Title
Resolution to Approve 625 Church Development Agreement, Site Plan SP24-0017 (625 Church) (CPC Recommendation: Approval - 7 yes, 0 no)
Memorandum
This resolution will approve a Development Agreement between the City of Ann Arbor and Core Michigan Church, LLC, the developer of a site plan project to a 20-story apartment building with commercial space in the basement level, residential amenities on the first and 20th floors, and 198 apartments on floors 1 through 19.
The site is assembled from four lots plus “air rights” over a portion of the City-owned parcel immediately north of the site. That parcel, 616 S Forest Ave, contains a parking structure jointly owned by the City and the University of Michigan and a service drive running between Church St and S Forest Ave. City Council passed Resolution 25-123 on April 7, 2025 agreeing to sell a three-dimensional area over portion of 616 S Forest Ave so that floors 3 through 20 of the proposed 625 Church building can cantilever over the service drive.
A Development Agreement requires approval by City Council. The Development Agreement specifies requirements associated with the approved 625 Church Site Plan, including granting easements, restoring the service drive across 616 S Forest Ave, contributing $113,125.00 to the City Parks and Recreation Services for improvements to surrounding and community parks, and constructing the building consistent with the architectural plans approved with the site plan. The City Planning Commission at its meeting of May 20, 2025 approved the associated Site Plan and recommended approval of the Development Agreement.
Attachments: 625 Church Development Agreement
May 20, 2025 Planning Staff Report
May 20, 2025 Planning Commission Minutes
Staff
Prepared by: Alexis DiLeo, Principal Planner
Reviewed by: Brett Lenart, Planning Manager
Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The 625 Church Site Plan was approved by the City Planning Commission on May 20, 2025 in order to develop a high-rise residential building; and,
Whereas, A Development Agreement has been prepared to address granting easements, restoring the service drive across 616 S Forest Ave, contributing $113,125.00 to the City Parks and Recreation Services for improvements to surrounding and community parks, and constructing the building consistent with the architectural plans approved with the site plan;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized and directed to sign the 625 Church Development Agreement after approval by the City Administrator and City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator is authorized to take the necessary steps to implement this resolution.