Kalamazoo Apartment Complex Unveils $10M Upgrade, Ensuring 30 Years of Affordable Living

Preserving Affordable Housing: City View in the Square Undergoes Major Renovation

In Kalamazoo, Michigan, a historic 14-story apartment complex known as City View in the Square continues to serve seniors with affordable housing options. Since its opening in 1984, this landmark at 710 Collins St. has provided over 200 apartments specifically tailored for older adults. Despite having the opportunity to shift toward market-rate rentals this year, the building’s owners chose instead to commit to maintaining affordability for another three decades through a significant renovation project.

Owned by CSI Support and Development Services, a Warren-based nonprofit that manages 28 similar properties across the state, City View in the Square remains a model of community-driven living. With just two on-site employees, the residents themselves largely manage the building via elected roles and committees. Diane Smith, CSI's national finance and development manager, emphasizes the value of this cooperative approach: “It’s the best way for a senior to grow old because when they retire or when they’re ready to move into a facility like ours, they still have all these lifelong skills to give.”

The building offers one-bedroom apartments to individuals aged 62 and older, including 11 accessible units designed with features such as wider doorways to accommodate wheelchair users. Most residents earn no more than 30% of the area median income (AMI), which equates to approximately $21,180 annually for a single person. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development classifies this income level as "extremely low," underscoring the critical role City View plays in providing accessible housing.

Originally built under a 40-year agreement with HUD that expired in February, the property could have transitioned to market-rate pricing. However, CSI opted against this change, choosing instead to secure state and federal funding for a $10.6 million rehabilitation effort. This decision was bolstered by the allocation of low-income housing tax credits from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), ensuring affordability for another 30 years.

Residents also benefit from an extended Section 8 contract, allowing tenants to pay only 30% of their income toward rent while the federal government subsidizes the remainder. Originally set to expire in three years, this agreement has been renewed for an additional 20 years, with increased subsidies reflecting updated market values.

The upcoming renovations will bring the building up to modern standards, addressing updates long overdue since the 1980s. Each unit will receive new air conditioners, kitchen and bathroom flooring, cabinets, countertops, sinks, and hardware. Contractors aim to complete four units per day, temporarily relocating residents during the eight-hour renovation period. Accessible units will undergo extensive modifications to meet current ADA standards, taking about three weeks each.

Common areas are also slated for transformation. A renovated community room and kitchen will host events, complemented by new additions such as a library, convenience store, craft room, and wellness area equipped with exercise facilities. Externally, upgrades to the parking lot and resident courtyard will enhance the overall environment.

Smith acknowledges that such ambitious improvements would not be feasible without governmental support, given the high costs of construction today. “When you plug all those numbers in ... the rent you would have to charge to be able to pay for it is not an affordable rent,” she explains.

City View in the Square stands as a testament to the importance of preserving affordable housing options, demonstrating how collaborative efforts between nonprofits, residents, and government entities can create sustainable solutions for vulnerable populations.