The city of Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor District Library in Michigan have finalized an agreement allowing the library system to acquire development rights above the underground Library Lane parking structure and combine that site with the existing downtown library property for a new mixed-use project.
The Ann Arbor City Council unanimously approved the $1 agreement after voters authorized the plan in August 2025. Under the deal, the city will retain ownership of the underground parking garage.
Plans call for a new downtown library spanning both sites, with a pedestrian bridge connecting the buildings above Library Lane. Housing above the library would include a mix of affordable, senior, arts-focused and market-rate units.
The proposal also includes about 10,000 square feet of outdoor public space and room for small businesses or community uses within the library development.
Officials said a request for proposals for development partners is expected this fall, followed by a design process. The current downtown library is expected to remain open until at least 2029.
The fall request for proposals is expected to mark the first major opportunity for developers, architects and construction firms to compete for the multiyear downtown project.
Photo by Crab Lens from Pexels
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