Title
Resolution to Approve the Dean II Area Plan (CPC Recommendation: Approval - 7 Yeas and 0 Nays)
Memorandum
This resolution will approve an area plan for The Dean II, a proposal to incorporate 548 S. Fifth Ave into a project to develop a high-rise residential building. A petitioner must submit an area plan with a rezoning request to show conceptual development of the area to be rezoned. Site plan approval is required before any of the development shown on the area plan may be constructed.
Project Summary:
• The Dean was originally a project to rezone and develop nine lots with a total of 41,461 square feet with a 16-story high-rise apartment building.
• The Dean II adds a tenth lot at 548 S Fifth Ave to the project, increasing the site area to 49,060 square feet. The expanded site area will allow the development to have a larger footprint with one fewer story and more apartments than the original Dean Area Plan.
• The attached site plan submitted by the petitioner illustrates how 548 S Fifth Ave will be incorporated into the Dean project and demonstrates compliance with the proposed zoning designations, therefore it meets the requirements of an area plan under City Code. The site plan itself remains under review and must be approved before development commences.
The City Planning Commission, at its meeting of August 18, 2026, recommended approval of the area plan request.
Attachments: August 18, 2026 Planning Staff Report
August 18, 2026 Planning Commission Minutes
The Dean II Area Plan
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, GMH Communities has requested rezoning of 548 S Fifth Ave in order to include it with the development of a high-rise apartment building;
Whereas, GMH Communities has submitted a proposed site plan that is currently under review by staff which also meets the requirements of an area plan under City Code;
Whereas, The Ann Arbor City Planning Commission, on August 18, 2026, recommended approval of the area plan;
Whereas, The development would comply with all applicable local, state, or federal laws, ordinances, standards and regulations;
Whereas, The development would limit the disturbance of natural features to the minimum necessary to allow a reasonable use of the land, applying criteria for reviewing a natural features statement of impact set forth in Chapter 55; and
Whereas, The proposed uses or other uses permitted under the associated petition to rezone to D1 (Downtown Core), Midtown Character, and Secondary Street frontage are compatible with the City’s adopted plans and policies;
RESOLVED, That City Council approves the attached plan, dated May 27, 2026 as the Dean II Area Plan.