Wallick Celebrates the Groundbreaking of Dr. Violet T. Lewis Village

On Wednesday, June 19, Wallick joined in celebrating Juneteenth through the groundbreaking of Dr. Violet T. Lewis Village, a new affordable senior apartment community in Detroit, Michigan.

Wallick is the co-developer and co-owner of the community in partnership with Presbyterian Villages of Michigan (PVM).

Wallick’s CEO, Amy Albery, shared remarks alongside community partners, project advocates, and notable guests, including:

• Reverend Christian Adams
• Roger Myers, CEO, Presbyterian Villages of Michigan
• Regina Weiss, Michigan State Representative (District-6)
• Mallory McMorrow, Michigan State Senator (District-8)
• Joe Tate, Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives
• Rashida Tlaib, U.S. Congresswoman (MI-12)
• Julie Schneider, Housing Director, City of Detroit
• Mike Duggan, Mayor City of Detroit
• Amy Hovey, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, MSHDA
• Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan
• Violet Ponders, Granddaughter of Dr. Violet T. Lewis, speaking on
• behalf of the family
• Dell Edwards, brand unveiling for the Dr. Violet T. Lewis Village
• Ken Hollowell, Vice Chair, PVM Board of Directors
• Julie Sharp, Executive Vice President, Merchants Capital
• Angela Kemp, Principal, Schulze Academy
• Michael Wallace, 8th Grade Student, Schulze Academy
• Reverend Sandra Rose, President, WVTC Detroit, Lewis College of Business alum

Over 150 people attended the groundbreaking event. Guests included family of Dr. Violet T. Lewis and her sorority, Gamma Phi Delta. Dr. Lewis’ granddaughter, Dr. Violet Ponders, Mrs. Dell Edwards, and Michael Wallace, 8th grade student at the adjacent Schulze Academy, unveiled the new branded logo for the community.

 

Dr. Violet T. Lewis Village will be located on the site of the former Lewis College of Business, Michigan’s only Historically Black College and University (HBCU), preserving the legacy of Dr. Lewis in a community strengthened by her commitment to empowerment through education. The community will feature 105 units, with a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. There will be two rehabilitated buildings (including the former college itself) with 32 units and a new, four-story building with 73 units.

This $29.3 million development was made possible through the vital partnership of Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), the City of Detroit, The Kresge Foundation, Merchants Capital Security Bank, First Merchants Bank, Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, RDL Architects and Giffels Webster.

Dr. Violet T. Lewis Village features a range of amenities, including a fitness area, community space, on-site property management and computer space.

Apartment homes will include:

• Energy Star-rated appliances and ceiling fans
• Window treatments
• A patio or balcony

A resounding theme throughout the development process echoed during yesterday’s event was the power of creating community change together. Wallick looks forward to Opening Doors to Homes, Opportunities and Hope for incoming residents while honoring the incredible history of Dr. Lewis and the Lewis College of Business.

For more details about the event, visit the City of Detroit’s website.