Before:After:State Street Median Beautification
Status: In Progress w/ Est. Completion Fall 2026
The medians running along State Street between Eisenhower and I-94 have been falling apart for years – not exactly the friendly welcome mat Ann Arbor deserves. This fall, the BIZ and the City of Ann Arbor are changing that.
Cracked asphalt out, sustainable landscaping in. We’re creating something green and welcoming on a stretch of road that's been overdue for TLC for decades.
"Partnerships like this help us deliver public improvements that are both practical and meaningful for the community," said Paul Matthews, Ann Arbor's Public Works Manager. "The State Street median enhancements will replace aging infrastructure with more attractive, sustainable landscaping that supports a cleaner, more welcoming environment for everyone who lives, works, and travels through the Southside."
This is just our first act. We're optimistic that visible improvements like this will attract additional private investment and inspire greater involvement from businesses across the district.
October 2026
Construction in Progress
What the State Street Project Involves
Crews got started at the end of September, working along State Street between Eisenhower and I-94. They have started clearing out the cracked asphalt in these medians. Once it’s gone, new landscaping and visual enhancements will take its place, giving the business corridor a cleaner, more inviting look.
Jeff Hauptman, Oxford Companies’ CEO and chair of the Southside BIZ Board of Directors, says the moment is a big one for the people behind it. “Seeing crews on State Street is a milestone for everyone who has worked to make this happen,” he said. “This project started as a shared idea among property owners, community partners and the City, and now it’s becoming something people will see every time they drive into town. We appreciate the community’s patience while the work is completed.”
Impact on Traffic in the Southside Corridor
State Street is a primary hub into downtown Ann Arbor. The good news for commuters is that you shouldn’t notice much of a slowdown. Because the work is happening in the medians, any lane closures will be brief and temporary.
The improvements will roll out in phases, with sustainable landscaping and low-maintenance upkeep as the guiding priorities. There’s no firm finish date yet, because planting and final touches depend on the weather and the growing season. However, the goal is for the new medians to be in full bloom by next summer.
State Street Transformation Plan
The medians are just the beginning of what the Southside BIZ has in store. The organization is focused on beautification, wayfinding, public art, and other neighborhood upgrades across the business district. It’s a collaborative partnership, supported by Briarwood Mall, MAVD, Kensington Hotel, CIG, Destination Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor SPARK, and area property owners, all investing in the Southside’s future.
Oxford Companies, is proud to be part of the team of neighbors and business partners working to make these improvements happen. A great first impression benefits everyone, from the businesses along the corridor to the residents and visitors who travel it every day.