In May, we shared news that the Southside Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) and the City of Ann Arbor had teamed up to give the State Street medians a long-overdue refresh. We are excited to share that those plans are underway and median improvements have begun.
What the State Street Project Involves
Crews got started at the end of September, working along State Street between Eisenhower and I-94. They have started clearing out the cracked asphalt in these medians. Once it’s gone, new landscaping and visual enhancements will take its place, giving the business corridor a cleaner, more inviting look.
Jeff Hauptman, Oxford Companies’ CEO and chair of the Southside BIZ Board of Directors, says the moment is a big one for the people behind it. “Seeing crews on State Street is a milestone for everyone who has worked to make this happen,” he said. “This project started as a shared idea among property owners, community partners and the City, and now it’s becoming something people will see every time they drive into town. We appreciate the community’s patience while the work is completed.”
Impact on Traffic in the Southside CorridorÂ
State Street is a primary hub into downtown Ann Arbor. The good news for commuters is that you shouldn’t notice much of a slowdown. Because the work is happening in the medians, any lane closures will be brief and temporary.Â
The improvements will roll out in phases, with sustainable landscaping and low-maintenance upkeep as the guiding priorities. There’s no firm finish date yet, because planting and final touches depend on the weather and the growing season. However, the goal is for the new medians to be in full bloom by next summer.
State Street Transformation Plan
The medians are just the beginning of what the Southside BIZ has in store. The organization is focused on beautification, wayfinding, public art, and other neighborhood upgrades across the business district. It’s a collaborative partnership, supported by Briarwood Mall, MAVD, Kensington Hotel, CIG, Destination Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor SPARK, and area property owners, all investing in the Southside’s future.
Oxford Companies, is proud to be part of the team of neighbors and business partners working to make these improvements happen. A great first impression benefits everyone, from the businesses along the corridor to the residents and visitors who travel it every day.
Want to explore more of the neighborhood? Check out the hidden gems of the Southside, and follow along with project news at southsidebiz.com.