Construction on the Cathedral Arts Apartments project, which will provide affordable housing in the Detroit area, has begun; thanks in part to efforts by the Archdiocese of Detroit.

"I am grateful that the archdiocese has this opportunity to partner with the City of Detroit to bring new, affordable housing to the area surrounding our beloved cathedral,” Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron said in a recent tweet.

Vigneron, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and MHT Housing Inc. came together in a groundbreaking celebration for the Cathedral Arts Apartments project, the City said in a June 8 release from the mayor's office. The initiative signifies a collaborative effort to address the housing needs of the community.

The $19.7 million project will offer 53 two-bedroom units on a vacant lot located across from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, the release said. The construction is estimated to last approximately 15 months with a goal of completion set for the fall of 2024. Additionally, the development will allocate 6,000 square feet of space for commercial retail and other community needs.

“Making sure we have enough affordable housing as our city rebuilds is going to take a community-wide effort, and this project is a great example of how the Archdiocese of Detroit and MHT Housing are important partners in that effort,” Duggan said in the release. “We are deeply appreciative to Archbishop Vigneron and the Archdiocese for bringing these 53 new units of affordable housing into a growing area of our city.”

Cathedral Arts Apartments will offer a diverse selection of affordable housing options for prospective residents, the release said. The rental rates will vary based on income, with several units starting at $540 and increasing accordingly. Sixteen of the units will be specifically designated for tenants earning 30% or less of the area median income. Tenants in those apartments will pay no more than 30% of their income toward rent and utilities.

“We are excited to participate in this next step in the ongoing revitalization of Detroit, bringing growth and resources to another neighborhood," Vigneron said in the release. "As part of our mission, we strive to be an outward, mission-focused Church in Detroit that is focused not only on those in our pews, but on everyone in our community.”