ANN ARBOR, MI - A proposed 156-unit apartment building planned for downtown Ann Arbor not only sailed through the approval process but won the endorsement of a nearby neighborhood association, a rarity in a town where new developments and neighbors often clash. The site plan and development agreement for Ann Arbor City Apartments was unanimously approved by the City Council on Monday night
The 11-story building at the southeast corner of First and Washington streets, is a joint public-private venture that will include seven floors of apartments on top of a four-level, city-owned parking garage. Only about eight stories will be above ground. Members of the Old Westside Association, a homeowners group, also gave their stamp of approval.
"It was a breath of fresh air," said City Council Member Margie Teall, D-4th Ward, who lauded the developer Village Green Companies for how it worked with neighbors to get the project accepted. Teall said the company could serve as a "role model" for other developers on how to pitch their project. Teall said representatives of the developer didn't just go through the motions with its meetings with concerned residents, they listened.
The 244-space parking garage will be owned and operated by the city of Ann Arbor and the Downtown Development Authority. Three levels will be underground. The upper seven levels will be private apartments owned and operated by Village Green Residential Properties.
Tom Crawford, the city's chief financial officer, said the project is expected to begin construction next summer. He said he doesn't think the project will have a problem getting financing despite the current economic climate. Crawford said the parking structure portion of the project will cost an estimated $9 million and will be paid for by the DDA. He did not have a cost estimate for the private portion of the project.
The project had just a handful of people speak during the public hearing Monday night. And the council passed it by a 10-0 vote with minimal conversation. "This was the best of both worlds," said Council Member Leigh Greden, D-3rd Ward. "It incorporates public parking, affordable housing, innovative architecture and strong neighborhood support." The project will also have 16 affordable housing units in the project.
Source: Mlive.com