We Foster resilient Neighborhoods
JEI works drive development projects in the neighborhood that benefit the residents and business owners. Guiding our work--and what makes us different--are our Inclusive Neighborhood Development Standards that we require with our retail tenants and for-profit development partners to embrace and implement.
Norma G's Caribbean Cuisine
Kresge Building
JEI's former headquarters, an old 1960's bank building, now renovated into a Caribbean-themed, fine dining restaurant, and the first full-service, sit-down restaurant in Jefferson-Chalmers in 30 years. From food truck to brick-and-mortar restaurant, Lester Gouvia honors his Trinidadian mother through his cooking; she also inspires the home cooked recipes served fresh to residents. Norma G’s also includes patio seating and provides 15 jobs to the community at higher wages than typical for a local restaurant. It also hosts a GSI parking lot.
Construction Completion: August 2018.
Total Investment: $948,000
Size: 2,700 square feet of retail space and capacity. Seating for 80 patrons indoors.
Website: NormaGsCuisine.com
Vacant for over twenty years, JEI has reactivated this corner storefront for a new restaurant and the
home of JEI’s Neighborhood Resource Hub. JEI has secured more than $1 million in funding to transform the long vacant building, located at 14300 E. Jefferson Avenue, back into a vibrant neighborhood hub with environmental friendly infrastructure such as a GSI (green stormwater infrastructure) parking lot.
Construction Completion: November 2021
Total Investment: $1,088,000
Size: 6,000 square feet retail, restaurant and office space
Marlborough Apartments - South
Marlborough Apartments - North
Opened: Summer 2022
Total Investment (Both Buildings): $4,704,200
Units: Total twelve mixed-income units: three 1-bedroom units and nine 2-bedroom units
Combined, both apartment buildings will offer 60% affordable units and 40% market rate. As a neighborhood development partner and nonprofit, JEI can offer private developments housing incentives through our partnership with the city, philanthropic partners and state agencies.
Opened: Spring 2023
Units: Total eight mixed-income units: five 2-bedroom units and three 3-bedroom units