MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (WZMQ) — Michigan-based homebuilder Allen Edwin Homes announced plans Wednesday to construct 2,500 new homes across the state over the next decade, aiming to increase the availability of housing affordable to middle-income workers.
The announcement was made during the Mackinac Policy Conference by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) CEO Amy Hovey, and Allen Edwin Homes Director of Workforce Housing Brian Farkas.
The planned construction will be supported by MSHDA’s Housing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Program, a state initiative designed to incentivize the development of housing for residents earning up to 120% of the area median income. The program was authorized under a bipartisan housing law passed in 2023.
“Every Michigander deserves to find a safe, affordable place to raise their family,” Gilchrist said. “This announcement brings us closer to that being a reality.”
According to Hovey, the Housing TIF Program has already contributed to the development of hundreds of housing units, with thousands more anticipated.
Farkas said Allen Edwin Homes is increasing production in response to the new financing tools. The company, which previously built an average of 850 homes annually, expects to build over 1,000 homes in 2025. It has committed to a 30% increase in home production this year compared to previous averages, with a focus on workforce-priced housing.
The company highlighted three projects as examples of ongoing efforts under the new strategy:
- In Grand Traverse County, a development will include 170 rental units, with 20% set aside as workforce housing.
- In Hillsdale, more than 60 single-family homes are under development, with a similar 20% allocation for workforce housing.
- In Portage, over 100 new homes are planned, with 20% designated for workforce housing.
Allen Edwin Homes said these projects will contribute to addressing the state’s housing shortage while supporting economic growth in local communities.