Two new projects have been proposed in Sterling Heights to redevelop to significant vacant lots into single family homes.
These two lots were formerly schools that closed their doors in 2003, due to enrollment decline. Since their closure in 2003, these two lots have essentially sat vacant. Within the last two years, new development has been proposed for both these lots for new single family units to provide additional options for those families looking to locate to the City. The City has been working with the developers to enhance these vacant sites to provide housing for new families that want to experience all that Sterling Heights has to offer. .
The first development, English Estates, is currently underway at the previous site of Jim Thorpe Elementary School, which closed its doors in 2003, and was demolished in 2006. The developer, Tony Gallo, has plans to construct 44 detached single family homes on the approximate ten acre site, located off of English Drive. The site received final site plan approval from the City in March 2018, and is currently under construction. The proposed homes range in size and type from 1,450 square feet to 2,100 square feet and include a variety of home types from one story ranches to two story colonials. 
The second development, Fuhrmann Woods, is currently under review by the Office of Planning. This site seeks to construct 87 detached units while still preserving the natural wooded area at the northwest corner of the site, at the former John C. Fuhrmann Junior High School, which was officially closed in 2003 and the structure subsequently demolished in 2012. The site, which is slightly over 24 acres, will be developed by Clearview Homes. The site will hopefully begin construction over the course of the winter, sometime in early 2019. The proposed homes are approximately 2,000 square feet in size, varying slightly based on the proposed model. The homes will be three to four bedroom units and will have a price point beginning in the low $300,000 range.
“Sterling Heights continues to be a destination for new families as evident through our growing population", stated Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor. "Outstanding schools, great City services including an ongoing $50 million investment in City parks, low taxes and our safe city distinction continue to create demand for new housing.”
These two developments when fully constructed will bring over 120 new single family homes to the Sterling Heights community. The proposed developments look to transform vacant parcels into attractive new housing bringing new families to the City.
Media with questions can call Community Relations at (586) 446-2470.