Ann Arbor approves suburban-style student housing project

Wednesday, September 17, 2008 | Source: Concentrate

The shovels have been given the green light but haven't broken ground just yet. The developers of the 42 North project on Ann Arbor's west side are planning to begin construction either late this year or early next now that they have approval from the Ann Arbor City Council.

The plans are set for a suburban-style student housing development, but the developer, Wood Partners, is still working out a construction timetable.

While most of the new student housing in Ann Arbor is vertical in design, 42 North is oriented toward a more car-centric culture. The 15-acre parcel is located about three miles from the University of Michigan's campus next to the Grace Bible Church between Maple Road and I-94.

The project consists of five 3-story apartment buildings and a recreation center surrounded by 494 surface parking spaces. That will make up about 120 4-bed, 4-bath furnished units. Rents are expected to be about $600-$650 a month per bed including utilities. The 10,000-square-foot recreation center will feature a fitness center, basketball courts, tanning beds and business center.

The development will also have a few token green features, such as 240 bicycle spaces, a AATA bus stop at the recreation center and a possible Zipcar.

Source: Matthew Marshall, a developer with Wood Partners
Writer: Jon Zemke