Related Midwest and the Ann Arbor Housing Commission today broke ground on The Adeline, a 20-story, 330-unit affordable housing community in downtown Ann Arbor, Mich.
Located at 350 S. Fifth Ave., The Adeline offers a mix of one- and two-bedroom layouts. All apartments will be reserved for households earning up to 80% of the area median income (AMI), with approximately one-third of units set aside for households earning less than 30% AMI. Delivery is anticipated in 2028.
“Over 20 years ago, the City of Ann Arbor made a commitment to the community to replace 100 affordable SRO units that were lost when the former YMCA was demolished,” said Jennifer Hall, Executive Director of the Ann Arbor Housing Commission. “I am proud to partner with the City, DDA, AAATA and Related Midwest to develop 330 high-quality affordable apartments on this site while expanding our transit capacity adjacent to the Blake Transit Center.”
“The Adeline reflects what is possible through public-private partnership, and we’re honored to partner with the Ann Arbor Housing Commission to bring much-needed housing to a site that will once again serve the Ann Arbor community,” said Curt Bailey, President of Related Midwest. “The design reflects a thoughtful approach to affordable housing, one that gives residents a building they can be proud to call home. We look forward to welcoming residents in 2028.”
The all-electric building will incorporate a geothermal system as its primary heating and cooling source. The Adeline is Related’s first building nationally, and one of the largest affordable housing communities in Michigan, to utilize geothermal energy.
The building’s ground floor will include two storefronts collectively offering more than 6,000 square feet of retail space, along with a resident lobby, mail room and package room. A large ground-floor window facing William Street will showcase the building’s geothermal system, giving pedestrians a view into the manifold room where the system connects to the earth.
Contemporary Homes With Thoughtful Interiors
Designed by SmithGroup, the tower sits atop a two-story podium and will incorporate brick masonry and metal framing with large, modern windows to provide ample daylight within residences. Interiors will feature a contemporary color palette that pairs bold energetic hues in common areas with warm soft tones in residences. Materials such as wood, stone and metals will create a sophisticated aesthetic.
Corridors will feature recessed doorways outfitted with warm sconce lighting, giving each entry a thoughtful arrival moment. Apartment finishes include light oak plank flooring and cabinetry, satin chrome fixtures, tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and in-home laundry.
Everyday Amenities in a Prime Location
The building’s second floor will house resident amenities, including a spacious lounge with a kitchenette, flexible multipurpose classroom for social programming and resident services, indoor children’s playroom, fitness center and resident storage space.
The Adeline is also centrally located and transit-friendly, just steps away from the Blake Transit Center and the William Street bikeway, along with substantial nearby parking infrastructure. A ground-floor bike room with 100 spaces allows residents to ride directly from the bike lane into the building. The city-owned site sits within a dense, walkable urban district surrounded by residential, commercial and institutional uses, including the University of Michigan, and is steps from employment centers and downtown amenities. The Adeline is planned alongside other public infrastructure enhancements, including a new mid-block bus lane, bike lane improvements and streetscape upgrades in the downtown core.
A Name With Historic Roots
The Adeline takes its name from Robert and Adeline Thompson, who in 1964 opened DeLong’s Bar-B-Q Pit in a converted gas station at 314 Detroit St., across from Ann Arbor’s Farmers Market. The restaurant, one of the city’s historic Black-owned businesses, was a fixture of the local culinary scene for 37 years and drew visits from blues great B.B. King and boxing champion Joe Frazier. Naming the building after Adeline Thompson carries that legacy forward.
“My grandmother taught us that when you empower people and give them a chance to dream, you change lives,” said Angela Davis, granddaughter of Adeline Thompson. “The Adeline isn’t just a project — it’s a living continuation of the legacy my grandparents built on Detroit Street: a place where no matter who you are or where you come from, you are welcomed, respected and heard.”
In addition to The Adeline, Related Companies is working with the University of Michigan and Olympia Development of Michigan on Founders House, a new residential building for graduate students and faculty members attending University of Michigan Center for Innovation (UMCI) located within The District Detroit, a premier sports and entertainment destination featuring residential, retail, educational and office space in the heart of the city.
Related Affordable also recently acquired and renovated four affordable housing communities across Michigan totaling 524 units and representing a combined investment of $94 million. All four projects were completed in partnership with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.
