The project site is located at 309 S. Ashley St. The site is commonly referred to as “Kline’s Lot” because it served as the parking lot for Kline’s Department Store. The approximately 1.31-acre property is a city-owned surface parking lot located between West William Street and West Liberty Street, just west of Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor.

The city is currently evaluating a redevelopment concept submitted by Hines, a developer selected by the City Council following a call for proposals in 2025. Hines has proposed purchasing the lot from the city and constructing a mixed-use residential development with more than 500 residential units and 10,000 square feet of commercial space. The project would be built in two phases, with the southern portion of the site being built first.

Redevelopment of the site would replace a large downtown surface parking lot with a mixed-use development that would add housing and street-level activity in the downtown area, further encouraging a vibrant Main Street district and contributing to the city’s tax base.

Hines has indicated that its building would be all-electric, consistent with the city’s approach to reducing building-related emissions.

Proceeds from the sale of the property would be directed to support other city initiatives, including the Ann Arbor Housing Commission and infrastructure investments.

To move forward, a purchase and sale agreement between the development team and the city would need to be approved by City Council.