Ann Arbor developer Jack Stegeman remembered for multiple downtown projects, U-M housing
John C. “Jack” Stegeman, one of Ann Arbor’s leading developers, died Jan. 21 at the age of 87.
Stegeman founded Campus Realty, which owns and manages multiple properties mostly around the University of Michigan campus.
Jack Stegeman
Among the properties in the portfolio are many of the commercial buildings along the north side of South University just west of Washtenaw Avenue. Those buildings include The Amsterdammer, an infill high-rise that the company built above an existing building in 1998.
“He loved building these high-end apartment buildings,” said Bill Kinley of Phoenix Construction. “I think that some of the better-quality student housing in Ann Arbor has been built by Jack Stegeman.”
Stegeman also helped define Ann Arbor’s skyline with the development of Tower Plaza in 1969. That 26-story building, now residential condominiums, is the tallest building in the city.
Stegeman’s projects include buildings that did not stay in his company’s portfolio: he developed the Campus Inn, redeveloped the Bell Tower and built multiple apartment buildings in the city, many near Geddes Road, Kinley said.
More recently, his family-run company has been leading the way in redevelopment of student housing near the University of Michigan. Projects include the brick townhouses on Washtenaw near Hill and a modern-design building at Forest and Hill.
A project on Willard Street built by Kinley's company led the way in high-end amenities for student housing, Kinley said. That includes underground parking and granite countertops in the kitchens.
“Jack appreciated fine architecture throughout his life,” said local developer David Kwan.
“They’ve always done well with their student rentals,” Kwan said of the Stegeman family. “They’re not afraid to spend money to build quality buildings.”
Ed Shaffran, another Ann Arbor developer, said he got to know Stegeman in the 1990s while the Downtown Development Authority built new parking structures. Shaffran said that Stegeman was a quiet individual who did not waver in his convictions.
“You always knew where you stood with Jack,” Shaffran said. “In the few dealings I had with him, he was fair and he was straight-forward.”
Stegeman started his real estate career in Ann Arbor after serving overseas in the Armed Forces and graduating from U-M.
His company continues today under the leadership of his children Tom and Sally. He’s also survived by his wife, Lois, and son William.
Funeral arrangements were made by the Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home of Saline. A family graveside service was held on Jan. 24.
Paula Gardner is Business News Director of AnnArbor.com. Contact her at 734-623-2586 or by email. Sign up for the weekly Business Review newsletter, distributed every Thursday, here.
Comments
Seasoned Cit
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 2:44 a.m.
Jack was ahead of his time and took lots of grief for the 26 story Tower Plaza. I believe he was also a major force behind getting booze east of Division Street as it took a change in the State law to get a liquor license for the Campus Inn that is across the street from a church and the University. The project I liked best was his plan for a high on the little triangle of land where Washtenaw and Geddes meet. I recall residents to the East complaining at a public hearing that with a building there they would be in the shade during the afternoon and they wanted their share of sunlight. That building didn't get built but what he did build in the area of student housing where well above what others were offering.
a2grateful
Sat, Jan 29, 2011 : 1:12 p.m.
Condolences to the Stegeman family! We are very sorry for your loss. Hugs, prayers, and blessings for you all. Mr Stegeman was a WWII vet, strong family person, diligent business person, and real estate visionary. Those that have lived in the properties he built, and there have been many, appreciate his devotion to quality. He was a local developer that loved this area. He worked where he lived. He achieved much in his local family business. His business continues to thrive today. In the local development scenario, Mr. Stegeman will be missed. This is especially true now, given Ann Arbor's development stage of faceless, bottom-line, often hit-and-run corporate development.