Real Estate Development

The Southwest Detroit Business Association is committed to securing and redeveloping key buildings in the West Vernor-Springwells Business District. These projects occur primarily when the market can not support such efforts, but the community would benefit greatly from their completion.

In 1994, the development of the Rebert Building, now home to the SDBA offices, jump-started development along the section of West Vernor from Central to Springwells. The Odd Fellows building, completed in 2006 stood derelict on the western-most end of the business district for over 10 years.

Looking beyond its current physical condition, the SDBA saw an opportunity to provide the district with an "anchor store" of sorts, and began its renovation. Using Historic, New Market, and Brownfield tax credits, the building was completely restored and updated to include a geothermal heating and cooling system and other green amenities. This renovation sparked new life on the western end of Southwest Detroit. The SDBA continues to uncover development opportunities that benefit the overall community and add, specifically, to the vibrancy of its business district.