Higginbotham School Art Residences

JIMA Studio served as the lead landscape architect for a new affordable housing complex in the Northwest Detroit. The complex consists of the adaptive reuse of the vacant Higginbotham School, paired with new construction low-rise apartment buildings. The site plan responds to the client’s desire to provide both private amenities for residents and public space for surrounding neighbors. Residents and visitors may both enjoy a welcoming entry plaza, a public sculpture walk and playscape. Other private programs include interior courtyards, BBQ areas and a secondary playscape just for residents. The site plan also accounts for the client’s intention to seek MSHDA funding by ensuring compliance with both local city and state requirements. Construction is expected to be complete May 2026.