Great Lakes Wire

Roughly $1.4 million will be given to seven municipalities and nonprofit organizations throughout Michigan to develop seven modular build/modified technology homes.

According to a news release from the governor’s office, the funds will allow for the homes to be ready to move in immediately due to reducing the usual construction timeline associated with single-family construction.

“We need to work together to build more attainable, affordable housing so Michiganders have a place to call home,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) in the release. “These grants will incentivize the construction of affordable housing, reduce the build timeline, and ensure families can move in immediately. Getting this done will empower workers and have a positive effect on local economies. Let’s continue working together to increase the supply of affordable housing and build on the bipartisan investments we have made in the Building Michigan Together Plan.”

The release states that modular homes are constructed in portions at a climate-controlled facility before being taken to the property where they are then assembled for occupation. These homes save time and are efficient for developing affordable housing for workers in need.   

“The roadblocks impacting the creation of equitable pathways to quality, attainable housing requires creative solutions, which is exactly what the MSHDA MOD program delivers,” said Tonya Joy, MSHDA Neighborhood Housing Initiatives Division director. “By leveraging modular builds and modified technology homes, communities across Michigan can quickly scale their workforce housing to support local economic growth and development.”

The governor’s office reports that these homes are developed 30% to 50% faster than the typical home, and employing the same design process for multiple homes also saves on cost. The homes are not affected by weather delays and skilled labor due to this process.

“Modified technology housing is an alternative method of construction that is neither solely stick-built nor 100% modular construction,” the release states. “It often uses modified technology with unconventional, cutting-edge methods to create economical, energy efficient design that can speed up construction time for affordable housing units.”