Subtext, a national real estate company focused on elevating the resident experience, has officially opened VERVE Ann Arbor, a new 12-story, 741-bed student housing development near the University of Michigan.
Marking a first-of-its-kind integration for Subtext, VERVE Ann Arbor features a ground-level, full-service lobby coffee shop operated by local favorite, Misfit Society Coffee Club. The amenity enhances daily life for residents by providing a convenient, vibrant space to grab coffee, meet neighbors and engage with the local community. Now open to the public, Misfit Society Coffee Club at VERVE Ann Arbor is the brand’s second location in the city.
“Bringing a full-service coffee shop into the lobby at VERVE Ann Arbor was a bold step in rethinking how we design an active lobby lounge,” said Tim VanMatre, Founding Partner, Subtext. “From concept to opening, we programmed an environment that seamlessly blends daily convenience, community connection and social energy. Residents and the broader community can now experience a space that truly elevates everyday living.”
“This collaboration is a first proof of concept that we couldn’t be more excited about,” added Brad Goulding, Head of Brand, Misfit Society Coffee Club “The lobby at VERVE is not only a beautiful space—it feels like a natural extension of the welcoming, creative refuge our café is known for, and the perfect complement to our brand.”
VERVE Ann Arbor’s amenity offerings reflect the growing demand for housing that blends identity, design and experience. With holistic wellness at the forefront, the development responds to the values of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, who increasingly prioritize both mental and physical health. Key features include:
- Rooftop inclusive of a pool deck, hot tub, outdoor kitchen with grilling stations, poolside jumbotron, yard games, lounge areas and private cabanas with TVs
- Penthouse clubroom with fireplace and club kitchen
- A two-story fitness center with cardio and strength equipment
- Yoga studio, sauna and wellness rooms
- Private conference rooms and ample open study spaces
- Dog park
- Electronic package locker with 24/7 package pickup
- On-site bike storage with repair services
- EV stations
“We’ve spent years building in this market and developing a deep understanding of what students in Ann Arbor truly want,” said Brandt Stiles, Founding Partner, Subtext. “VERVE represents the culmination of that experience—a next-level development that redefines what student housing can be. From strategy and design to the resident experience, this project reflects our commitment to raising the bar and delivering something truly distinctive.”
VERVE Ann Arbor was developed in partnership with FrontRange Capital and Kayne Anderson Real Estate. The financing was arranged with a syndicate of lenders led by Webster Bank. Architecture was led by WDG Architecture and interiors were led by ESG Architecture & Design. General contracting was led by Brinkmann Constructors, representing their eleventh project with Subtext and underscoring a longstanding partnership across the country.
VERVE Ann Arbor is Subtext’s third development in Ann Arbor representing the company’s ongoing commitment to the market. Previous developments include Six11 and The Yard.
