Early in his career, former Detroit Mayor and U.S. Senator James Couzens was a partner to automaker Henry Ford. He saw the impact of seasonal layoffs on autoworkers and their families and wanted to improve their lives.
He launched Oakland Housing with an endowment, forming a nonprofit organization focused on providing affordable homeownership for families who did not have the means for such housing.
Oakland Housing began in 1935 with Westacres, a 150-home development with a clubhouse, library, beach, and transportation service to help autoworkers get to and from their jobs. The community is still strong today.
OH has completed developments around metro Detroit since Westacres, for a total of over 250 homes built and sold. Now, OH is launching North Pine Street Townhomes, a 14-unit development in Detroit’s North Corktown community.
Image: Westacres, West Bloomfield Twp, circa 1936