Ann Arbor market demolition set to begin after utility move; short storage snag reported

The Public Market Advisory Commission heard an update Friday that demolition of the market office building is imminent after contractors finish moving utilities.

Commission staff said two dead trees in the demolition footprint have already been removed and the site’s water connection has been moved to the street. “Once they move the electrical over, then they’ll be able to start the demolition,” Stephanie, market staff, said. She added that the project team plans to put the electrical line underground to reduce the risk of damage during market days.

Commissioners were told the electrical work may take “10 days to two weeks” and that the demolition itself should move quickly after utilities are switched. Staff told the commission the contractor for the market project is the same one finishing work at 415 West Washington, and that the contractor’s schedule had been part of the sequencing for the market property work.

A storage issue emerged when city staff discovered a conflict with the use of a pod service; staff said the solution will be to rent a trailer to store items on the same site and that Park Operations and Natural Areas Preservation staff will assist with the move. Staff emphasized the goal of avoiding disruptions to market stalls and market-day activity; they said a generator would be used if a single-day outage is unavoidable.

The commission asked whether the work would affect Saturday market operations; staff replied it should not and that contingency plans are in place. No formal vote was taken on the demolition at the meeting.

Background: staff characterized the demolition as part of a broader schedule of market infrastructure work for the coming season and said timelines assume utility relocation proceeds on schedule.