Starbucks has closed its location at 1214 S. University Ave., effective October 31. This popular coffee shop was a staple for many students, and its closure is part of a larger shift in the area. Landmark Properties is transforming the site into The Metropolitan, an 18-story apartment building aimed mostly at students. The project will include retail space and could potentially welcome Starbucks back in the future.
Recent statistics show that Starbucks has closed multiple locations in Ann Arbor. The most recent closure on Main and East Liberty streets happened just weeks before this one. Currently, there are only two Starbucks left in the downtown area.
Former employee Lucy Martin expressed her frustration about the closure. She fears that the remaining store on State Street will buckle under the pressure of increased customer traffic. “State Street can’t absorb all of us,” she noted. Additionally, she emphasized that the transition wouldn’t be simple, particularly since the State Street location is unionized, while South University’s wasn’t.
Alexa Crociata, a regular customer, also shared her sorrow about the abrupt closing. “It was a comforting space for me and my friends,” she said. She highlighted how local shops create community, and removing them diminishes that sense of belonging.
As new apartments sprout up, concerns about the rising cost of living in Ann Arbor are growing. Martin noted that these high-rises often come with steep price tags, making them unaffordable for many students. “They’re replacing beloved businesses with housing that most students can’t afford,” she stated.
On a more optimistic note, Brett Lenart, the city’s planning manager, pointed out that developments like The Metropolitan could help reduce carbon emissions by minimizing the need for transportation. “Housing close to campus is a step toward sustainability,” he explained.
Landmark Properties aims to create a lively atmosphere that engages future residents with the city. This approach reflects a broader trend in urban areas where mixed-use developments are meant to enhance community life by combining living, working, and leisure spaces.
While new developments may bring modern lifestyles, the lasting impact on the community and its cherished local businesses remains a significant concern. The loss of places like Starbucks can change the fabric of college life in Ann Arbor.
For more on the city’s development plans and sustainability goals, check out the Ann Arbor government’s official sustainability initiatives.
