Alpena, August 18, 2025
News Summary
Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan is initiating a housing project this fall, constructing three new homes on Bedford Street in Alpena. With construction already underway, the project aims to provide affordable housing, with a target completion date of October 2025. Local partnerships and a focus on community involvement through ‘sweat equity’ will ensure that deserving families can move into their new homes, which will be designed with various features including garages and porches.
Alpena is set to welcome three new homes this fall, as Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan embarks on a housing project on Bedford Street. The homes, located at 307, 317, and 321 Bedford St., are strategically positioned near Ella White Elementary School and are expected to be move-in ready by October 2025.
Construction commenced on April 18, 2025, with the initial focus on foundation work. The previous structures on the site, built in the 1920s and 1930s, were abandoned and ultimately deemed beyond repair, prompting their demolition. Supporting this effort, the State Land Bank in Lansing allocated $500,000 to the Alpena County Land Bank, covering property acquisition and necessary environmental studies prior to the demolition.
Environmental assessments revealed contaminants in the original buildings, underlining the importance of their removal. The initiative aligns with Habitat for Humanity’s mission to provide affordable housing and promote homeownership among families in need. Individuals and families interested in acquiring these homes will undergo a comprehensive qualification process that includes the requirement of contributing “sweat equity.” This entails helping during certain phases of construction, allowing future homeowners to play an active role in the building of their new residence.
The homes at 317 and 321 Bedford will each feature three bedrooms, one bathroom, a living room, kitchen, a one-car garage, and front and back porches. In contrast, the home at 307 Bedford will have two bedrooms and is specially designated for a retired teacher who has never owned a home before. This focus on providing housing for deserving individuals highlights Habitat for Humanity’s commitment to building a stronger community.
The construction project is supported by local partners, including Dave Marchlewski for excavating services and Bryan DeCare Masonry as the primary construction overseer. Additionally, modular homes for 317 and 321 Bedford are being supplied by Ritz-Craft Corporation from Jonesville, while the home at 307 Bedford is being built using traditional stick framing.
Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan has collaborated closely with Montiel Birmingham, the Alpena Planning, Development, and Zoning Director, alongside the Alpena County Land Bank throughout the project. This partnership ensures all local guidelines and regulations are adhered to and facilitates a seamless building process.
Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan recognizes the profound and lasting impact that homeownership can have on families and individuals. As new families prepare to step into these homes later this year, the anticipation continues to grow in the community.
For more information about Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan and its ongoing projects, interested parties are invited to visit their official website or get in touch with their office directly.
FAQ Section
What is Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan doing in Alpena?
They are constructing three new homes on Bedford Street, scheduled for completion in October 2025.
When did construction begin?
Construction started on April 18, 2025.
Why were the previous houses demolished?
The previous houses were abandoned and deemed beyond repair due to environmental contaminants.
What is required from families to qualify for the homes?
Families must undergo a qualification process that includes contributing “sweat equity” by helping during some phases of construction.
What features do the new homes have?
The homes at 317 and 321 Bedford will have three bedrooms, while 307 Bedford will have two bedrooms. All will include living spaces, a garage, and porches.
Key Features of the New Homes
| Address | Bedrooms | Bathrooms | Garage | Porches | Special Designation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 317 Bedford | 3 | 1 | Yes | Front and Back | No |
| 321 Bedford | 3 | 1 | Yes | Front and Back | No |
| 307 Bedford | 2 | 1 | No | Front and Back | Designated for a retired teacher |
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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
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