A collection of seven nineteenth and early twentieth century homes along South Fifth Avenue in Ann Arbor awaited rehabilitation to their original turn-of-the-century splendor. Three separate, free-standing buildings with underground parking were to be built behind them.
Together, these homes and new buildings were called Heritage Row. With a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments, Heritage Row was designed for those who wished to live close to downtown and campus. It was an innovative way of preserving the past while fulfilling the needs of present and future residents.
Below is a simulation of what might have been. The video is simulated on June 16 with the sun at noon and at 5'6" above street level, moving at 10 MPH looking straight on at the buildings.
So what happened? Existing zoning laws, unchanged in this area since 1962, did not allow for this type of project. To go forward, it required approval for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) from the Ann Arbor City Council.
Planning Commission recommended approval. A majority of City Council members voted for it. But a minority of four council members - Sabre Briere, Mike Anglin, Carston Hohnke and Steve Kunselman - blocked its approval.
After a long fight to save these houses, they felt the first blows of the wrecking claw on November 9, 2011. By late afternoon on November 11, 2011, all seven homes were reduced to rubble and part of Ann Arbor's history was permanently erased.
Campus Village Communities of Rochester, Michigan will replace them with a "matter of right" project, i.e., a project allowed under existing zoning, The project consists of 24 six-bedroom apartments in two buildings, essentially student housing.
Fall 2010: 400 Block of South Fifth Avenue
Minority of Ann Arbor City Council Members Block Preservation of 7 Ann Arbor Homes
And They're Erased From Ann Arbor's History
November 11, 2011: 400 Block of South Fifth Avenue
MORE VIDEOS HERE
4 PM 11/11/11
