Should Ann Arbor Embrace High-Rise Housing? Not Everyone Thinks So

Ann Arbor is growing—and with that growth comes tough questions about how we shape our city’s future. One of the biggest debates right now? Whether Ann Arbor should embrace more high-rise housing developments.

From towering student apartments to luxury condos, high-rises have already begun to reshape our skyline. Proponents say they’re essential to addressing our housing shortage, but not everyone is convinced that going vertical is the answer.

The Case for Building Up

Supporters of high-rise housing argue that density is key to solving some of Ann Arbor’s most urgent problems:

• Affordability: More units mean more supply, which (in theory) could help reduce rent and home prices across the city.

• Sustainability: Dense, walkable neighborhoods are better for the environment, reducing the need for cars and supporting public transit.

• Urban Vitality: Tall buildings can support ground-floor retail, restaurants, and community spaces—adding vibrancy to downtown and beyond.

“Ann Arbor’s not getting any cheaper,” says one local planner. “If we want young professionals, artists, and service workers to stay, we need more places for them to live—and that means building up, not just out.”

The Concerns and Criticism

But high-rises aren’t universally welcomed. Critics raise valid concerns about the pace and scale of new development:

• Neighborhood Character: Many residents worry that tall buildings will overshadow historic homes and change the charm of existing neighborhoods.

• Gentrification: Some fear that luxury high-rises cater to wealthier residents and investors—pushing out long-term locals and lower-income families.

• Infrastructure Strain: More people mean more pressure on roads, water systems, schools, and public services, which some say the city isn’t prepared for.

“Developers say they’re solving housing problems,” says a longtime Kerrytown resident. “But who are they really building for?”

A City at a Crossroads

City Council meetings on this topic have been packed, and public opinion is deeply divided. Some call for a moratorium on new high-rises until better regulations are in place. Others want the city to go further—upzoning neighborhoods and streamlining approvals to accelerate building.

Meanwhile, Ann Arbor’s population continues to grow, driven by the University of Michigan, the tech sector, and a reputation as one of the most livable cities in the Midwest.

Where Do We Go From Here?

As Ann Arbor weighs its next steps, one thing is clear: the debate over high-rise housing is really a debate about who gets to live here—and what kind of city we want to become.

Should we preserve the small-town feel, or evolve into a denser, more urban environment? Can we do both?

What do you think—should Ann Arbor keep reaching for the sky? Or is there a better way to grow?