Posted by – Steve Cohen, Director of Community Development
Almost a decade ago, the City of Auburn Hills hired a nationally-acclaimed firm, HyettPalma, to develop an economic enhancement strategy for our Downtown. The City has followed that plan to a T, especially its primary recommendation to “make every effort to develop the greatest number of quality housing units possible in and near Downtown when market conditions allow.”
Traffic volumes through the Downtown’s commercial district are not sufficient enough at this time to attract national retailers like Starbucks or Blaze Pizza, thus the recommended strategy is to work to add people living in the area 24/7 to create life and a sense of place. It has been proven nationally that this type of synergy can be developed over an extended period of time to support existing businesses, and attract new ones, in communities similar to Auburn Hills. However, the firm advised the City that this strategy will take time to implement (decades) and that the community has to stick with the plan and be patient for it to work.
With that being said, we’re pleased to report that an application has been submitted to the City of Auburn Hills by Robertson Brothers Homes to develop the vacant one acre parcel located at 3321 Squirrel Court, which is situated just east of Riverside Park.
Site Plan
The company intends to construct three townhouse style condominium buildings totaling 14 units. Each unit will be approximately 1,184 square feet in size and have an attached one car garage. The total investment in the project is estimated at $3.25 million.
Preliminary Building Elevations
The project will be constructed in a manner that will be aesthetically pleasing with the surrounding developments in the area. The landscaping proposed has been designed to provide an attractive appearance for those passing by along Squirrel Court, as well as those paddling by along the Clinton River. The company also proposes to maintain the existing tree canopy along the Clinton River to help preserve and protect the City’s urban cold water fishery that continues to grow in popularity.
Those interested in learning more about this proposal are encouraged to attend the Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 14th at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall. A final decision on the application is anticipated by the City Council on Monday, February 26th.