Addiction Treatment Services announced Thursday it is opening a new sober living residence in downtown Traverse City.

Citing the "housing crisis in the area," ATS stated it had purchased a five-unit residential property near the intersection of State and Gilbert streets and "will begin renting out space immediately." The organization continued: "This is not a recovery home (transitional home). This is rental housing for people who want to live in a safe, sober and affordable home. We understand appropriate housing is criticial for many individuals seeking sustained recovery. This is our commitment to make that a reality."

Rent in the five-bedroom, five-bath home starts at $600 with all utilities included. Reserved parking space is included, with garage space available for an extra fee. Rentals are on a month-to-month basis. Tenants must pledge to refrain from smoking and storing/consuming illegal substances and on-premise alcohol as part of the rental agreement. Common areas in the home are furnished, with individual bedrooms unfurnished. Interested tenants can call 231-346-5216 or email here for more information.

ATS' announcement follows a decision by Traverse City's board of zoning appeals in May to uphold the right of another nonprofit organization to operate a sober living house in a downtown residential neighborhood. TC Retreat operates a home that can accommodate up to six residents on Comanche Street, less than a mile away from ATS' new property. Both organizations stress their sober living residences do not offer programming or staff services on-site, differentiating them from residential care or treatment facilities, which are a forbidden use under the city's zoning code in single-family dwelling districts.