Development News

IHA breaks ground on 44,000 sq ft Domino's Farms Medical Center

Bill Fileti, IHA Wednesday, June 19, 2013

A big change is underway at Domino's Farms that will change the way a number of local physicians do business and patients receive care. IHA, a local not-for-profit multi-specialty group of physicians recently broke ground on a 41,000 square foot facility at Domino's Farms where a number of existing IHA physicians spread throughout the area will consolidate in one building.

"Many of our practices are based in regional facility, which our patients tell us offer better access and more services," IHA President and CEO, Bill Fileti. "Our physicians and nurses tell us they like collaboration options that exist with other specialties under the same roof."

The $12 million development will also make IHA offices more regionally accessible, says Fileti. The conveniently located Domino's Farms facility came to be through a longtime relationship between IHA and Domino's Farms' leadership.

"We expressed what we were trying to accomplish, and they looked a us and said, 'I think we can help,'" says Fileti. "And they were right. We couldn't be more pleased with the location as we feel it will give us a long timer base to meet the needs of the community."

The groundbreaking on the development took place in May, and IHA plans to have the building enclosed in late Nov., and to have practices moving into the building in May 2014.

IHA currently employs more than 1,200 people. The new Domino's Farms Medical Center is expected to foster continued growth to the organization and their number of employees. The new facility will include offices specializing in internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, neurology, after hours care, imagine services, as well as other services that will be added.

Source: Bill Fileti, IHA
Writer: Natalie Burg

All About Furniture expands footprint with 20,000 sq ft retail space

Sanjay Panjwani, All About Furniture Wednesday, June 19, 2013

All About Furniture may be new to Jackson Rd., but owner Sanjay Panjwani has been in the Ann Arbor furniture game for years. The new, 20,000 square foot retail space represents Panjwani's entrance into the general retail market after selling directly to apartment developers and even diving into designing his own furniture.

"I wanted to take some risks and diversify," Panjwani says. "I was going to buy a warehouse, but this building was available and a good price, so I thought let's try it out."

The new store opened in the former home of House of Sofas, and Panjwani says the four to five months of renovations he put into the space have entirely transformed the building's look.

All About Furniture celebrated its grand opening last week. The store includes furniture for all rooms of the home, featuring both Panjwani's own designs as well as other brands.

"It's a diverse mix," says Panjwani. "It's mid- to high-end. We get all the upholstery made in the USA. Most of the furniture is made in the US, but we do have some imports."

While All About Furniture opens Panjwani's business up to a wider retail market, he'll continue to work directly with developers to furnish entire apartment complexes. He's found an ideal market in campus towns, having already expanded into the South Bend market. He hopes to soon move into the East Lansing market.

Source: Sanjay Panjwani, All About Furniture
Writer: Natalie Burg

Lake Village unveils expanded facilities in residential complex

Theodore J. Verner Jr., Habitat Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Chicago-based property management company Habitat has invested in their local apartment complex, Lake Village of Ann Arbor in the form of renovation and expansion of their facilities. The renovations were celebrated with a grand opening celebration in early June and an open house last week.

"The idea was to improve on what we feel is a premier apartment community in Ann Arbor," says Habitat Regional Vice President Theodore J. Verner Jr. "With our recent renovations, our residents now have access to some of the finest amenities in the Ann Arbor area. "

The renovations included the expansion and renovation of the fitness center, clubhouse, leasing center, business center and lounge. According to Verner, both residents and employees are thrilled with the upgrades. The investment was part of Habitat's desire to increase the value of their property, as well as further grow their business locally.

"The Habitat Company’s acquisition team is actively looking to grow the business and increase our total number of units under management," says Verner. "Ann Arbor is one of our core markets and we are looking at expanding in that market."

Source: Theodore J. Verner Jr., Habitat
Writer: Natalie Burg

Saline pizzeria to move into renovated downtown space, expand staff

Nick Wallen, Benito's Pizza Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Nick Wallen has been two things for nearly his entire life: a Saline resident and a part of the pizza business. A graduate of Saline High School and son of a Domino's Pizza district manager, it was perhaps inevitable that he and a friend would open their own pizza restaurant in Saline in 2011.

"One of the big perks about being in Saline is our pretty expansive network here," says Wallen. "We've had great support from the community."

Wallen and his partner decided to open a Benito's Pizza after meeting with the owner and his son. The small, regional restaurant has 25 stores throughout Southeast Michigan, and Wallen felt the local brand was a good fit for Saline.

He couldn't have been more correct. The Saline Benito's was recognized in their first year for having the largest increase in sales of all Benito's locations. The store's popularity, Wallen says, is a combination of their great food and service, and their involvement with the local school system.

With all of their success, Benito's is ready to grow in Saline. A renovation is currently underway on a historic building in Downtown Saline. Similar to the restaurant's current location, the 1,770 sq. ft. storefront will have limited seating, but will focus on delivery and takeout. The new downtown location will allow the Benito's location to expand into curbside pickup and selling pizza by the slice during events.

"The visibility is just awesome," says Wallen. "There aren't that many quick-serve food options downtown. Especially during the events, it'll be great that you can grab something quick and simple here."

Wallen expects the renovations and move to be complete by the end of August. The new location will allow him to expand his staff, adding up to five new employees to his staff of 10.

Source: Nick Wallen, Benito's Pizza
Writer: Natalie Burg

$3.6M historic renovation paves way for new EMU program

Jay Peterson, Eastern Michigan University Wednesday, June 12, 2013

At Eastern Michigan University, an exciting blend of history and innovation are about to make waves on campus. A brand new Physician Assistant (PA) Program is now in development, and it will make its home in the historic Rackham Hall, which will receive a $3.6 million renovation.

"Rackham Hall is the perfect setting for this program," says Jay Peterson, program director for the new PA program. "It's a historic building with high visibility in the center of campus. We have space to provide students with a great learning environment."

Built in 1939 with art deco design elements, Rackham Hall has its roots in healthcare, having housed the EMU Children’s Institute and several other programs. A photo still inside the building documents Eleanor Roosevelt's visit to the facility, which was the first of its kind when first built. To honor Rackham Hall's historic significance, EMU will be renovating its interior to be both meet the program’s modern needs and remain historically accurate.

"The building is so cool," Peterson says. "[Horace] Rackham is the guy who drew up the papers to incorporate Ford. This was a really significant building,"

Work on Rackham Hall is scheduled to begin in the fall and be completed by early next year in time for the new PR Program to begin in May 2014. The program will welcome 20 students in its first year with plans to grow to 30 in 2013 and level out at 40 the following year. The program will operate as a partnership with St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, which will create a joint simulation center, a human anatomy cadaver laboratory and clinical rotations experiences for its students.

According to Peterson, keeping the PA students locally will hopefully result in keeping more graduates local to fill the growing need for PAs in the area, particularly in primary care.

Source: Jay Peterson, Eastern Michigan University
Writer: Natalie Burg

Saline's My Urban Toddler opening second location in Arbor Hills Crossing

Rosa Lee, My Urban Toddler Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Some things are just meant to be. Rosa Lee had been thinking about opening a second location of her popular store My Urban Toddler for some time, and after reading an article about the mix of stores planned for the forthcoming Arbor Hills Crossing, she felt like she'd found the perfect home.

That feeling was validated when the project developer returned her call right away.

"He said, 'If I could have my pick, I want a hair salon and a baby store,'" Lee says. "He's like, 'I'm listening.'"

Within days, My Urban Toddler was on its way to becoming the newest addition to the Washtenaw Ave. shopping center. The rush is warranted. Lee signed her lease just 90 days before the planned opening of Arbor Hills Crossing in August. Fortunately, Lee's background as an architect has helped speed along the process.

"We're full steam ahead," Lee says. "Even before signing the official lease, I'd met with architects, who are my friends, and we started drawing up schematics designs."

The new, 2,200 square foot My Urban Toddler will feature the most popular items from the original store, including such services as a lactation specialist, bra fittings and breast pump rentals.

Lee hopes to begin work on her portion of the build out in mid-July and will open with the other shopping center businesses on Aug. 22. The new shop will employ a staff of about four to six part-time employees.

Source: Rosa Lee, My Urban Toddler
Writer: Natalie Burg

Knights to invest $900K in second Ann Arbor location in former Borders space

Don Knight, Knight's Steakhouse Wednesday, June 12, 2013

There's no question about it: Ann Arborites loves Knight's Steakhouse. And after looking around neighboring cities for several years to open what will be their third restaurant, the Knight family confirmed just how much they love Ann Arbor as well.

"We've looked around other cities, like Brighton," says Don Knight. "We put a lot of thought into it, but we kept coming back to Ann Arbor because we're really well known here."

The newest Knight's restaurant is set to open in January of 2014 on the first floor of the former Borders building in Downtown Ann Arbor. The 4,000 sq. ft. dining area will bring the family business' signature looks and food to a whole new audience with a downtown twist.

"It's not going to stray too far from the concept," says Knight. "We're definitely going to have some change in the menus. We'll have a more updated, fresher look, but it will still be very comfortable."

One thing that won't change, promises Knight, it’s the steakhouse's signature cocktails, famous for their potency.

"We'll probably have a few more martinis and stuff like that," he says. "But they'll be the same strength."

Work on the build out will begin in August. Knight anticipates the development will be about a $900,000 investment and will create 30 to 40 jobs. The restaurant will seat around 150 diners inside and an outdoor patio could seat another 40.

Source: Don Knight, Knight's Steakhouse
Writer: Natalie Burg

$110M gift to create innovative grad housing at UM

Peter Logan, University of Michigan Wednesday, June 12, 2013

The largest donation in University of Michigan history will fund an innovative new housing option for graduate students downtown.

"The University has had a very strong relationship with Charles Munger for the past several years," says UM Housing Communications Director Peter Logan. "He provided funding for the Lawyers Club, and it was out of that contribution that the idea of a graduate residence began to formulate."

Munger's $110 million donation will help fund the 600-bed graduate residence in two ways. While $100 million will go toward the construction of the estimated $180 million facility, the remaining $10 million will fund a unique fellowship program for graduate students who will play a role in the residence.

Munger also funded a graduate housing project at Stanford University. This project, says Logan, will build upon his original idea for that development.

"He talked about carrying that vision forward into something that would have more collaborative living arrangements," he says, "something that would go even further than the Stanford residence."

While details and plans are still underway, the development is intended to be constructed on S. Division and include innovative community spaces to foster collaboration among graduate students.

Source: Peter Logan, University of Michigan
Writer: Natalie Burg

Local leaders honored at second annual Regional Transit Awards dinner

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

With southeast Michigan's Regional Transit Authority underway and M1-Rail about to break ground, a crowd of over 150 transit advocates had considerable cause for a buoyant mood as they strolled the stately gardens and ballroom of the Grosse Pointe War Memorial at Transit Riders United's second annual Regional Transit Awards dinner on May 21st.

"Developing a quality regional transit system is a marathon, not a sprint," said Megan Owens, TRU's Executive Director. "It's important to pause and recognize progress, and the people who are making a difference."

The Citizen Activist of the Year Award went to Neil Greenburg, whoseFreshwater Railway website depicts a fictional Michigan rail system. Greenberg, a self-taught professional transit cartographer and operations consultant, developed the site to garner support for transit by offering a visual experience of the possibilities. Tools to rally public support are needed now more than ever, according to Greenberg.

"It's too early to say 'Mission Accomplished'," he said. "We are at the beginning, not the end."

Michele Hodges, who until recently served as Executive Director of the Troy Chamber of Commerce, won the Corporate Transit Champion Award forengaging business, education, and labor leaders in the successful fight against former Troy mayor Janice Daniel's attempt to reject federal funding for the Troy Transit Center.

The Unsung Hero Award went to former legislator Marie Donigan, who worked to establish the RTA and make state laws and funding sources friendlier to transit. Donigan continues her transit advocacy work, recently helping to coordinate a 2-day Metro Detroit Transit Workshop.

Dennis Schornack, Senior Strategic Advisor to Governor Snyder, won Most Effective Public Servant Award for his work shepherding the RTA legislation through the political process.

A Transit Employee of the Year Award went to Detroit Department of Transportation bus driver Michael Childs, who was nominated by a rider for being on-time with a big, welcoming smile every day, despite an increased workload owing to recent cuts in DDOT funding and service.

Ann Arbor Transit Authority's new AirRide program, which now provides daily round-trip service between Ann Arbor and Detroit Metropolitan Airport, won the Exemplary Innovation Award.

The TRU board sprung two surprises: a Transit Opportunities Award for the entire RTA Board, and an Above and Beyond Award for Owens for her work at TRU.

Winners were selected by a panel of 4 judges, including Clark Harder, former legislator and Michigan Public Transit Association Executive Director, Heather Carmona, chief administrative officer of M1 Rail, Sue Zielinsli, managing director of Sustainable Mobility & Accessibility & Research & Transformation at the University of Michigan, and Polly Sedewa, transit activist and past TRU board member.

Writer: Nina Ignaczak

The Gown Shop grows into adjacent space, expands offerings

Stacy Fork, The Gown Shop Wednesday, June 05, 2013

The Gown Shop in downtown Ann Arbor has nearly doubled in size, but owner Stacy Fork says the expansion won't change the bridal boutique's focus on personal service.

"The Gown Shop expansion stemmed from the desire to cater to more brides, but still offer our signature private appointment experience," Fork says.

The 1,200 square-foot shop expanded into an adjacent 1,100 square-foot space, providing room for new bridal suites separated by shoppers' desired price points. Additionally, The Gown Shop now also carries social dresses for bridesmaids and special occasions.

The expanded space is currently open for business. Fork says she is currently examining the best way to grow The Gown Shop in other ways, but still maintain the atmosphere of a small shop.

"We are able to service more brides and also welcome new clients that may not be in their own wedding mode quite yet," she says, "as well as offering more distinguished and exclusive designers to the state of Michigan and those who visit The Gown Shop."

Source: Stacy Fork, The Gown Shop
Writer: Natalie Burg

Classic book arts meet high tech tools at new boundedition studio

Laura Earle, boundedition Wednesday, June 05, 2013

The book arts industry is undergoing a considerable amount of change, and so are the options for studying them in Ann Arbor. When Hollander's announced the end of their School of Book & Paper Arts, a group of local bibliophiles decided they would both pick up where the traditional books arts school left off – as well as introduce new technologies into the community.

"Ann Arbor has a rich history of producing high-quality books," says boundedition partner Laura Earle. "There are a number of people in the area who love all things bibliophile."

Boundedition opened this week on Plaza Dr. inside the Maker Works space. The LLC is a partnership between five book lovers and book arts instructors, including Earle, Jim Horton, Barbara Brown, Tom Veling and Gene Alloway. The member-based community will offer classes in the classic book arts, such as bookbinding, but will also partner with Maker Works to blend high tech tools into the process.

"It's definitely old world craftsmanship meets new world technology," says Earle.

This could include incorporating such tools as laser cutters into traditional bookbinding techniques, or creating books out of unconventional materials. Earle says she hopes the community will attract a new generation of people interested in learning the book arts. Ultimately, she says, the member-based business will become whatever the members make it.

"This is a really innovative, creative community," she says. "I have high hopes that they'll do interesting things with it."

Source: Laura Earle, boundedition
Writer: Natalie Burg

New memory wing adds 28 beds, up to 15 jobs at Ypsi's Gilbert Residence

Doreen Mannino, Gilbert Residence Wednesday, June 05, 2013

An effort to meet the changing needs of residents has led Ypsilanti's Gilbert Residence to complete a new 14,200-square foot, 28-bed Memory Wing to its facility. The addition is part of a $7.2 million investment in the assisted living and nursing care facility.

"The design of the unit, resident rooms, and resident bathrooms allow the resident to function independently when appropriate," says Doreen Mannino of Gilbert Residence, "as well as allowing the caregivers to provide assistance in a safe and efficient manner."

According to Mannino, the project began in late 2010 when Gilbert Residence decided to purchase vacant land north of the existing facility and expand its dementia unit. The Memory Wing creates a new balance of services at Gilbert Residence, which is now one-third assisted living, one-third memory care, and one-third nursing.

Residents will begin moving into the Memory Wing this week, and renovations to the remaining 35,000 square feet of the facility will commence. This will include a "Main Street" area with common spaces for residents and their guests.

"The centerpiece of this project is the wellness center with fitness equipment and programming for residents and staff," says Mannino. "Main Street will include a library/lounge, movie theatre, game room, fitness center, and bistro-style dining."

The $7.2 million project will also expand staffing at Gilbert Residence. Mannino says an additional 13 to 15 fulltime equivalent employees will be added to meet the needs of the expanded facility.

Source: Doreen Mannino, Gilbert Residence
Writer: Natalie Burg

VEO Art Studio brings classes and community to Chelsea art scene

Elizabeth Wilson, VEO Art Studio Wednesday, June 05, 2013

Elizabeth Wilson knows art, and she knows education. With two master's degrees, one in fine art and the other in health education, she has worked for the University of Michigan since 1985 in a number of positions including medical illustrator. Now she's returning to the basics of her passion for art with VEO Art Studio in downtown Chelsea, offering a variety of classes in sculpture, drawing and more.

"I started looking around Chelsea and I fell in love with the space," Wilson says. "It's so warm, and it just feels good to be here. You walk across the street for some coffee and run into people you know. It's an ideal work environment."

Though VEO Art Studio began taking its first students in January, Wilson has been dreaming up the concept for some time. In fact, she came up with the name a decade ago.

"'Veo' means 'I see' [in Spanish]," says Wilson, "and in teaching art, I think that one of the biggest thing you learn is how to see, to be analytical about seeing. The core of learning and teaching art is seeing."

Wilson offers single introductory courses as well as a series of classes and intensive courses. She has partnered with other local artists to expand her class offerings. Wilson hopes to continue making partnerships in the art community in Chelsea to eventually built a cooperative where artists can share resources and provide a larger variety of courses and events.

VEO Art Studio is located in an 800-square foot space on N. Main St. in Chelsea.

Source: Elizabeth Wilson, VEO Art Studio
Writer: Natalie Burg

Wildly Fit offers personal training, outdoor fun with new studio

Amy Wilds, Wildly Fit Wednesday, June 05, 2013

Personal trainers Amy and Christian Wilds were drawn to Ann Arbor because of the community's commitment to health and fitness. Now the husband and wife team are helping Ann Arborites keep that commitment with their new personal training and fitness studio, Wildly Fit.

"Both my husband and I are degreed – mine is in kinesiology and his is in exercise science," says Amy Wilds. "We started in corporate fitness, but we decided we wanted to do a small personal training studio with classes. We just settled in with Ann Arbor and love the community."

Wildly Fit opened in early 2013 in a 1,000 square-foot studio on Felch St. near downtown in Ann Arbor. Now that the weather has broken, they've expanded their usable space outdoors with an outdoor gym area. The Wilds celebrated their grand opening with a kick-off party last week.

The new studio focuses on one-on-one personal training and classes that are small enough to maintain a feeling of intimacy. Wilds says all four trainers at Wildly Fit are American College of Sports Medicine-certified, something that makes a big difference in their work.

"We feel that having that knowledge and having a small facility gives such personal attention help you focus on your goals," says Wilds.

The Wilds hope to continue growing their clientele, and plan to offer more programs for kids.

Source: Amy Wilds, Wildly Fit
Writer: Natalie Burg

Dexter artist opens art, gardening, & design hub with 3.5-acre Bloom!

Gretchen Warner, Bloom! Garden Center Wednesday, May 22, 2013

To say that the former Sloan's Nursery and Dexter Gardens has reopened under new ownership doesn't quite cover it. The new Bloom! Garden Center and Elemental Design on Baker Rd. in Dexter is a nursery, garden boutique, art gallery and hub of landscaping and design-related businesses.

"[Owner Traven Pelletier] wanted to have a place where a lot of people could explore their passion and work collectively," says Gretchen Warner of Bloom!

The eight-person office staff of Bloom! and Elemental Design is housed in a 1,600 square-foot space in a renovated historic barn on the 3.5 acre property. The innovative space also includes a 2,000 square-foot retail shop and a 700 square-foot art gallery.

"The gallery space is very neat because you can see up to the ceiling," says Warner. "We currently have four artists exhibiting and they're all local."

The businesses owned by Pelletier are joined by Poseidon Ponds & Landscaping and Serge van der Voo Landscapes, companies that serve as collaborators with Bloom! and Elemental Design as well as offering expanded services to customers.

Bloom! Garden Center opened in April just a few months after Pelletier took ownership of the property in January. After a tough month of weather, they celebrated their grand opening during the first weekend of May with sunshine and an outpouring of community support. Bloom! features locally-sourced flowers, trees and shrubs, and offers free gardening workshops.

In addition to office staff, Bloom! employs three project supervisors and seasonal work crews. Beginning this week, the business will host a booth from nearby White Lotus Farms offering fresh goat cheese, breads and produce.

Source: Gretchen Warner, Bloom! Garden Center
Writer: Natalie Burg