The City of Ann Arbor and the District Library have finalized their agreement that will lead to a new downtown library and a major housing project. But it’s still going to be some time before anyone moves in.
The deal allows for the library and housing to be built on top of the Library Lane underground parking structure and the current library next door. Voters approved selling the air rights to the library last August.
Library Director Eli Neiburger says the current downtown location will remain open until 2029.
“It’s a big project--a big, big project! Lots of steps between here and there. But, once we get underway, we think that we’re going to deliver something that the community is going to be very, very excited about.”
The District Library Board will vote on the deal next week.
Neiburger says a Request for Proposals is expected to go out this fall to find a developer for the project. He says that will be followed by a robust and open design process.
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