Ann Arbor is set to transform its south side with the announcement of a 20-acre upscale mixed-use development, "Arbor South," set to feature 1,000 residential units and a variety of commercial spaces. This ambitious project, led by Oxford Cos. and their Ohio-based partner Crawford Hoying, aims to convert parking lots into a pedestrian-friendly environment, promoting a lively community where people can "live, work, and relax," as reported by dBusiness.
The sizable development, located at the junction of Eisenhower Parkway and South State Street and alongside I-94, promises to include 76,000 square feet of commercial space, three parking garages, alongside an upscale hotel and green spaces, while also incorporating approximately 10 to 15 percent of its residential units under Ann Arbor's affordable housing threshold, Oxford Cos. CEO Jeff Hauptman declared in a statement obtained by ClickOnDetroit.
The venture targets fall 2024 for site plan approval and hopes to unveil its first residential building by summer 2026, moreover, the project stands out as the first in this area to potentially receive approval under Ann Arbor’s new TC1 zoning ordinance which aims to beef up density in neighborhoods beyond downtown with an emphasis on accessible housing. The development's high-density buildings, some reaching at least six stories, will accommodate a diverse array of housing options, from studio apartments to spacious three-bedroom units.
Complementing the development's physical presence, Arbor South envisions crafting a neighborhood identity that reflects the cultural and operational fabric of Ann Arbor, "We're thrilled to partner with Oxford Companies — an organization deeply rooted in the Ann Arbor community with core values that reflect our own," said Brent Crawford, founder and principal of Crawford Hoying, who professed his optimism for the project in a quote from Oxford Cos. blog. Design and architectural expertise to further this vision will be provided by Detroit-based Lord Aeck Sargent and Midwestern Consulting from Ann Arbor.
