ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Pedestrians walking along South University Avenue shouldn’t be concerned if they see a bit of smoke and firefighters moving in-and-out of buildings over the next few weeks.
Starting Tuesday, and continuing through October, Ann Arbor Fire Department will turn the unused buildings between East University Avenue and Church Street into training grounds to practice different exercises.
The buildings on that block of South University Avenue will be demolished soon, so they provide a unique opportunity for the fire department to practice, according to Fire Chief Mike Kennedy of the Ann Arbor Fire Department.
The block is the former location of a PNC Bank, South U Pizza, several eateries, apartments and other shops.
Once the buildings are demolished, Hughs Properties will build Vic Village South, a mixed-use building, on the block.