Much-needed housing on its way to Benton Harbor with 'Project T'

BENTON HARBOR, Mich.-- Brand-new affordable housing is on its way to the City of Benton Harbor.

The $23 million development, known as "Project T," officially broke ground Tuesday. 

Project T will be located in the lot on Agard Street between Empire and Weld. Lifelong Benton Harbor resident Sharee Brooks lives just down the street from this lot, which used to be home to Mercy Hospital.

"It's been an eyesore for as long as I can remember," Brooks said. "I actually was born at this hospital, along with many of the other residents of the city. It's been an eyesore for a couple of decades here. So it's really a good thing to see dirt moving, finally."

When Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad first came into office, tearing down the crumbling hospital was one of his first actions.

"We tore it down in 2016, and nine years later, almost 10, we stand here ground breaking for something that will help our community and benefit our community for hopefully the next 70, 80 years," Muhammad said. 

Harbor Habitat for Humanity, along with state and city leaders, officially broke ground Tuesday. 

"It's one of the biggest things we've seen here in quite a while," Brooks said. 

Erin Hudson, CEO of Harbor Habitat for Humanity, agreed, calling it the biggest project in years. She explained it's a joint venture with Detroit-based developer Renovare.

Phase one, a nearly $9 million investment, includes 14 duplexes-- or 28 condos-- then phase two is a 39-unit apartment building with commercial space. 

The total investment will be more than $23 million, with some of that money coming from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, the Whirlpool Foundation, and the Benton Harbor Brownfield Development Authority.  

"In our community, the need for affordable housing is so huge," Hudson said. "There's just such a great need. We're trying to get people to come to the community, to return home to the community, and we have to provide them with housing."

Phase one should be complete by the end of next summer, Hudson said. Phase two will be started next year, and that is on a three-year timeline right now.

Learn more about Project T on its website.