The former Clark gas station at 544 Detroit St., pictured in 2005, is being targeted for development.
Ann Arbor News
The 400-square-foot gas station was constructed on the site, located at 544 Detroit St., in 1959. It has been vacant and deteriorating for more than 30 years.
A rendering of the proposed project at 544 Detroit St. in Ann Arbor.
Rendering by Marc Rueter
The former Clark gas station, pictured in 1975
City of Ann Arbor
“The non-contributing gas station has been abandoned for over 30 years and is in poor condition,” Jill Thacher, the city’s historic preservation coordinator, wrote in a staff report. “It was built in 1959 and does not fall within the period of significance of the Old Fourth Ward Historic District.”
Dan Williams of Maven Development wants to demolish the former gas station and construct a three-story, 4,000-square-foot building with office space and covered parking on the first-floor. There would be one condominium on the second floor and one on the third floor.
Each story would have steel balconies featuring metal work by a local artist.
“Though the proposed building is much larger than the existing non-contributing building, it is not detrimental to the district and features a design that is appropriate for the lot shape and size,” Thacher continued in her report. “The modern materials proposed are complementary to the historic materials used on other buildings (in the district).”
Williams is under contract to purchase the property from Jack Epstein, a former Ann Arbor resident who now lives in Maryland. The property was listed for sale with Doug Smith of Swisher Commercial for $149,000. Its assessed value is $50,700 for the 2012 tax year.
The architect for the project is Marc Rueter of Ann Arbor-based Rueter Associates Architects.
The Historic District Commission approved the project in a unanimous vote. Plans will now go before Ann Arbor’s Planning Commission and City Council for approval.
This rendering shows the proposed Detroit Street development with its surrounding buildings
Rendering by Marc Rueter
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.