Ann Arbor DDA approves big loan to push forward new city hall project

The ongoing saga that is the newest addition to the Ann Arbor City Hall took another step toward resolution and maybe even construction.

The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority approved an $8 million grant to assist with the $47 million proposal. Plans for the new facility adjacent to Guy C Larcom City Hall at the corner of East Huron and East Ann streets will go before the city’s planning commission this month and the City Council later this summer.

The project could go out to bid as early as autumn with work beginning as soon after.

The 102,000 square-foot building will house the Ann Arbor Police Department and the 15^th District Court. It will be more urban in design by building up to the lot lines, impacting the Huron Street corridor. City officials will also apply for LEED certification at the gold level, achieving one of the highest levels of environmentally friendly construction.

Proponents claim the new addition will help alleviate overcrowding issues at City Hall and provide more modern facilities for the police department and courts. However, a number of city officials have argued against the project as too costly and unnecessary.

Source: Susan Pollay, spokeswoman for the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority
Writer: Jon Zemke