529 Elm Street is located just one block from the University of Michigan's central campus on one of Ann Arbor's oldest streets. The infill lot, the last on the street, originally functioned as the side yard for the adjacent historic house. The concept for the house originated from the idea of resolving the tension between a new development encroaching upon the side yard landscaping. The structure is a simple rectangular form with sections cut away allowing existing and new landscaping to become an integral part of the void areas. The result is a resolution between former garden and new building.

The residence contains 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 1 den, and common spaces for all residents, and is Ann Arbor's second LEED (Gold) student rental house. The Packard house, completed in 2010, designed by Warren Samberg is the first LEED (Silver) student rental house in Ann Arbor. The Elm house has similar interior finishes as well as similar ‘green' features. Sustainable features include rain gardens to manage storm water, low flow plumbing fixtures, low E windows, a heat recovery ventilation system, low VOC paints, and energy efficient lighting.