04/12/2022
Ann Arbor, MI – Catherine Ann Development Company, the Michigan based developer of The Glen, a mixed use development located on Glen Avenue between Ann and Catherine Streets in Ann Arbor, has reached an agreement to have its proposed hotel become part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection – a handpicked group of independent hotels around the world, each of which reflects the unique spirit, values and history of its community.
Inspired by the ethos of the University of Michigan as first expressed by one of its great early Presidents, James B. Angell, who famously observed that the university provides an “uncommon education for the common man”, and the forward looking spirit of the Ann Arbor community, Marriott and Catherine Ann have agreed that the hotel will be named “Vanguard Hotel.” The mutual intent of the developers and Marriott is to provide an uncommon hospitality experience which will make the Vanguard Hotel the “leader and best” in the community!
Catherine Ann has been led by Michigan based Craig Singer, Fred and Tom Goldberg and U of M Regent Emeritus, Larry Deitch. They have worked tirelessly for many years to bring this unique project to fruition. They are happy to announce that an affiliate of Robert Finvarb Companies has joined their team to support the realization of their vision to bring a unique hospitality asset to Ann Arbor. Florida-based Robert Finvarb Companies owns and operates 15 hotels across the U.S. “We have enjoyed a long and successful relationship with Marriott” said Robert Finvarb. “Being accepted into the Autograph Collection is difficult and we are honored to join this select group of individually branded hotels which nevertheless have access to Marriott’s reservation system and industry-leading loyalty rewards program.”
The development’s location is believed to be uniquely advantageous for a wide range of guests. It is adjacent to the University of Michigan central campus, close to both its north campus and downtown Ann Arbor and one short block from UofM’s new state-of-the-art hospital. The property includes apartment suites, meeting rooms, banquet facilities, retail space and a full-service restaurant and bar that will enhance the local neighborhood and community.
“Our plan is to incorporate the uniqueness of the community and rich history of the University of Michigan into the design and operation of the Vanguard Hotel,” said Craig Singer, leader of the Catherine Ann Development Company. “This property will be like nothing else ever built in Ann Arbor and will be as individual as the customers we serve.”
The City Council originally unanimously approved the project in December of 2017. It approved some technical changes to the project plan in late 2019. Full scale construction was to begin in 2020, but, of course, was delayed by the pandemic. The developers did site improvements during the hiatus. At this time, construction is “full steam ahead”. The general contractor for the project is Detroit’s Colasanti Construction Services. Opening is tentatively scheduled for late 2024.
The nine-story building will be mixed-use with 164 rooms and suites and 24 apartment suites. It will have a three-meal-per-day fine dining restaurant and bar, 12,000 sq. ft. of event and meeting room space and retail shops. There will be four underground floors of parking providing 241 parking spots. As part of the project, an environmental cleanup of the site will be completed by removal of contaminated soils without the aid of any brownfield tax incentives.
