Dunbar Tower Project Development

Groundbreaking Ceremony

The project broke ground in April 2024, where community members gathered to celebrate the collaboration and efforts that went into bringing this project together.

^{Video by Breyko}

Project History

November 18, 2019: R-19-514 City Council directed the AAHC to develop as 60-85 units of affordable housing for households up to 60% AMI, including due diligence, hiring of development team, securing site plan approval and applying for financing
April 19, 2021: AAHC added site to the Community Engagement process being reported, shares results of community engagement process with City Council
October 2022: A request for proposal for a co-developer was issued and Avalon Housing was selected
December 2023: The City Planning Commission gives site plan approval.
April 2024: Groundbreaking and start of geothermal installation.

Next Steps: AAHC finishes construction by 2026.

Topping Out Ceremony

View the project's topping out ceremony, where the hoisting of the last steel beam in the structure was celebrated by the project team and Community Leadership Council (CLC).

^{Video by Breyko}

Design Proposal and Concepts

Co-Developer: Avalon Housing

Architect: Landon Bone Baker Architects (LBBA)

Green Consultant: Elevate

Civil Engineer: Macon Engineering

Art Consultant: ArtSpace

Development Consultant: DMC Real Estate Services

General Contractor: O'Neal Construction

121 Catherine Street Floor Plans

The development proposal is designed to be a harmonious and beautiful addition to the existing Ann Arbor community, while also being a forward-thinking model for design, community engagement, affordability, the arts, and sustainability. The proposal includes an approximately 64,000 square foot L-shaped building that is designed to maintain the urban fabric along the sidewalks. The building steps back at the upper residential floors, breaking up the overall mass of the building. At this level the material changes as well - the lower floors are clad in red brick to engage with the surrounding architecture, while the upper floors are a more modern, but no less durable rainscreen system. The building's 63 residential units include 62 one-bedroom and 1 two-bedroom apartments. This development includes significant green infrastructure. Public parking will be provided in addition to electric vehicle charging stations, a pedestrian pathway through our site to the Farmers Market and local businesses, and EV car share for residents.

^{Image courtesy of Landon Bone Baker Architects (LBBA)}

The ground floor is divided into two (2) separate spaces. The first space directly supports the 5 residential floors and includes on-site property management and resident services as well as a flexible community space, including a kitchenette for residents. Tenants will be able to access computers, internet, phones and faxing services in the community center as well as create and participate in community events and activities.

The second ground-floor space has a separate entrance and will be a community and cultural space. It is anticipated that a non-profit will be created to activate and manage the space. InToto Studio, led by local Black architect James Singleton, is working with the CLC, AAHC, and Avalon on the design and programming of this community space. Below is a glimpse at the work in progress to bring the CLC's vision to life.