Pontiac’s Bright Future: Groundbreaking for Casa Del Rey Apartments
Pontiac is buzzing with excitement this week as a major redevelopment project is officially underway! Local developers Gregory and Ronita Coleman just broke ground on the Casa Del Rey Apartments project, and it promises to transform a century-old building into 50 affordable homes.
A Leap Forward for Affordable Housing
Located at 111 Oneida Street in the Seminole Hills district, this $15.5 million initiative addresses Pontiac’s increasing need for accessible housing. The building has a rich history; it was originally designed by architect Robert O’Derrick and is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s part of Pontiac’s fabric, and now it’s getting a new lease on life.
Community Visionaries at the Helm
The Colemans, both proud Pontiac natives and executives at General Motors, are putting down roots in their hometown through their company, Coleman Allen LLC. Their connection to the community is evident, and they have a clear vision for Pontiac’s future. “This project began over a cup of coffee,” Ronita Coleman shared, giving a shout-out to Jill Robinson of the Oakland County Land Bank Authority for helping her turn that coffee chat into reality. “Today, that dream is taking root at 111 Oneida. This is no solo effort—it’s a testament to the power of collaboration.”
More Than Just Housing
The Colemans are firm believers that this redevelopment effort is about more than just bricks and mortar. Gregory Coleman emphasized their dedication to community growth and empowerment. “This project represents resilience and hope for the City of Pontiac. Our mission goes beyond creating homes—we aim to uplift communities and inspire future generations to carry this work forward,” he said passionately.
Strong Support from Partners
This endeavor is backed by a slew of partnerships that include the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and others. Their collaboration ensures the project has the resources and expertise needed to flourish. Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel expressed gratitude for the Colemans’ leadership, stating, “We are fortunate to have the Colemans, who have chosen Pontiac to invest in and bring this historic building back to its former glory.”
Empowering Women in Development
Ronita Coleman is also connected to the WE Build program, which supports women-led real estate projects. Sherita Smith, Senior Vice President at Cinnaire, praised Ronita’s leadership, saying, “Ronita’s leadership exemplifies the incredible potential of women in development, and we’re proud to have supported this groundbreaking project.”
Safe and Energy-Efficient Homes
The Casa Del Rey Apartments will create safe, energy-efficient homes, providing crucial affordable housing options in Pontiac. Beverley Loyd, Managing Director of Lending at IFF, stated, “Quality housing is the foundation of strong communities.”
Catalysts for Change
Josh Campbell from MSHDA’s Missing Middle Housing Program echoed the importance of this project’s dual focus on preservation and housing creation. “Each time we support a historic preservation project like this, it feels like we double our impact,” he noted. It’s about enhancing the community and giving a historic building back its former vibrancy.
A Community Celebration
The groundbreaking event reflected a unified vision for revitalizing Pontiac. Community leaders are enthusiastic about what this project means for the city’s future. Jill Robinson described it as a long-awaited solution, stating, “The Oakland County Land Bank Authority is honored to collaborate with Ronita and Gregory Coleman and the many partners to support this incredible community and neighborhood development.”
Looking Ahead
The Casa Del Rey Apartments redevelopment is not merely about putting up walls; it’s about restoring history while creating equitable opportunities for families. The Colemans and their partners illustrate how intentional investment in communities can pave the way for lasting change. This project emphasizes the significance of creating homes for families and building a sense of belonging in Pontiac.
As the ceremony wrapped up, excitement buzzed in the air about the future of this charming neighborhood and what Casa Del Rey Apartments will bring to its residents.
