Planning commission approves 7‑story Braun Court housing plan despite neighborhood objections over historic fabric, height and construction impacts

The Ann Arbor Planning Commission voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve a seven‑story residential project for 313–327 Braun Court in the Carytown neighborhood, clearing the way for demolition of seven early‑20th‑century cottages and construction of a 36‑unit building that relies on the Unified Development Code’s sustainability component for an additional height allowance.

The commission’s formal action approved the petitioner’s site plan (version 4, dated April 2, 2025) and recommended approval of a development agreement; the motion was moved by Commissioner Abrams and seconded by Commissioner Mills. The roll call vote was recorded as yes from Commissioners Weiss, Hammerschmidt, Abrams, Mills, Wetherbee, Adams, Norton and Councilmember Disch.

Developer and project team presentation: Candace Bridal of Midwestern Consulting described the proposal and said the site consists of seven parcels adjacent to the Farmers Market and the Dunbar Tower construction. “We are proposing a 7 story residential building that has 36 units,” Bridal told the commission. The project includes an underground parking level with 33 spaces in total, 24 bicycle spaces, and streetscape improvements coordinated with the Downtown Development Authority.

Architect Lorcan O'Herlihy described massing moves intended to bring light into the units and to provide terraces and recessed massing. The petitioner is relying on the UDC sustainability…