Ann Arbor Broke Ground on The Adeline Housing Project

Construction has begun on a 20-story downtown building designed to provide 330 affordable apartment units.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Construction

Ann Arbor Broke Ground on The Adeline Housing Project

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City officials held a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday for The Adeline, a new 20-story residential complex in downtown Ann Arbor. The development aims to mitigate the city's housing shortage by offering 330 apartments to moderate- and low-income households.

Why it matters

The project serves as a key initiative to address Ann Arbor's urgent need for affordable living spaces in the downtown core. By utilizing a previously vacant lot, the city seeks to expand residential options for those earning below the area median income.

The Adeline will span 20 stories and house 330 total apartment units. Eligibility is restricted to households earning up to 80% of the area median income, with a specific tier reserved for those earning under $38,000 annually.

The players

The Adeline

This is a new 20-story affordable housing development located in downtown Ann Arbor.

Blake Transit Center

This facility serves as a major transportation hub located immediately adjacent to the new housing site.

The details

Located adjacent to the Blake Transit Center and across from the public library, the complex replaces a site that remained vacant for years. The development represents a significant effort to integrate high-density, income-restricted housing into the city's central business district.

Construction officially commenced on Monday, September 28, 2026.
The first residents are expected to move into the complex in 2028.

Market Landscape

The Adeline project follows a pattern set by the Fair Housing Act to prioritize equitable residential development in high-demand urban centers. It positions the city to compete for workforce retention by offering density-driven affordable housing options in a historically tight rental market.

Local residents earning up to 80% of the area median income will gain access to 330 new affordable apartment units starting in 2028. This development provides a necessary increase in housing stock for those currently struggling with the city's high cost of living.

The takeaway

The addition of 330 units helps stabilize the local rental market by providing dedicated inventory for households earning under $38,000. Families looking for affordable housing should monitor city development updates for future application timelines as construction progresses.