Detroit’s housing market has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with revitalization efforts transforming many neighborhoods. However, vacant property remains a significant challenge. Despite progress in reducing the city’s overall vacancy rate, nearly one in five houses in Detroit remains unoccupied, leaving public housing particularly vulnerable to crime and deterioration. Addressing this issue requires targeted strategies to secure these properties and protect their surrounding communities.
The Scale of Vacant Public Housing in Detroit
Detroit’s housing stock includes approximately 81,000 off-market vacant units as of 2025, many of which are in need of significant rehabilitation. Public housing developments have not been immune to this challenge. The Villages at Parkside, a historic 52-acre public housing community on Detroit’s east side, is undergoing a major transformation. The Detroit Housing Commission (DHC) has announced plans to rebuild Parkside, quadrupling the available units from 125 to 480 through a six-phase redevelopment project. This ambitious effort aims to modernize public housing while keeping long-time residents in place and creating new opportunities for families across various income levels.
The first two phases of the redevelopment will break ground this fall, with an initial investment of $73 million to create over 200 new units. Existing residents will move into these new buildings once completed, allowing for the demolition of outdated structures and the construction of additional modern housing in subsequent phases. This project aligns with Detroit’s broader strategy to improve affordable housing access and enhance residential infrastructure. Read more about it here.
Vacant properties pose risks not only to the properties themselves but also to the broader community. These properties often attract criminal activity such as squatting, vandalism, theft, and arson. According to the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, vacant buildings contribute to neighborhood blight, reduce property values, and increase municipal costs for policing and demolition. The longer a property sits vacant, the greater its risk of deterioration and its negative impact on nearby homes.
Security Challenges Facing Vacant Public Housing
Several factors make Detroit’s vacant public housing particularly susceptible to security threats:
- High-Crime Areas: Many public housing developments are located in neighborhoods with elevated crime rates.
- Perception of Abandonment: Boarded-up windows and doors signal neglect, attracting unauthorized entry.
- Aging Infrastructure: Decades-old buildings with deferred maintenance are easier to breach.
These vulnerabilities exacerbate existing challenges for Detroit’s housing market. For example, theft of materials like copper wiring and appliances is common in vacant properties, leading to costly repairs and delaying redevelopment efforts. Fires—often caused by arson—pose an even greater risk.
Visit our archives to learn more about board-up.
The Financial Impact of Vacant Properties
The financial implications of unsecured vacant public housing are significant. Vacant properties depress surrounding property values by as much as 20%, reducing tax revenue for the city. Additionally, Detroit spends millions annually on cleaning vacant lots, demolishing unsafe structures, and responding to emergencies at unsecured properties. For example, according to the HUD, the city allocates $800,000 each year solely for cleaning vacant lots.
Legal liabilities also arise when vacant properties are left unsecured. Injuries sustained on neglected properties can result in lawsuits against property owners or municipalities. Furthermore, removing squatters often requires costly legal proceedings. These financial burdens underscore the urgent need for proactive security measures.
DAWGS’ Steel Security Solutions: A Proven Approach
Securing vacant public housing is essential for protecting these assets and ensuring community safety. DAWGS’ steel door and window guards offer an effective solution for addressing the challenges posed by unsecured properties:
- Enhanced Protection: Steel guards provide a robust barrier against unauthorized entry.
- Durability: Resistant to weather and damage, steel guards help preserve property integrity during vacancy periods.
- Compliance: DAWGS’ solutions meet Detroit’s city code requirements for securing vacant buildings while reducing liability risks.
Unlike traditional plywood board-ups—which are easily breached—steel security systems deter criminal activity more effectively. By investing in these durable solutions, property owners can prevent vandalism, theft, and squatting while maintaining the structural integrity of their buildings.
Supporting Revitalization Through Security
Securing vacant public housing is critical for supporting Detroit’s broader revitalization efforts. The city has made significant progress through initiatives like the Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA), which has returned thousands of blighted properties to productive use. However, safeguarding these properties during redevelopment is essential to prevent further decline.
Blight remediation programs have played a key role in reducing Detroit’s overall vacancy rate. Since 2010, the city’s residential vacancy rate has dropped by 11 percentage points—from 105,317 vacant units to 55,638 as of 2020 (read more about it here). This decline has coincided with a 3.7% increase in property tax revenues between 2019 and 2020. While these trends are promising, maintaining momentum requires continued investment in securing vacant properties.
The Broader Benefits of Proactive Security Measures
Investing in robust security solutions like DAWGS’ steel guards provides numerous benefits:
- Reduced Emergency Responses: Secured properties minimize incidents requiring law enforcement or fire department intervention.
- Lower Rehabilitation Costs: Preventing vandalism and theft reduces repair expenses.
- Improved Property Values: Maintaining secure appearances helps stabilize or even improve neighborhood property values.
For example, in a 2015 report by Immergluck, Atlanta reported annual direct service costs related to vacant properties between $1.67 million and $2.96 million across code enforcement, fire departments, and police services—a burden similar to what Detroit faces. By proactively securing vacant homes with durable solutions like steel guards, cities can mitigate these expenses while promoting community stability.
Securing Detroit’s Future With DAWGS
Detroit’s vacant public housing represents both a challenge and an opportunity. By implementing effective security measures like DAWGS’ steel door and window guards, the city can protect its assets while fostering safer neighborhoods. These proactive steps will not only mitigate financial strain but also support Detroit’s ongoing transformation into a thriving urban center. Addressing this issue now ensures that public housing remains a vital resource for residents while contributing positively to Detroit’s revitalization journey.
With nearly one in five homes still sitting empty across Detroit, securing these properties must be a top priority—not just for their preservation but also for the safety and prosperity of the communities they affect. By taking action today with proven solutions like DAWGS’ steel security systems, Detroit can solidify its progress toward becoming a model for urban renewal nationwide.
Take action now! Contact DAWGS today to secure public housing units and promote social equity and economic resilience in Detroit.
