Near North plans move forward in Ann Arbor

The Near North development continues its climb up the Ann Arbor development food chain as it makes it way through the city’s Planning Commission.Avalon Housing and the Three Oaks Group want to build a 38-unit apartment building on Main Street, just south of Summit Street. The 4-story mixed-use structure would also include space for ground floor retail. A small park would go at the southeast corner of Main and Summit where the Summit Party Store currently stands, however, the city hasn’t agreed to maintain a park there, yet.Twenty four of these apartments would be set aside for entry level workforce for households that make less than $33,000. Think of the restaurant workers and recent college grads who work or want to live near downtown but are often forced to find housing outside the city or in student rentals because of cost and availability. Another 14 apartments will be set aside for permanent supportive housing for people who are homeless or have disabilities.The building would replace five single-family houses lining Main Street and the Summit Party Story. However, it will go for gold level LEED certification with such big-ticket items like geothermal heating and cooling systems and green roofs. It would also incorporate a modern design.The project must be approved by the City Council before construction can begin.Source: City of Ann ArborWriter: Jon Zemke