PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI — A Birmingham-based developer is eyeing a 22-acre site in Pittsfield Township for a mixed-used project.

Bob Gibbs of Gibbs Planning Group aims to create a pedestrian-friendly environment at 6464 S. State St., targeting young professionals, families and empty-nesters. Gibbs submitted a proposal for “Sutherland Square” to the Pittsfield Township planning department and expects to share more details in a public meeting this month, he said. The proposal has not yet been approved.

“This will be Ann Arbor’s first new urban community,” Gibbs said. “It’s going to be a complete neighborhood. It’s going to include some cafes and shops, probably a coffee shop and bakery, professional office…it’ll be a neighborhood everyone can walk to.

“We’re building all the houses with alleys so the garages will be in the back, so we’re putting in large generous front porches for socialization,” Gibbs continued.

The developer is planning 200 residences ranging from townhomes, carriage homes, single-family cottages, duplexes and lofts. A 6-acre nature preserve and parks are expected to take up 40% of the site, along with community gardens, an open area town square, sidewalks and trees, and a clubhouse with a pool and community rooms for events.

It is unclear whether units will be for sale or rent but Gibbs aims to provide units priced for tenants moving into their first home to those looking for upscale options.

If the project is approved, the plan is to have it open by winter 2021, Gibbs said.

“We expect this to be a new model for the whole area. Everything is being designed for safe walkability,” Gibbs said. “We’ve presented to the adjacent homeowners and got favorable feedback.”