Lee Plaza Restored as Detroit Senior Housing
Crews are converting the historic 1929 high-rise on West Grand Boulevard into 117 affordable units for seniors.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Apartments
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Crews are restoring Lee Plaza, a historic Art Deco high-rise on West Grand Boulevard in Detroit, into 117 affordable housing units for seniors. The building first opened as a luxury residential hotel in 1929 and sat vacant for nearly three decades before the current work began.
Why it matters
The project brings a long-idle landmark back into use as affordable housing for seniors in Detroit at a time when such units are in demand. Restoring the building also preserves its historic character within the Northwest Goldberg neighborhood.
The project will create 117 affordable units for seniors after nearly 30 years of vacancy at the building. Developers hope to receive a certificate of occupancy by the end of 2026, though final timing remains a target rather than a confirmed date.
The players
Lighthouse
Lighthouse is a co-developer of the Lee Plaza restoration project in Detroit.
The Roxbury Group
The Roxbury Group is a development firm whose principal, David Di Rita, is involved in the Lee Plaza project.
The details
Crews are restoring the Art Deco building into residential units along with common spaces such as the lobby and the former ballroom. Lighthouse is a co-developer of the project, and developers are working to preserve the property's historic character during the work.
Timeline
1929: Lee Plaza first opens as a luxury residential hotel.
Nearly three decades: The building sits vacant before restoration begins.
End of 2026: Developers hope to receive a certificate of occupancy.
Early 2027: Residents are expected to begin moving in.
Culture Shift
The conversion of a 1929 luxury hotel into affordable senior housing reverses the building's path from a luxury residential property to nearly three decades of vacancy. The project reflects a shift toward reusing historic Detroit buildings for housing that serves older residents.
Detroit seniors seeking affordable housing could see 117 new units become available once the project is complete. The development adds rental options in the Northwest Goldberg neighborhood rather than leaving a vacant landmark on West Grand Boulevard.
The takeaway
Restoring historic buildings can add affordable housing while preserving a neighborhood's architectural character. Readers tracking Detroit's housing supply can watch the late-2026 occupancy milestone for Lee Plaza.
What happens next
Developers hope to receive a certificate of occupancy by the end of 2026, and residents are expected to begin moving in during early 2027.
Further reading
Explore more Apartments listings and developments across Detroit.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WXYZ 7 News Detroit.
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