Exciting Times for Detroit: 3D-Printed Homes Are on the Horizon!
Detroit is buzzing with anticipation as a groundbreaking project is kicking off right in the heart of the city. Citizen Robotics has launched its ambitious plan to create the very first 3D-printed house in Detroit and, believe it or not, it’s set to be the first of its kind in the entire state of Michigan! This innovative move is not just a stroke of genius but a necessity for a city grappling with housing shortages.
What’s Brewing in the Warehouse?
This past Tuesday, a state-of-the-art 3D-printing robot started crafting concrete walls in a warehouse located in southwest Detroit. The upcoming home will feature two cozy bedrooms stretching over 850 square feet and is designed specifically for low-income families, particularly those making around 80% of the median income, which roughly translates to $50,240 for a two-person household.
Tom Woodman Weighs In
During this thrilling development, Tom Woodman, executive director of Citizen Robotics, shared his concerns about the broader housing crisis. “If cities and states don’t invest in technologies like this, our housing stock will continue to decline,” he noted. Woodman fears that without such projects, housing costs will continue to rise, making it difficult for residents to afford living in vibrant neighborhoods.
Why Choose Detroit?
Why is Detroit the chosen city for this incredible project? Woodman explained that Detroit is actively “striving for solutions”, making it the perfect testing ground for innovations in housing. Additionally, the project aims to make a significant impact by transforming Detroit’s many vacant lots—there’s about 19 square miles of them, according to city planners. By building 3D homes, the hope is to create more affordable housing options and rejuvenate the community.
Energy Efficiency and Home Comfort
The benefits of this modern construction method go beyond just affordability. Woodman emphasized that homes made from 3D printing technology are expected to use much less energy for heating and cooling. “This is not just better for homeowners’ wallets; it’s a step forward for our planet too,” he added.
A Glimpse of the Future
The structure of the 3D-printed home is set to be completed by the end of this year, with the entire project slated for full completion by spring 2023. Architectural designer Bryan Cook is thrilled about this pioneering project and expressed excitement as he watched the initial stages unfold. “It feels really good to see something tangible coming to life,” Cook remarked.
A Bold Proposal from City Council
Adding to the positive momentum, Detroit City Councilman Coleman A. Young II has put forth a request to analyze the viability of launching a pilot program focused on building 3D homes in some of the city’s most impoverished neighborhoods. He is seeking insights from various city departments and contemplating the feasibility of the city acquiring its own 3D printer.
Investment and Support for the Project
The projected cost for the Detroit project is about $230,000, with part of the funds coming from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), which is contributing $150,000. MSHDA’s involvement is crucial, as they see this 3D home as a “proof of concept project” to evaluate the sustainability and effectiveness of this new building method.
Community Support is Vital
As the project gains momentum, there’s an underlying message that supporting community journalism is just as important. Local news outlets play a crucial role in keeping residents informed about developments like these. They shed light on issues that matter most to the community, urging residents to contribute if they value local reporting.
Wrapping Up
As Detroit races towards this innovative future, it’s clear that the city is setting a precedent for how housing can evolve. With the combination of cutting-edge technology and a resilient community spirit, the dream of affordable housing can truly become a reality.
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland 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 Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
