$5 million renovation project maintains affordable housing in East Lansing

The Deerpath Apartments in East Lansing have been giving residents the option of affordable housing since the 1970s. Thanks to the residence's recent acquisition by Hometown Housing Partnership (HHP) and $5 million in renovations, the 126 apartments will continue that mission for at least the next 15 years. 

 

"There is a giant misconception that there isn't any such thing as affordable housing in East Lansing. It is a great market, and people do have choices," says Mikki Droste, executive director of HHP. "We want to make sure people continue to have that choice."

 

Keeping the Deerpath Apartments in good condition and remaining true to its tradition of affordable housing is important in East Lansing, says Droste, where both rentals and homeownership can be expensive. Providing an affordable option allows residents of more income levels have access to great schools and live near employment opportunities. 

 

Work began on the apartments last year and were completed in early 2013. The renovations included energy efficiency upgrades, as well as new flooring, kitchen cabinets, countertops and more. 

 

"Lots of logistics were involved," says Droste. "While it required some disruption to people's lives, they moved out an apartment that as 30 years old, and they moved into something brand new."

 

HHP celebrated the grand reopening of Deerpath Apartments last week, in conjunction with the organization's 20th anniversary. The non-profit has assisted new homebuyers with the purchase of 100 homes throughout the last two decades.