Farmington Prepares for 53 New Townhouses
In a progressive move aligning with Farmington’s 200th birthday, a previously unused property is set to come alive with a new housing project. The future residential site, previously the locale of the Maxfield Training Center, left dormant for nearly 12 years, is finally stepping into the light once more.
The now-empty property is due to be replaced with the Hillside Townes, a project that involves 53 fresh townhouses. This transformation comes on the eve of the city’s second century.
This pivotal shift is led by the vision of the city’s Mayor, Joe LaRussa. The Maxfield Center, once a high school and junior high structure owned by Farmington Public Schools, has been a topic of multiple discussions, design proposals, and city planning sessions over the last five years.
The next chapter for this location involves the development of an affordable housing project, backed by a $16-million investment. Holding the reins is Robertson Brothers Homes, a local builder known for creating residential spaces.
On a morning update, the Mayor shared some groundbreaking news. Standing amidst the debris and remnants of the half-destroyed Maxfield Center, he announced that a process of renewal was in progress. The sound of crashing glass and falling debris bore witness: a new era had begun for the city.
The change isn’t just limited to the transformation of the old into the new; the project aims to improve access to the city’s downtown. This includes notable changes, such as the linkage to Shiawassee Park and a pedestrian promenade for simpler commuting to Grand River Avenue and Riley Park.
Construction teams can now be seen on the site as they move into their first phase of demolition, followed by the erection of three-story townhouses. The first set of five townhouses is expected to hit the market in late fall, with a completion timeline that predicts new homeowners by late spring 2025.
Future residents have a lot to look forward to, with around 1,300 square feet of living space, filled with two bedrooms, an attached garage, and an additional room for versatile use. In addition, the townhouses boast two-and-a-half bathrooms.
The overall vision behind this development isn’t just limited to a residential real estate venture but presents an opportunity for economic and social growth for the city.
The planned Hillside Townes development signifies the investment and dedication to rehabilitating obsolete sites for the betterment of the community. It’s a fitting sentiment to bear in mind as Farmington celebrates its 200th birthday.