Six-Story Mixed Use Development, The Webster, Breaks Ground in Downtown Auburn Hills
(Crystal Proxmire, Nov. 5, 2023)
Auburn Hills, MI -On Oct. 30, City of Auburn Hills officials joined with team members of Bacall Development to break ground on The Webster, a a $22 million, six-story mixed use building in the heart of Downtown Auburn Hills. The Webster will have 85 apartments, a 22 space parking garage, and ground level retail on a .58 parcel of land located between Auburn Square and Duffy’s Pub.
“The City of Auburn Hills is certain The Webster will generate activity on our sidewalks, parks, and inside our downtown businesses by building upon the wonderful sense of community that Mr. Bacall, of Bacall Development, has already brought to the downtown with the success of the Fountain Circle development,” touts the City of Auburn Hills blog.
According to city, “The Auburn Hills Tax Increment Finance Authority agreed to sell the property to Bacall Development LLC in December 2021. Mr. Bacall chose the project name Webster in honor of the City’s history. Aaron Webster, who died in 1823, is recognized as the first landowner in what is now incorporated as the City of Auburn Hills.
“In 2009, the City of Auburn Hills hired a nationally-acclaimed firm, HyettPalma, to develop an economic enhancement strategy for its new Downtown. In the years since, the City has methodically worked to implement that plan, 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.”
“Why encourage housing growth in Downtown Auburn Hills? Historically, vehicle and pedestrian traffic volumes in and through the Downtown’s emerging commercial district have not been sufficient to attract the type of retailers and restaurants City residents have requested and desire. Thus, the recommended strategy has been 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, HyettPalma advised the community in 2009 that this strategy would take time to implement (decades) and that the community had to stick with the plan and be patient for it to work. If you look at our Downtown today, especially on a Friday night, you will see significant signs that the City’s long-term patience, focus, and investment are paying dividends. We believe The Webster will be an attractive focal point and another vital catalyst for continued growth and interest in the Downtown.”
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Learn more about the project HERE
