Redevelopment of two downtown Ann Arbor lots slowed by contamination and parking needs, councilmember says

Ann Arbor officials say redevelopment of two central downtown parcels — 415 West Washington and the Klein Lot behind the Ann Arbor Art Center — is constrained by contamination risks and local parking needs.

Councilmember Jen Cornell told CTN’s Ward Talk that both parcels are brownfield-eligible, with historical industrial or maintenance uses leaving contaminants under the surface. “One of them used to be the city's yard where it kept maintenance vehicles,” Cornell said, adding that former storage of gas, oil and heavy machinery creates remediation needs. She also said the Klein Lot previously hosted a dry cleaner, which raises concerns about chemical pollution.

Cornell noted 415 West Washington sits on the edge of the Allen Creek floodway, meaning any buildable solution likely would require raised-structure design similar to the nearby YMCA. At the Klein Lot, Cornell emphasized that local restaurants and retailers rely on the existing parking: “The businesses in that area rely on that parking,” she said, describing the lot as central to downtown hospitality and retail activity.

Brokers representing potential proposals for both properties are engaging with city staff and will meet with the downtown business community to present concepts and gather feedback; Cornell said the city’s staff have been attentive to protecting business access as proposals are developed. She said the city is weighing whether to sell the properties or use public funds (including potential brownfield funds) to remediate and make sites buildable, and that decisions will depend on environmental remediation costs and community priorities.

No specific proposals, purchase terms or timelines were presented on-air. Cornell said interested parties exist and that the city will focus forthcoming outreach on the Klein Lot.