The Concannon Company is switching up the lineup for The Gallery project in downtown Ann Arbor.

The Ann Arbor-based developer plans to build the smaller (four stories) of the development's two mid-rise buildings first, then launching into its neighboring 11-story structure. Construction is set to begin later this year.

"They have the demo permits in hand so the church (which The Gallery will replace) is ready to come down," says Carrie Carlisle, a spokeswoman for The Concannon Company.

The reasoning behind the switch, Carlisle explains, is financial and logistical. Building the 4-story structure allows the developer to get most of the infrastructure work done first before anyone moves in. It also buys The Concannon Company more time to wait out the dismal housing market.

The 4-story structure faces Fourth Avenue and it will feature 18 rental units above a level of ground floor retail space. The 11-story building will have dozens of for-sale condos above a level of ground floor retail space and a second floor of office space.

The buildings will replace an old church that has been vacant and boarded up for years.

Source: Carrie Carlisle, a spokeswoman for The Concannon Company
Writer: Jon Zemke