New Housing Mix Arrives at Eastlawn School Site

A New Era for Eastlawn Elementary School Site

The former location of Eastlawn Elementary School is set to transform into a vibrant residential community with the upcoming completion of six three-story buildings dedicated to affordable and workforce housing. These developments are expected to be ready by 2027, marking a significant shift in the area’s landscape.

River Caddis Communities (RCC) and Capital Area Housing Partnership have finalized financing for The Dean – Apartments at Eastlawn, a $59 million project that will provide affordable and middle-income apartments at the corner of Eastlawn and Jefferson. This initiative represents more than just housing; it's an investment in Midland’s future, according to John McGraw, CEO of River Caddis Communities.

“By transforming a vacant school property into a thriving residential community, we’re creating opportunities for families across a broad spectrum of incomes while strengthening the fabric of the neighborhood,” McGraw stated in a press release.

While the exact groundbreaking date has not been finalized, construction is anticipated to start within the next few months, as confirmed by RCC marketing director Emma Selby. The Dean will consist of 102 one-bedroom and 102 two-bedroom apartments, catering to families earning between 40% to 120% of the Area Median Income. Rent will be significantly lower than current market rates, ranging from 11% to 52% below, with all utilities covered by the landlord.

Features and Benefits of The Dean

The complex will include a state-of-the-art clubhouse and a community hub featuring gathering spaces and outdoor common areas. The energy-efficient design aims to promote sustainability and comfort for residents. The 6.4-acre site was previously home to Eastlawn School, which operated from 1947 to 2017. The building was demolished in 2020 by Midland Public Schools, after which the property was sold to River Caddis.

City Manager Brad Kaye highlighted the advantages of this development, noting that the site is located in town and already has available services. “These types of infill developments in intensification of density are good use of existing infrastructure without having to build new pipes or roads,” he said.

Financial Support and Community Collaboration

The development received financial support from various public and private entities, including the City of Midland through the Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) program, approved by the City Council. This program reduces property tax on the development because the city believes the new housing will benefit Midland.

New housing at all income levels is needed in Midland, and the city sees the mix of affordable and middle-income units in the complex as advantageous. “It's much preferred to have housing that has a range of people with different incomes integrated into a community rather than high concentrations of one income level,” Kaye explained.

Beyond the city, other funding partners include Oakwood Construction, Integrated Architecture, PM Environmental, TriTerra, CORE Design and Management, Maner Costerisan, Honigman LLP, Harvest Solar, Source Advisors, Wade Trim, SME, Medallion Management, CBRE Affordable Housing, and Cinnaire Title.

“It’s no exaggeration to say a project of this scale takes a village,” McGraw said. “We couldn’t be more grateful for the partners and supporters who have worked so hard to bring this vision to life.”

Future Prospects

The Dean is the first development for RCC in Midland, according to Suliman. The affordable housing developer was founded in 2024 and has closed financing on 432 new homes in the past year. This project reflects RCC’s commitment to creating communities that will benefit Midland well into the future.