth in 10 Detroit neighborhoods through investments in housing, commercial corridors, parks and greenways. To date, the SNF has leveraged more than $262 million in public and private resources citywide, supporting projects that enhance quality of life and create opportunities for long-term neighborhood stability and prosperity.