DETROIT — The state of Michigan approved plans to construct 500 new apartments in Detroit on Tuesday. 

The three projects that were approved by state development officials include the 23-unit El Moore redevelopment in midtown; The 290 unit Orleans Landing on the near-east riverfront and the 185-unit DuCharme Place in Lafayette Park. 

All three of the projects are expected to be complete by 2016.  Two of the projects could be finished as soon as this year. State officials approved $12 million in redevelopment financing for the projects. 

Developers say additional housing projects are needed because of the high demand for residential property in Detroit.