Ann Arbor Convention Center Back in Discussions
Recent downtown Ann Arbor activity has rekindled discussions about the feasibility of an Ann Arbor Convention Center
The City of Ann Arbor completed a conference center feasibility study in 1989. Despite its antiquity, the study’s findings still seem to be plausible. The historic study called attention to Ann Arbor’s proximity to Detroit Metro and the need for speaker resources. Today Ann Arbor still has no facility that will attract groups of more than 400 people. The old study recommended one major facility of 60,000 to 75,000 sqft within walking distance of the University of Michigan’s central campus.
Although discussions only recently resurfaced and are very preliminary – there has been talk about several city-owned properties fitting the needs. The Fifth Avenue property next to the Ann Arbor District Library was the first location to come up in discussion. The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority has committed to building an underground parking structure on the site, but nothing further has been planned. A foundation and footings for the future building are being built however. The former YMCA site has also been suggested as a potential conference center site. Originally purchased to preserve low-cost housing options, the city is rethinking the future of this site.
Preliminary discussions are focused on a medium-sized facility that could likely accommodate a gathering of 1,000 or more. Look for these discussions to become a future hot topic!
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