How Modular Housing in Detroit Could Revive Neighbourhoods at Scale

Detroit has over 63,000 vacant lots. To John Boros, founder of Keylight Development, that’s not a challenge, it’s an opportunity to reimagine what housing could look like in a modern American city.

That mission? Deliver beautiful, affordable, and customizable modular housing Detroit homes that breathe new life into forgotten neighbourhoods.

It’s the kind of vision SCELTA exists to support. With our roots in streamlining development processes and visual storytelling, we’ve partnered with John to explore what modular infill housing could look like through SCELTA 360—a suite of tools that helps developers transform raw site plans into immersive, buyer-ready visuals.

A subdivision in Amherstburg Ontario brought to life during pre-construction with SCELTA 360.

Modular Housing Detroit

“We want configuring a home to feel just like buying a truck on GM’s website. Pick your trim, your layout, your colours, and trust it’ll show up exactly how you imagined.”

The key is speed and scale. Unlike traditional custom builds, modular homes can be assembled off-site and delivered faster, with consistent quality.

But what truly makes it compelling is the ability to personalize—allowing homebuyers to feel ownership even before the home is built.

John and David stand on the first empty lot which will host Keylight Development's modular homes.

That vision came to life on SCELTA’s Boots on the Ground visit to Detroit’s Islandview neighbourhood.

Through site walks, visualizations, and story-driven development packages, the team will help community members to reimagine what the neighbourhood could look like, bringing John’s mission to life for investors, buyers, and city staff alike.

To help developers bring ideas to life and reduce buyer hesitation, SCELTA 360 is the ideal platform.