Ann Arbor, Michigan, January 12, 2026
Ann Arbor, Michigan is experiencing a significant housing boom with over 50 developments planned for completion by 2026. Aiming to meet increasing housing demands and support sustainability goals, major projects include residential high-rises, mixed-use neighborhoods, and affordable housing expansions. Key initiatives include a new Green Rental Housing Ordinance aimed at enhancing energy efficiency across rental properties. This surge in construction highlights Ann Arbor’s commitment to addressing housing affordability and fostering community growth.
Ann Arbor’s Housing Boom: Over 50 Developments Set to Transform the City by 2026
Ann Arbor, Michigan – The city is experiencing a significant surge in housing developments, with more than 50 projects underway or proposed to be completed by 2026. These initiatives aim to address the growing demand for housing and support the city’s sustainability goals.
Major Housing Projects Underway
Several large-scale developments are set to reshape Ann Arbor’s housing landscape:
- The Legacy at Ann Arbor: A 19-story high-rise student housing community at 616 E. Washington Street, offering 521 beds across 253 units. The project includes amenities like a rooftop pool, fitness center, and ground-floor retail space. It is 100% leased ahead of the 2025-2026 school year.
- Arbor South Development: A proposed mixed-use neighborhood at the northeast corner of State Street and Eisenhower Parkway, featuring approximately 1,039 residential units, including 209 affordable housing units. The plan also includes office spaces, public plazas, and retail areas.
- Veridian at County Farm: A sustainable, mixed-income community on a 13.5-acre site near downtown, comprising 171 housing units, a 6,000-square-foot grocery store, and community event spaces. The development emphasizes connectivity to local agriculture and green spaces.
- Dunbar Tower: A six-story, 63-unit affordable housing project at 121 E. Catherine Street, co-developed by the Ann Arbor Housing Commission and Avalon Housing. The building will provide supportive housing for low-income residents and income-qualified artists.
- Hickory Way Apartments Expansion: Phase 3 of this project will add 39 new one-bedroom units in a four-story building, designated for households at or below 60% of the Area Median Income. The expansion is supported by over $1 million in tax credits from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.
City Initiatives and Sustainability Efforts
In addition to these developments, the city has implemented policies to promote sustainability and energy efficiency:
- Green Rental Housing Ordinance: Effective January 6, 2026, this ordinance requires all rental units to meet minimum energy efficiency standards during rental inspections. The initiative aims to reduce energy costs and support Ann Arbor’s A2ZERO carbon neutrality goals.
Background Context
Ann Arbor has long been a hub for innovation and growth, with the University of Michigan playing a central role in the city’s development. The recent surge in housing projects reflects the city’s commitment to accommodating its growing population and addressing housing affordability. These developments also align with Ann Arbor’s broader goals of sustainability and community engagement, ensuring that growth benefits all residents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Green Rental Housing Ordinance in Ann Arbor?
Effective January 6, 2026, the Green Rental Housing Ordinance requires all rental units in Ann Arbor to meet minimum energy efficiency standards during rental inspections. This initiative aims to reduce energy costs and support the city’s A2ZERO carbon neutrality goals.
What is the Arbor South Development in Ann Arbor?
The Arbor South Development is a proposed mixed-use neighborhood at the northeast corner of State Street and Eisenhower Parkway. The plan includes approximately 1,039 residential units, with 209 designated as affordable housing, as well as office spaces, public plazas, and retail areas.
What is Veridian at County Farm?
Veridian at County Farm is a sustainable, mixed-income community being developed on a 13.5-acre site near downtown Ann Arbor. The project includes 171 housing units, a 6,000-square-foot grocery store, and community event spaces, emphasizing connectivity to local agriculture and green spaces.
What is Dunbar Tower?
Dunbar Tower is a six-story, 63-unit affordable housing project at 121 E. Catherine Street in Ann Arbor. Co-developed by the Ann Arbor Housing Commission and Avalon Housing, the building will provide supportive housing for low-income residents and income-qualified artists.
What is the Hickory Way Apartments Expansion?
The Hickory Way Apartments Expansion is Phase 3 of the project, adding 39 new one-bedroom units in a four-story building. These units are designated for households at or below 60% of the Area Median Income and are supported by over $1 million in tax credits from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.
Key Features of Ann Arbor’s Housing Developments
| Development | Location | Units | Affordable Housing Units | Sustainability Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Legacy at Ann Arbor | 616 E. Washington Street | 253 units (521 beds) | Not specified | Rooftop pool, fitness center, ground-floor retail space |
| Arbor South Development | Northeast corner of State Street and Eisenhower Parkway | Approximately 1,039 units | 209 affordable units | Public plazas, retail areas, transit access |
| Veridian at County Farm | Near downtown Ann Arbor | 171 units | 50 affordable units | Emphasis on local agriculture and green spaces |
| Dunbar Tower | 121 E. Catherine Street | 63 units | All units affordable to low-income residents and income-qualified artists | Community maker space supporting BIPOC communities |
| Hickory Way Apartments Expansion | Ann Arbor | 39 one-bedroom units | All units affordable to households at or below 60% of the Area Median Income | Supported by over $1 million in tax credits from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority |
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