A new, mixed-use development with more than 78,000 square feet of retail and 8,000 square feet of office space opened in a highly visible Ann Arbor location nearly 100% leased. A design emphasis on walkability, connectivity, street appeal, and architectural style helped to attract a robust mix of high-end retail tenants such as Lululemon, Madewell (owned by J Crew), The North Face, Sur La Table, J Jill, Anthropology, Arhaus, and Brooks Brother Flatiron (its fourth store in the country).
DMA supported the project from its early development stages, consulting on building layout, position, sight lines, parking, and other issues essential to attracting an exceptional mix of retailers. We assisted ownership in finalizing development agreements, managing consultants, contracting for services, and overseeing construction. We also streamlined the process of getting tenants open for business, supporting lease documentation, coordinating store and signage designs, and facilitating retailer interaction with local jurisdictions and the building contractor.
Arbor Hills features four distinct, steel-frame buildings with high end materials including brick, steel, wood, and glass. Corten screens, arcades, stone facades and tenant-inspired storefronts create a dynamic shopping experience that blends a sense of the past with modern architectural details. Each building and shop has it own flavor and flare, all complementing a strong destination boutique center. This project transformed a former brownfield site. Attractive landscaping includes a platform with a view of restored wetlands and a water-filtering rain garden. At the request of property ownership, dma|property has assumed ongoing management responsibility for Arbor Hills.