Downtown Ann Arbor Hotel Plans Revived with Key Design Changes

After several years of inactivity following site demolition, an Iowa-based developer is reigniting efforts to construct a five-story hotel in downtown Ann Arbor. Hawkeye Hotels had received initial city approval for a 94-room Fairfield Inn and Suites at the intersection of First and Huron streets in 2021, proceeding to clear the property the following year. However, construction stalled, and the original site plan eventually expired, leaving the prominent corner vacant and prompting questions about the project's future.

The firm recently presented updated designs to the city's Design Review Board, signaling a renewed commitment to the development. The revised plans propose a slightly larger 111-room, limited-service hotel under the same Fairfield brand. A significant alteration in the new submission is the complete removal of onsite vehicle parking; the design now includes only a single driveway off First Street intended solely for solid waste access. City planners view the project favorably, noting its potential to enhance the downtown core, attract visitors, and maximize the site's development potential.

Architectural renderings highlight a spacious ground-floor lobby and amenity area designed for transparency and natural light, alongside a fitness center. While the developer aims to move forward, the revised plan requires a comprehensive staff review and approval from the Planning Commission. Additionally, adjustments to proposed primary building materials, specifically fiber cement, are needed to comply with city code before the project can proceed to the construction phase.