University of Michigan demolishes 51 properties, paving way for more dorms

ANN ARBOR, MI — Fences and heavy construction equipment bordered South Division Street as the University of Michigan prepares to construct new dorms.

Fifty-one houses and apartment complexes between East Madison and Hill streets and South Fifth Avenue and South Division Street have been demolished as part of the second phase of the university’s project to expand student housing on Central Campus.

The demolition covered approximately 210,000 square feet and 4.8 acres of land.

Ann Arbor residents expressed mixed emotions on the overall housing project, which started in 2024 with the first phase of housing nearing completion on the former Elbel Field site .