Developers push for demo with downtown Ann Arbor projects

Wednesday, February 25, 2009 | Source: Concentrate

Decades old downtown building stock could soon be coming down in Ann Arbor.

Two developers are advocating for the demolition of a handful of historic homes and old buildings. Razing them will make room for more dense housing in one project while the other will expand a surface parking lot.

Morningside, the company behind Liberty Lofts, wants to level the old gas station at the corner of Liberty and Second streets. Two other single-family homes next to the old gas station would also come down. The demolitions would allow the developer to expand the adjacent surface parking lot for Liberty Lofts' retail space.

The other project is the Madison, which is proposed to replace seven century-old homes on Madison across the street from Fingerle Lumber. These homes now serve as student rentals and are in poor condition.

The developer, Jeff Helminski (Concentrate's publisher Newcombe Clark is also a partner in the project), originally wanted to build a 14-story high-rise with 161 rental units. Those plans have now been downsized to four stories and about 60 units. A public meeting on the project will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Ann Arbor District Library's downtown branch, 343 S. Fifth Ave.

Helminski is trying to reach out to local residents and stakeholders to get input on the project. This meeting isn't required by the city but is an attempt by Helminski to earn grass roots support.

Anyone who wants more information on the project or who wants to voice support for it can contact Helminski at jhelminski@moraviancompanies.com.

Source: Jeff Helminski, developer of the Madison and City of Ann Arbor
Writer: Jon Zemke