Pontiac witnessed a historic moment as developers Gregory and Ronita Coleman broke ground on the Casa Del Rey Apartments redevelopment project. This $15.5 million initiative will transform a century-old building into 50 affordable homes. Located at 111 Oneida Street in the Seminole Hills district, the project addresses Pontiac’s growing need for accessible housing.
The building, originally designed by Robert O’Derrick and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has long been a symbol of Pontiac’s history. Its redevelopment merges historic preservation with a commitment to creating housing for families. Gregory and Ronita Coleman, both Pontiac natives and General Motors executives, are leading the project through their firm, Coleman Allen LLC. They bring a deep connection to the community and a clear vision for its future.
“This project began over a cup of coffee,” said Ronita Coleman. She credited Jill Robinson of the Oakland County Land Bank Authority for helping her bring the idea to life. “Today, that dream is taking root at 111 Oneida. This is no solo effort—it’s a testament to the power of collaboration.”
The Colemans have emphasized that this redevelopment project extends beyond housing. Gregory Coleman described their mission as a commitment to community growth and empowerment. “This project represents resilience and hope for the City of Pontiac. Our mission goes beyond creating homes—we aim to uplift communities and inspire future generations to carry this work forward.”…