Packard Square Site Plan Approved

The site plan for a new mixed-use development at the former Georgetown Mall on Packard Road – which has been vacant for about two years – was unanimously recommended for approval by the Ann Arbor planning commission at its March 15, 2011 meeting. Called Packard Square, the project consists of 230 apartments and 23,790-square-feet of retail space in a single building. The plan will be next considered by the city council for final approval.

The project includes a 144-space parking garage underneath the apartment building, and 310 surface parking spaces. A total of 44 carports are proposed along the two main drives from Packard Road to the rear of the site. Fifty-four bicycle parking spaces will also be provided. The apartment complex will include indoor recreational amenities and services, an outdoor pool and courtyard. Also as part of the project, the developer has agreed to pay a contribution of $50,000 to the city, in lieu of providing a dedicated area of parkland on the project site.

A brownfield plan to remove contaminated soils and dewater the site is currently under review.

This brief was filed from the boardroom in the Washtenaw County administration building, where the planning commission is meeting due to renovations in the city hall building. A more detailed report will follow.