City Place developer unveiling new 'Heritage Row' plan

Developer Alex de Parry said today he intends to unveil new plans for City Place at a neighborhood meeting at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Ann Arbor District Library.

Preservation architect John Dziurman is expected to present the developer's new “Heritage Row” plan for City Place, which de Parry says incorporates community input and comments received at previous neighborhood meetings.

The seven houses the developer plans to incorporate into his new 'Heritage Row' project.

According to de Parry, the project will meet theÂ Secretary of Interior's Standards for RehabilitationÂ - the developer's attempt to put forth a project that will fit historic renovation guidelines if the area is designated aÂ historic district.Â

City officials and neighbors have opposed de Parry's previous plans for a new apartment complex along South Fifth Avenue, and they've pushed for the creation of a historic district to force de Parry to develop a project that fits the neighborhood.

De Parry said all seven of the existing houses along South Fifth Avenue - which were slated for demolition under a previous controversial plan - will be rehabilitated, and the existing streetscape will be preserved.

De ParryÂ said the design for the rear of the site consists of three separate, free-standing, 3.5-story buildings similar in scale to the “Washtenaw” apartment building one block east on East William Street. Underground parking will be located on the rear of the site under the three new buildings, de Parry said.

A plaza area also will be located behind the existing houses in the center of the site, according to de Parry.

Ryan J. Stanton covers government for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.