High-Density Development Coming to Ann Arbor as City Council Approves New Zoning Plan

High-Density Development Coming to Ann Arbor as City Council Approves New Zoning Plan

Ann Arbor, MI is buzzing with excitement after the City Council voted unanimously on January 22 to approve a much-anticipated TC1 zoning plan along the bustling Plymouth Road corridor. This decision paves the way for high-density, downtown-style developments in three newly designated areas, aiming to breathe new life into a stretch of the city that has struggled with outdated strip malls and parking lots.

A Vision for the Future

The city is facing a housing shortage, and officials are eyeing this zoning change as a solution. The new plan is about more than just buildings; it’s about creating a community that’s walkable, inviting, and integrated with public transport. Council Member Linh Song said, “We are trying to prevent more mini malls. We are trying to prevent one-use projects. If we can build housing along here where it’s walkable to schools, to transit, to shopping, to businesses, this is a bonus for our community.”

What’s Changing?

Under the TC1 zoning, 45 properties spanning 127 acres in the Plymouth Road area are now set for flexible, high-density development. Originally, there were plans for 53 properties and 197 acres, but some were taken off the table due to insufficient notice for the owners. City officials assure residents that they’re planning future rezoning actions to address this oversight.

Shadows and Concerns

Before the vote, city residents voiced their opinions. Some were thrilled about the potential change, but others raised eyebrows over the possibility of tall buildings overshadowing their homes. Reassuringly, council members explained that there are variable height limits in place: “When people talk about the 300-foot height limit—i.e. the possibility of 30-story buildings—that’s only possible directly next to the U.S. 23 interchange where there’s already like some successful hotels there,” explained Council Member Chris Watson. Height limitations are designed to protect nearby residential areas, making sure new structures will not overly impact the existing landscape.

Why Now?

With the University of Michigan expanding rapidly, putting pressure on housing, city officials are eager to keep pace. Mayor Christopher Taylor mentioned the necessity of adjusting the supply of housing to meet the growing demand. He remarked, “We all know that we have an affordability crisis, a housing crisis, here in Ann Arbor. We’re not making a worse city—we’re working on making a better city.”

A Step Forward for Ann Arbor

The TC1 zoning category was established in mid-2021, and since then, the council has proactively rezoned various areas to facilitate easier development. While the city hasn’t seen a TC1 project break ground yet, there are promising proposals on the horizon, including a mixed-use development on a significant 20-acre site at State Street and Eisenhower Parkway.

Another potential venture is a seven-story redevelopment of the Woodbury Gardens apartment complex off East Stadium Boulevard. However, the high costs associated with construction and land in Ann Arbor have created barriers for some projects. “The numbers just didn’t work,” architect Brad Moore noted, referring to a canceled affordable housing project.

Moving Forward

With a total of over 400 acres now rezoned for TC1 development across different parts of Ann Arbor, including areas near Maple Road and Stadium Boulevard, city officials believe they’re on the right track. The ultimate goal is to create vibrant communities where people can live, work, and play—all without having to rely heavily on cars.

As the dust settles from the recent vote, it’s clear that Ann Arbor is looking to the future. With exciting changes in store, residents can keep an eye out for more walkable neighborhoods and a mix of residential and commercial spaces, making Ann Arbor a more livable city for everyone.