YPSILANTI, MI - A new affordable housing development in Ypsilanti is celebrating its grand opening this week with help from community and business leaders and its new residents.

The nearly $18 million development known as New Parkridge, 831 Hilyard Robinson Way in Ypsilanti, includes 86 two-family and duplex housing units developed by the Ypsilanti Housing Commission and Chesapeake Community Advisors to replace the aging Parkridge Homes previously located on the site.

Parkridge Homes served as segregated housing in the 1940s for African Americans in Ypsilanti who worked at the Willow Run Bomber Plant, contributing to the war effort.

The grand opening of New Parkridge starts with a formal program at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and building dedication followed by an open house.

According to the Ypsilanti Housing Commission, the waiting list is currently closed for New Parkridge. Applications were made available in February 2017.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, and Ypsilanti Mayor Amanda Edmonds are scheduled to attend, along with government officials from Washtenaw County, Ypsilanti and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.

Employees will offer tours of the development based on "New Urbanism" designs with front porches, sidewalks, driveways and yards.

New Parkridge features a community building with a kitchen, computer lab and offices, named for Amos Washington, the first black city councilmember and director of the Ypsilanti Housing Commission.

The development also offers on-site support services for residents provided by Eastern Michigan University and Avalon Housing.

The Ypsilanti Housing Commission website said those services will include individualized case management for health, mental health, dental care, Medicaid and wellness services.

"Other services will include adult literacy and education, job training and placement and leadership training," the website said.