Ann Arbor Kline Lot RFP
Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority
Ann Arbor, Michigan December 2005 to April 2006
Strategic Economics and JJR (a design and engineering firm) assisted the Ann Arbor Downtown Development
Authority (DDA) in the preparation of a Request for Proposals (RFP) to redevelop a city-owned lot in the
Downtown.

Building from previous research in Downtown Ann Arbor, Strategic Economics completed a more in-depth market
study of the area surrounding the lot. The market analysis enabled Strategic Economics, JJR, and the client to
identify three alternative development programs for the site, representing various land use mixes and intensities.
Working with JJR to develop feasible site designs, the firm built pro forma financial analyses for each development
scenario in order to test the expected return to a developer of the site. The scenarios tested innovative
development concepts such as office condominiums and flexible ground-floor live/work/retail space.

Following this analysis, Strategic Economics worked with the DDA to select a recommended development
program that will be the basis for the RFP. Strategic Economics also provided input on issues such as project
phasing, provisions for affordable rental housing or homeownership, shared parking arrangements, and
opportunities for public-private partnership.