News Article

header image
Skip Navigation LinksHome » News » News Article

Housing + Affordability in Ann Arbor

Community discussions planned to discuss redevelopment of two vacant city lots

Archived News Release: November 12, 2019 - ​What is affordable housing? Where should it be located? Why is it needed? How should it be developed? Because affordable housing is a complex topic, answers to these questions can vary depending on who is asked.

The city is beginning a public engagement process to assist in developing a shared understanding and language about affordable housing, and its relationship to jobs, development, growth and planning, by creating a framework for discussing or evaluating these issues. Specifically, issues will be discussed in the context of redevelopment of two key publicly owned sites in downtown Ann Arbor, as part of a larger context of housing and affordability in our city: vacant city-owned lots at 350 S. Fifth Ave. and 415 W. Washington St.

From Thursday, Dec. 5-Monday, Dec. 9, the city will host five, four-hour community discussions regarding the redevelopment of vacant lots at 350 S. Fifth Ave. and 415 W. Washington St. These honest and interactive conversations will be part of a larger context of housing and affordability discussions in Ann Arbor.

All people who live, work and/or spend significant time in Ann Arbor are invited to attend one of the below open-house style sessions. Weekend, day and evening options have been included to expand feedback opportunities from all.   

Housing + Affordability: Community Discussion Dates

  • Thursday, Dec. 5 at the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority, 150 S. 5th Ave., Suite 301, 5-9 p.m.

  • Friday, Dec. 6 at the Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch, third floor freespace, noon-4 p.m.

  • Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Ann Arbor YMCA, Michigan Room, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

  • Sunday, Dec. 8 at Cirq, 210 S. 1st St., noon-4 p.m.

  • Monday, Dec. 9 at the Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch, third floor freespace, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

“These community discussions are intended to encourage candid and open conversations," said Derek Delacourt, City of Ann Arbor community services administrator. “Our goal is the co-creation of solutions and development concepts for these two properties in order to assist City Council in understanding community sentiment regarding reuse of these sites."

Those unable to attend a discussion can share feedback via the project webpage or email questions to Delacourt at [email protected]. Staff will be working to provide more feedback opportunities, including an online survey, in the near future.

# # # # #​

Media Contact Information

Lisa Wondrash
Communications Director
734.794.6152
[email protected]


Ann Arbor has 123,851 residents, spans 28.97 square miles and is frequently recognized as a foremost place to live, learn, work, thrive and visit. To keep up with City of Ann Arbor information, subscribe for email updates, and follow the city on Twitter and Facebook. The city's mission is to deliver exceptional services that sustain and enhance a vibrant, safe and diverse community.