Hi there
Neighbor

The Old West Side approximately follows the borders of the “Old Second Ward” in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Mostly settled by German immigrants between the mid-19th and early 20th centuries, it’s a collection of about 2,000 households amidst parks, schools, industry, and the underground waterways of Allen Creek. Learn more on our History page.

In addition to enjoying a more historic environment - including walkable schools and retail - living in a historic district mostly means changes to the exterior of your house and outbuildings, additions, and new structures (Accessory Dwelling Units [ADUs], garages, etc.) are regulated by both zoning AND the local historic district ordinance. The Ann Arbor Preservation Alliance offers useful information to help navigate the process of designing and getting regulated changes approved by Ann Arbor’s Historic District Commission.

The city has provided a Historic District Map page to help you determine whether a property is located in one of Ann Arbor’s 15 historic districts. Essentially, you can use their maps (which are also on our website under About / Maps), search the City Assessor’s website, or use their zoning maps. This is all explained, with links, on their web page.

If you find your property is in the OWS historic district, then the regulations governing historic districts mentioned above apply to you.

Absolutely! Start by signing up for the OWSA email list, which will help you stay apprised of events and other ways to connect. You might find perusing the links on our webpage will help you learn more about how and where to socialize with your neighbors.

We also encourage all residents of the OWS to organize a block party on their block to bring neighbors together. Visit the City of Ann Arbor’s permits page to get started (Click here and scroll down to “Block Party Permits”).

That’s a great question! So we created a whole OWS Amenities and Attractions page to help you out. If there’s something you’re looking for that’s not there, just shoot us a message. We’ll try to help.

We’ve created a Schools page that answers all your questions. You can also access it through our Amenities and Attractions page above.

Also on our Amenities and Attractions page, under Home Renovation.

Check out the Places to Stay section of our Amenities and Attractions page.

The city has you covered at its Trash, Recycle, and Compost page.

Ann Arbor is governed by a City Council of eleven members - an at-large mayor and two representatives from each of five wards. The OWS is in Ward 5.

Typically, polling locations are the various K-12 public schools around the neighborhoods. Please see the city’s Elections page for polling locations and comprehensive election information.