News Summary
Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan is building three new homes on Bedford Street in Alpena, scheduled for completion this fall. The homes, designed for local families, will feature modern amenities and a focus on affordable housing. The project follows the demolition of older, unsafe structures and embodies the community’s commitment to revitalization and homeownership. Construction began in April, with local contractors involved, ensuring the homes are ready for families in need by October 2025.
Alpena, Michigan: Habitat for Humanity Constructs New Homes for Local Families
Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan is in the process of constructing three new homes on Bedford Street in Alpena, with plans for completion this fall. The homes, located at 307, 317, and 321 Bedford St., are situated near Ella White Elementary School and are anticipated to be move-in ready by October 2025. Construction commenced on April 18, 2025, starting with foundation work to ensure solid bases for the new residences.
The project follows the demolition of outdated and abandoned houses dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. These previous structures were assessed and found to be beyond repair, prompting their removal after environmental contaminants were detected. To facilitate the acquisition of this property and for necessary environmental studies, the State Land Bank in Lansing allocated $500,000 to the Alpena County Land Bank.
New Homes Designed for Local Families
The new homes each offer unique features suitable for different family needs. The homes at 317 and 321 Bedford will be equipped with three bedrooms, one bathroom, a living room, a kitchen, a one-car garage, and both front and back porches. In contrast, the third home at 307 Bedford, designed for a retired teacher who has never owned a home before, will provide two bedrooms.
In line with Habitat for Humanity’s mission of affordable housing, future residents must complete a stringent qualification process to purchase these homes through an affordable mortgage. A key component of this process is the “sweat equity” requirement, which necessitates families to assist with building during certain phases of construction.
Collaborative Efforts in Construction
The construction project is underway with excavation services provided by Dave Marchlewski, while the oversight is managed by Bryan DeCare Masonry. The modular homes at 317 and 321 Bedford are being supplied by Ritz-Craft Corporation, a company based in Jonesville, and the home at 307 Bedford is being built using stick construction methods. Habitat for Humanity has partnered closely with Montiel Birmingham, Alpena’s Planning, Development, and Zoning Director, and the Alpena County Land Bank to bring this project to fruition.
Importance of Homeownership in the Community
Officials from Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan emphasize the significance of homeownership in transforming lives and fostering stability for families and individuals. They note that owning a home contributes positively to the well-being and security of families in the community.
For those interested in learning more about Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan and their initiatives, they are encouraged to visit the organization’s website or contact their office directly.
The successful development of these homes not only provides valuable housing solutions for families in need but also contributes to the revitalization of the Alpena community, setting a positive precedent for future projects in the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bowers and Kubota Consulting Acquires Honolulu Office Building
Kyrene School District Faces Enrollment Challenges
Utrecht and Eindhoven Transforming into European Tech Hubs
Construction Conference Addresses Key Industry Challenges
Dr. Oz Sparks Food Shaming Debate Over Cake Consumption
Pueblo’s Real Estate Market Shows Decline in Sales and Prices
Landmark CEQA Reforms to Boost Housing Development in California
Milwaukee Tackles Racial Wealth Gap with Financial Literacy Initiatives
Additional Resources
- The Alpena News: Construction Progressing on Three Habitat Homes
- WBKB 11: Habitat for Humanity to Build Fifty Affordable Houses
- The Alpena News: Habitat for Humanity Building Three New Homes
- Wikipedia: Habitat for Humanity
- The Alpena News: Hillman Family Moves into New Habitat Home
- Google Search: Habitat for Humanity construction 2025
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
