The Treeline: Transforming Ann Arbor
written by Greg L. Hughes
Think of Ann Arbor without the iconic Michigan Theater's luminous marquee lighting up Liberty Street, or a football season without the roar of over 100,000 fans at the Big House. Imagine downtown lacking the perpetual line of hungry patrons outside Zingerman's Deli, or spring without cherry blossoms at Nichols Arboretum. These beloved landmarks aren't just places — they're the threads that weave together Ann Arbor's unique character. Now, our city stands on the cusp of creating its next great landmark: The Treeline Urban Trail.
Unlike traditional landmarks that anchor specific locations, the Treeline will be a dynamic connector, threading through Ann Arbor's urban core from Argo Dam to Michigan Stadium. This isn't just another path — it's a bold reimagining of how we experience our city, much like how the State Theater transformed the way Ann Arbor experiences cinema, or how the Big House became synonymous with fall Saturdays in Michigan.
The vision for the Treeline goes beyond creating a simple trail. Following the historic Allen Creek's path, this 30-foot-wide urban corridor will blend seamlessly into our cityscape, featuring separated pedestrian and bicycle paths, native landscaping, and innovative stormwater management systems. Picture game day crowds streaming safely along a tree-lined promenade from downtown to Michigan Stadium, or families exploring interactive art installations while learning about Ann Arbor's natural heritage.
Just as Zingerman's has become more than a deli — evolving into a community institution that draws visitors from across the country — the Treeline promises to be more than a trail. It will serve as an outdoor gallery for public art, a living classroom for environmental education, and a green artery pumping vitality through our city's core. The trail will transform barriers into bridges, connecting neighborhoods that were once divided by the Allen Creek valley.
The project exemplifies Ann Arbor's commitment to sustainable urban development. While Michigan Theater preserves our cultural heritage through film and performance, the Treeline will preserve our environmental heritage by incorporating rain gardens, bioswales, and native species plantings. These features won't just create a beautiful landscape — they'll help manage stormwater runoff and improve our city's resilience to climate change.
Recent progress at the 415 W. Washington Street site, where demolition work has begun while preserving the historic chimney swift habitat, demonstrates how the Treeline will honor our past while building for the future. This transformation mirrors how the Michigan and State Theaters have maintained their historic charm while evolving to meet contemporary needs.
The Treeline's impact will ripple through our community in countless ways. Just as the Big House drives economic activity during football season, this urban trail will boost year-round economic vitality by increasing property values, attracting businesses, and enhancing tourism. More importantly, it will provide a safe, sustainable transportation alternative that connects people to jobs, recreation, and each other.
As Ann Arbor continues to grow and evolve, the Treeline will become as fundamental to our city's identity as our existing landmarks. It will be difficult to imagine Ann Arbor without this green corridor connecting our riverfront to downtown, just as it's impossible to picture our city without the classic neon glow of the State Theater or the weekend bustle at Zingerman's.
The Treeline represents more than just infrastructure — it's a testament to Ann Arbor's values of sustainability, community, and innovation. Like our most beloved landmarks, it will become a source of civic pride, a driver of economic vitality, and a catalyst for community connection. As demolition crews clear the way at 415 W. Washington, we're not just making space for a trail — we're paving the way for Ann Arbor's next great landmark.
Whether you're a daily commuter, weekend explorer, or occasional visitor, the Treeline will transform how you experience Ann Arbor. Just as generations of residents and students have made memories at Michigan Stadium or shared meals at Zingerman's, future Ann Arborites will create their own traditions along this vibrant urban trail. The path to this vision is being cleared today, one step at a time, as we work together to weave the Treeline into the essential fabric of our beloved city.
Updates
Learn more about the Treeline Project, initiatives, and our team members.