Welcome to 709 Ann Street, where world-renowned architect Irving Tobocman turned a quiet Birmingham block into his own personal canvas -- and the result is nothing short of extraordinary. This is not your average rental. This is a living, breathing work of architectural art, one that earned its place in the University of Michigan's architectural archives and now waits for someone who truly appreciates the intersection of design, comfort, and an address that puts you steps from everything downtown Birmingham has to offer.
Let that settle in for a moment. You are not simply renting a home. You are stepping into a residence that has been studied, admired, and documented for its contribution to contemporary architecture. And somehow, despite all of that prestige, this place manages to feel wonderfully, effortlessly livable. That is the magic of Tobocman's vision -- spaces that command attention without ever feeling pretentious, rooms that inspire without sacrificing warmth. From the moment you approach the property, the stunning contemporary design announces itself with quiet confidence. Clean lines, bold geometry, and a sense of proportion that feels both deliberate and organic greet you before you even cross the threshold. Step inside and prepare for the kind of architectural experience that most people only encounter in glossy design publications or carefully curated museum exhibits.
The first thing that will catch your eye -- and honestly, it might hold your gaze for a while -- is the floating staircase. Suspended with an almost gravity-defying elegance, it serves as both a functional element and a sculptural centerpiece. It is the kind of feature that makes guests stop mid-conversation and simply stare. You will never get tired of it. Trust us on that one.
Then there are the soaring floor-to-ceiling windows. These are not modest affairs. They are expansive, luminous walls of glass that dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior, flooding every corner of the home with natural light that shifts and plays throughout the day. Morning coffee here becomes a meditative experience as sunlight pours across the new flooring and illuminates the vast open spaces that define this home's character. The architectural intent is clear: to create rooms that breathe, that expand beyond their physical dimensions, and that make you feel simultaneously sheltered and free.
Speaking of those vast open spaces, the layout of this three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom residence spans an impressive thirty-three hundred and thirteen square feet of thoughtfully designed living area. Every square foot has been considered, every sightline intentional. The open concept flows with an intuitive rhythm that makes daily life feel effortless whether you are hosting an intimate dinner party for close friends or simply sprawling across the living room on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
And what a living room it is. Anchored by a brand-new linear fireplace that stretches across the wall with sleek, modern elegance, and complemented by a ninety-eight-inch television for those evenings when you want to lose yourself in a film or cheer on your favorite team in truly cinematic fashion, this space is designed for both grand entertaining and quiet evenings at home. The fireplace alone transforms the ambiance of the room -- a ribbon of flame that dances behind glass, casting a warm, ambient glow that softens the contemporary edges and invites you to linger just a little longer.
The kitchen has been outfitted with all new appliances, including an induction range that will delight anyone who takes their culinary pursuits seriously. Induction cooking offers precision, speed, and a level of control that traditional ranges simply cannot match -- and it looks incredibly sleek doing it. Whether you are a seasoned home chef or someone who simply appreciates having the best tools at your fingertips, this kitchen delivers without hesitation.
New flooring flows throughout the entire home, creating a cohesive aesthetic that ties every room together with understated sophistication. The entire home has been freshly painted, inside and out, giving the residence that crisp, move-in-ready feeling that makes settling in feel like a celebration rather than a chore. Everything here has been refreshed, renewed, and polished to perfection.
The newly finished lower level adds yet another dimension to the living experience. Whether you envision it as a media room, a home gym, a creative studio, or simply an additional gathering space for when the house is full of energy and laughter, this level expands the possibilities of how you use and enjoy this remarkable home.
Three bedrooms offer generous proportions and the same commitment to design excellence found throughout the rest of the residence. The primary bedroom serves as a true retreat -- a sanctuary where the architectural details create an atmosphere of calm sophistication. Two and a half bathrooms ensure that morning routines remain civilized, even on the busiest of days. There is no jockeying for mirror time here.
Step outside and discover an oversized patio that extends your living space into the open air. Perfect for alfresco dining, evening cocktails, or simply soaking up the Michigan seasons as they unfold around you, this outdoor area is generous enough to accommodate both large gatherings and quiet moments of solitude. The two-car detached heated garage is a genuinely thoughtful touch -- because anyone who has endured a Michigan winter knows the profound joy of stepping into a warm car on a frigid January morning. It is one of those luxuries that, once experienced, becomes absolutely non-negotiable.
For families with children or those with four-legged companions, the landlords will fence the property upon request, ensuring that your little ones and beloved pets have a safe, enclosed outdoor space to run, play, and explore. It is the kind of accommodating gesture that speaks volumes about the care and attention that has been invested in making this property not just a house, but a genuine home.
And then there is the location. Oh, the location. Nestled in the very heart of downtown Birmingham, 709 Ann Street places you within effortless reach of South Old Woodward Avenue -- one of metro Detroit's most celebrated stretches of boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and cafes. Stroll to dinner. Walk to your morning espresso. Wander through Shain Park on a golden autumn afternoon or let the kids burn off energy at nearby Barnum Park. Booth Park and the scenic Booth Trail offer those moments of natural beauty and gentle exploration that make Birmingham feel like so much more than just another affluent suburb. North Old Woodward Avenue extends the possibilities even further, with additional shopping, dining, and cultural experiences waiting just a pleasant walk from your front door.
This is downtown Birmingham living at its absolute finest -- the rare convergence of architectural significance, modern luxury, and a location that most people can only dream about. Yard maintenance and snow removal are included, which means your weekends belong entirely to you. No leaf blowing. No shoveling. Just the pure, unencumbered enjoyment of a home that was designed by one of the most celebrated architects in the region and has been meticulously prepared for its next chapter.
Opportunities like this do not come along often. An Irving Tobocman original, freshly updated from top to bottom, sitting in the most coveted pocket of Birmingham, available for lease -- it is the kind of listing that makes you pause, take a breath, and recognize that sometimes the right home finds you at exactly the right moment. This is that moment. Come experience 709 Ann Street for yourself, and discover what it feels like to live inside a work of art that also happens to feel perfectly, beautifully like home.