There is a mixed-use-high-rise proposal on the block where Village Corner sits. Link here

Two towers, 21 floors, and 26 Floors, that's almost twice the height of U Towers. Hmmm, we'll see how this one goes. I agree that this will change the face of South U. I'll be honest to say I prefer several 8-12 story towers over two very tall ones. This is a residential and commercial district with buildings rising at about 2 floors... the only exception is U-Towers which is 17. It's exciting to get a highrise, but sometimes you wish they would be located in areas where the form was appropriate (such as over by 27 story plaza tower).

Interesting quote

I really hope they are careful. I'd give Amsterdammer and Pizza House props for high quality new construction and renovations that blend well with the neighborhood, despite the fact that it meant much larger buildings. The new U/C 10 story Zaragon place is really going to mess up the scale and historical fabric on East U though. I'm still bitter over the loss of Ambrose Place.

The South U district is looking a lot like parts of Chicago with its character, mix of restaurants and stores, busy atmosphere, and young population, and organic built environment. At the same time, it has become an even more desirable area with rents skyrocketing, and new towers replacing some of the features that defined the neighborhood. I really hope the SUA starts looking at preservation too.

The link doesn't work for me. Would the 26 story tower be the city's new tallest?

Also you say that most of the buildings in this area are two stories. I'm guessing that means these two towers are outside of downtown?

That is correct, although some consider that area part of downtown. Psychologically and physically, it's an entirely separate area.

http://blog.mlive.com/ann_arbor_business_r...sed_for_tr.html

Thanks for the article. I like how they included the number of bike parking spaces in the plan, although it seems like there would be need for more if this is to be aimed at students.

Yeah, I was looking at that. Perhaps the Forest Street ramp will carry the rest of the demands?

You would know better then me, but the number of spaces are only about one-sixth the number of beds the development will have. If UofM is anything like MSU at least half the students bring bikes, although probably only one-third of them use them regularly. I suppose that students could keep them in their apartments, or maybe the article meant those bike spaces are only for the first tower to be built. I guess I'll have to wait for more news and see. Hopefully a rendering will come out soon as well.

An interesting take on the project

http://blog.commonmonkeyflower.net/node/270

So the person's objections about this project has to do with the large number of housing units it will provide in a soft housing market? From what I know even in a housing market like this there is still high demand for units near college campuses. If the developers didn't believe they could fill these buildings they wouldn't propose something at such a scale.

Also, as I mentioned I know little about Ann Arbor, but I didn't realize the 26 story tower would be the tallest in the city. I'm surprised it wasn't mentioned in the original article.

Yeah, I'm not worried about a glut in the student housing market. As long as U of M continues to admit more students, there will always be an increasing demand. This should also help relieve demands for housing the university provides. These are dormitory-like units, a type of housing the private sector has failed to provide until now.

Here is Tuesday's Daily Article about this development.

VC plans to continue business, but isn't sure if they will move back into this location. A neighboring liquor store and laundromat will return to the same location on the ground floor and expand their business.

The attitude here is these businesses are willing to move, clearing the way for this project.

All I can say is VC MUST return. They are a necessity to this area. Hopefully they can work something out with the developers

http://media.www.michigandaily.com/media/s...n-3147319.shtml

Looks as if the plans have been downsized. It will now call for a 22 and 18 story tower.
http://blog.mlive.com/annarbornews/2008/01...s_downsize.html

Wow. Again shocked Ann Arbor doesn't have a ToD policy. I thought AA was on the leading edge in urban development. Regardless, it's for the better. 15 and 20 stories sounds way more appropriate actually. The last proposal was just a bit too tall for that area.

But they have a green belt!! (IMG:http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif) (IMG:http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)