Site work for Chapter Ann Arbor to begin in July; groundbreaking ceremony planned for August

CRG, the national real estate development and investment firm, and co-developer Shapack Partners announced today they have closed on the site and secured full construction financing for Chapter Ann Arbor, a 19-story, 183-unit (625-bed) high-rise student housing development located at 1201-1213 S. University Ave. in Ann Arbor, Mich., one block from the University of Michigan’s Central Campus. Construction is slated to begin in August 2025, with delivery anticipated in 2027 to coincide with the start of the 2027-28 academic year.

“With this one-of-a-kind development, we are excited to offer students a best-in-class living experience — think boutique hotel meets student housing — just steps from the heart of the University of Michigan campus and the iconic Diag,” said J.J. Smith, executive vice president and partner at CRG. “Delivering thoughtfully designed, amenity-rich housing in walkable neighborhoods close to campus is a cornerstone of our student housing strategy. Chapter Ann Arbor is a strategic addition to our national portfolio, addressing the growing demand for high-quality housing near top-tier universities.”

Located at the northeast corner of South University Avenue and Church Street in Ann Arbor’s South University District, Chapter Ann Arbor will offer a mix of studio, two-, four- and five-bedroom fully furnished apartments. Each residence will feature upscale finishes, including wood-style flooring, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, smart TVs in living rooms and in-unit laundry.

The building’s lifestyle-focused amenity package will support wellness, academics and community. Highlights include a state-of-the-art fitness center equipped with cardio machines, weight-training equipment, a wellness studio and a sauna. Residents will also have access to study lounges, a library and private collaboration rooms to support students’ academic endeavors. The rooftop patio will offer fire pits, grilling stations, a hot tub and views of the campus and Ann Arbor.

The project was designed by Lamar Johnson Collaborative (LJC), an integrated architecture and design firm and subsidiary of CRG’s parent company, Clayco. LJC brings deep expertise in student housing, urban high-rise and campus-adjacent developments. Findorff, a Madison, Wis.-based construction company with a strong track record in complex campus projects, will serve as general contractor. CRG, LJC and Findorff most recently partnered on the 534-bed Chapter Madison near the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which was delivered ahead of schedule and fully leased for the 2024-25 academic year.

“We’re proud to partner with CRG on Chapter Ann Arbor on one of the last marquee sites in the South University corridor,” said Jeff Shapack, founder and CEO of Shapack Partners. “This project is a rare opportunity to create a place where residents can thrive — socially, academically and personally — at the most iconic corner of one of America’s greatest college towns.”

Chapter Ann Arbor’s prime location places students in a vibrant neighborhood surrounded by shops, restaurants and entertainment venues along South University Avenue.

The addition of 625 new beds comes at a critical time, as enrollment continues to outpace the supply of purpose-built student housing in the area. Chapter Ann Arbor will provide a modern, near-campus living option that helps address this growing housing gap.

CRG’s student housing and multifamily team has a strong track record that includes the development of over 40,000 beds across more than 80 university markets. The firm continues to seek investment opportunities near major Tier 1, Power 5 conference schools.

Chapter Ann Arbor highlights CRG’s longstanding partnership with local developer Ron Hughes of Hughes Properties. Smith and Hughes previously collaborated on the Landmark Apartments development (2009-2012), which is located diagonally across the street from the Chapter Ann Arbor site. This enduring relationship underscores the value of trusted local partnerships, combining CRG’s national development expertise with Hughes’ deep community insight to ensure the project seamlessly integrates into the local community.

About CRG:
CRG is a privately owned North American real estate development and investment firm founded in 1993 with deep expertise in delivering and owning industrial, office, multifamily, student housing and mixed-use assets. The firm serves clients and investors from seven regional offices, benefiting from local expertise in Chicago, St. Louis, Seattle, Southern California, Phoenix, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. CRG has developed more than 12,500 acres of land and delivered over 220 million square feet of assets exceeding $14 billion in value. For more information, visit CRG’s website at www.realcrg.com.

About Chapter:
Chapter is CRG’s national collection of upscale multifamily and student housing developments designed to provide spaces and experiences that help residents write their life story with greater intention. Each project is designed to offer residents the opportunity to not just live well, but also enjoy a home where experiences work together with the design to fuel one simple idea: help people write their next chapter.

About Shapack Partners:
Shapack Partners, founded by Jeff Shapack, is a Chicago-based real estate development firm recognized for its transformative work in the Fulton Market District of Chicago. The firm develops across multiple asset classes, with a focus on mixed-use residential, office and hospitality projects. www.shapack.com.

About Lamar Johnson Collaborative (“LJC”):
LJC is the full-service design and architecture arm of Clayco and is committed to enhancing the quality of the human experience and to improving how design and architecture can impact each individual’s emotional well-being. By harnessing the power of integrated design —I ncluding architecture, workplace strategy, interior design, landscape architecture, urban planning, and engineering — the company achieves its clients’ goals and aspirations. For more information, visit www.theljc.com.

About Findorff:
Founded in 1890, Findorff is one of the Midwest’s premier builders, with a reputation for delivering complex and high-profile projects across a range of sectors, including education, healthcare, science and technology, and multifamily housing. Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, with additional offices in Milwaukee and Wausau, Findorff brings over a century of construction expertise and innovation to every project. The firm is known for its collaborative approach, craftsmanship, and deep commitment to safety and sustainability. For more information, visit www.findorff.com.