The future is looking bright for a renovation project intended to light a fire under the development of S. Fourth Ave. in downtown Ann Arbor. The plan to transform the four-storefront building formerly known as Town Center Plaza into a five-and-half story residential and commercial property has gained approval from Ann Arbor's Historic District Commission.
"I believe this project is going to ignite many other opportunities on the Fourth Ave. block," says developer Joe Barbat of
Barbat Holdings. "A development of this magnitude will propel many others. However, most importantly, the idea of having residents live in the area offers many extraordinary opportunities."
The redevelopment plan will add three-and-a-half stories, including 32 one- and two-bedrrom residential units to the building. Barbat calls the units "beautifully designed," and each will include a balcony.
The building, now referred to as the Montgomery Building, has been known as the home of Bandito's and the now-closed Eastern Accents. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase has already signed on to relocate in the building's basement. As for the remaining commercial spaces, Barbat says he's received interest in the spaces but has not signed any leases.
"We are hoping to attract casual food users or even a specialty market," he says. "The units are planned for a complete makeover."
A timeline for the project is undetermined, though Barbat hopes to have the project completed by the end of 2014.
Source: Joe Barbat, Barbat Holdings
Writer: Natalie Burg
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