Development News

Casa Bella Salon to open in Ann Arbor, benefit at-risk kids

Kali Wolf, Casa Bella Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Some salons are just salons, but not the new Casa Bella on N. Maple Rd. The hair, nails and massage spa won't just be servicing the beauty needs of clients, but also a very special community need. Owner Kaliah Wolf says that 90 percent of Casa Bella's profits will be used to fund Caron's Crazy Corral, Wolf's new non-profit that pairs at-risk children with therapeutic horse lessons.

"Some of these kids' parents are drug addicts; some are in jail," says Wolf. "Our mission is to teach them that they are only limited by their dreams."

The seven-month-old 501(c)(3) is located on Sylvan Rd. in Chelsea and has received an outpouring of support and interested from the community already. Within three months of opening, Caron's Crazy Corral was serving 25 local kids. Wolf is now developing a 4H program at farm, and is partnering with other non-profits to expand their services to more kids in need.

In the meantime, the 785 square-foot Casa Bella joins a rush of occupancy at the Maple Rd. shopping center in which Juicy Kitchen, El Harissa Market and a new tattoo shop have or are scheduled to open this year. Wolf says the sense of community in the complex is what drew her to the location.

"Everybody in the shopping center has been helpful and friendly," she says. "It's a little downtown there. "

Though not technically open yet, Casa Bella has been servicing a few clients in their new location and Wolf plans to open to the public soon. The salon currently employs a staff of three and Wolf is looking to hire another stylist, massage therapist and makeup artist.

Source: Kali Wolf, Casa Bella
Writer: Natalie Burg

Reimagine Washtenaw seeks feedback on future of Washtenaw Ave.

Nathan Voght, ReImagine Washtenaw Wednesday, May 15, 2013

It's no secret that things are happening on Washtenaw Ave. From the forthcoming Arbor Hills Crossing shopping center to new pedestrian walkways, the corridor between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti is in the midst of a transformation. With these changes in mind, the multi-jurisdictional land use planning and public transit initiative, ReImagine Washtenaw, wants to get public feedback on the future of the avenue.

"We want the public to review various corridor cross-section alternatives and give us their preference," says ReImagine Washtenaw Project Manager Nathan Voght. "We’re also asking for feedback on best locations for mid-block pedestrian crossings, and where other pedestrian safety enhancements may be needed."

The initiative is already involved in multiple projects to make Washtenaw Ave. friendlier to pedestrians and bicyclists and addressing traffic congestion and land use issues. Based on feedback from the public forums scheduled this month, future projects could address traffic congestion with a boulevard, a “road diet” or other variations. Voght says knowing what the public wants Washtenaw Ave. to be like will help ReImagine Washtenaw partners know how to act when the time is right.

"When MDOT funding becomes available, they will have a strong sense of what the community wants for the corridor," says Voght, "and we’ll be able to work quickly and efficiently to develop construction drawings for the work that achieves our goals."

The public forums will take place on May 28 and 29 at the Washtenaw County Service Center, May 30 at Carpenter Elementary School, and May 31 at EMU's McKenny Union. Additional details are available at: washtenawavenue.org.

Source: Nathan Voght, Washtenaw County
Writer: Natalie Burg

World of Beer aims to draw beer lovin' professionals to S. University

Chad Wilson, World of Beer Wednesday, May 08, 2013

As if 40 rotating taps of craft beers and 500 rotating bottles from craft breweries around the world weren't enough to get a beer lover excited about S. University's forthcoming World of Beer, co-owner Chad Wilson says the bar's true specialty will be a well-educated staff.

"All of our servers and bartenders go through a two-week beer school," says Wilson. "We give them a broad knowledge of beer. We'll have a great atmosphere and live music, but we'll also have a commitment to knowledge."

That means every server will be able to answer guests' questions about the flavor profiles and origins of the hundreds of beers available at the 3,000 square-foot World of Beer, which is scheduled to open in mid-June in the Landmark building with 35 to 40 employees.

University of Michigan graduates Wilson and co-owner Steve Rossi's decision to open on S. University was carefully made, even though they anticipate their typical patron to better fit the Main St. market over the more student-oriented S. University area.

"We'll brand ourselves as a different type of bar on South University," Wilson says. "We want to change the dynamic of the area, to introduce craft beer to the kids, and also to get some of the business professionals down there to make it a more universal destination."

The Ann Arbor World of Beer will be one of more than 40 locations of its kind in the United States. Wilson says World of Beer operates unlike a typical franchise, and the Ann Arbor location will be owned and operated by himself and Rossi, who are local to the area and will place an emphasis on Michigan beers. The co-owners plan to eventually open six World of Beer bars in the state.

Source: Chad Wilson, World of Beer
Writer: Natalie Burg

South State Street Corridor Plan inspires affordable housing proposal

Albert Berriz, McKinley Wednesday, May 01, 2013

With affordable housing projects underway in 25 communities around the United States, Ann Arbor's McKinley is no stranger to the concept – they just haven't had the opportunity to bring one to fruition locally, at least not yet.

The proposed changes to zoning included in the new South State Street Corridor Plan, however, could finally open the door for an affordable housing project to happen on a McKinley-owned parcel on State St. Should staff recommendations be approved, the area including that property would change from light industrial to an office zoning designation that would allow for multi-family residential use.

"It would be great to do this in Ann Arbor," says McKinley CEO Albert Berriz. "We hope we get the opportunity to do this. With all the setbacks affordable housing has had here, this would be a fun thing to see come to life."

Berriz clarifies that the target market for the affordable housing project would be those at around 60 percent of the area median income level. The current area median income is $59,737.

"This is the [demographic] that is least talked about," says Berriz. "They talk about homeless housing, but there's no effort in the area of workforce housing."

The S. State St. location is ideal for workforce housing, adds Berriz, because of its proximity to bus lines, as well as employment opportunities throughout the corridor, including Briarwood Mall.

No plans have yet been released about the number of units the affordable housing project could include, or the amount McKinley plans to invest in the development. Berriz plans to utilize the Michigan State Housing Development Authority's Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, but says no local or county assistance will be required for the project. McKinley plans to proceed with the development immediately upon approval of the South State Street Corridor Plan's zoning changes.

Source: Albert Berriz, McKinley
Writer: Natalie Burg

Michigan Vein Care Specialists opens Ann Arbor clinic

Dr. Suzanne Jones, Michigan Vein Care Specialists Wednesday, May 01, 2013

It may come as a surprise to many that 40 to 60 percent of people have some sort of vein disease. Even those that may be aware of their issues may not realize that non-invasive procedures are available to treat them. That is one of the reasons that after working with Chelsea Surgical Associates for several years, Dr. Suzanne Jones decided to focus her energies on vein issues, opening Michigan Vein Care Specialists on W. Eisenhower Pkwy.

"A lot of people are surprised to find out that their vein problems can be corrected so quickly," says Jones. "Some people go back to work the same day."

Michigan Vein Care Specialists offers laser and radiofrequency treatment in their new, 2,200 square-foot office. The business began seeing patients in January and will celebrate its grand opening on May 20.

"I love the location," says Jones of the W. Eisenhower Pkwy office. "It's very easy for patients to get to. I see a lot of patients from this side of town."

Including Jones, the new office employs a staff of five. As the business continues to grow, Jones hopes to bring in another practitioner and perhaps expand into a second Ann Arbor-area location. Michigan Vein Specialists will host a free screening event for vein issues on May 16.

Source: Dr. Suzanne Jones, Michigan Vein Care Specialists
Writer: Natalie Burg

Nutritional Healing Center doubles footprint, adds 5 new staff

Jessica Bonesteel, Nutritional Healing Center of Ann Arbor Wednesday, May 01, 2013

Growth has been a part of The Nutritional Healing Center of Ann Arbor since it opened in 2000. Now on its fourth expansion, the alternative health business was able to retain its N. Liberty location by growing into the suite next door.

"We basically busted down the wall in two places and made it a giant circle," says Jessica Bonesteel, office manager for The Nutritional Healing Center.

The expansion doubled the business' space to 5,000 square feet, allowing for new treatment rooms and the addition of massage therapy to the office's services.

The company signed the lease for the new space last summer and began construction in September. The space was fully functional in January, and The Nutritional Healing Center celebrated with an open house last week. Bonesteel says their growth can be attributed to the company's hands-on approach to each client's needs.

"We don't make general recommendations across the board," she says. "Everybody has their own gradient for what they can take on. So it's very tailored to that person's success."

The Nutritional Healing Center's staff has expanded as well. Since October, five new employees have been hired, bringing the total number of staff to 14.

Source: Jessica Bonesteel, Nutritional Healing Center of Ann Arbor
Writer: Natalie Burg

GetDowntown adds entertainment to May's Commuter Challenge

Nancy Shore, getDowntown Wednesday, April 24, 2013

After setting participation records last year, getDowntown's Commuter Challenge is shooting for new, higher goals and is incorporating art and music into this year's program.

"David Zinn is doing some great art this year," says getDowntown director Nancy Shore. "We are also focusing a lot more on teamwork this year so we will have a weekly team challenge each week."

Additionally, Shore says the well-known downtown street musician, the Violin Monster, is offering to serenade participating organizations on request during Green Commute Day, which will take place May 1. On Bike to Work Day, which will be May 17, getDowntown will be unveiling the first Bike House downtown in partnership with the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority.

As of last week, more than 700 employees from 172 organizations have signed up for this year's Challenge. With 239 organizations having taken part in 2012, the 2013 goals are to have 300 organizations and 2,500 participants involved in the Commuter Challenge.

"We know that the Challenge changes lives, gets people to try alternatives and inspires them to spread the word to others," says Shore. "Our long-term goals are to continue to make alternative transportation a way of life for Ann Arbor employees. We also hope the Challenge will help us continue to make the case for increased investment in alternative transportation in this region."

Source: Nancy Shore, getDowntown
Writer: Natalie Burg

Jerusalem Gardens looks to expand footprint and staff

Ali Ramlawi, Jerusalem Garden Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Though expansion plans for downtown Ann Arbor's Jerusalem Garden are preliminary, owner Ali Ramlawi says the popular restaurant is overdue for growth.

"We've always been short of space. For years, customers have said, 'you need to expand,'" Ramlawi says. "There have been several weekends when we've turned away as many customers as we've serviced."

The plans include an addition, a basement and rooftop seating that would add up to an additional 1,600 to 1,800 square feet of space, doubling the small restaurant's size and adding 40 to 50 additional seats. Though the plan could change as it moves through various stages of approval, Ramlawi hopes to have final word in 60 to 90 days.

"This is our wish list," he says.

Along with the historic building's physical expansion, Jerusalem Garden would increase its staff. Ramlawi says he would hire additional workers immediately if he had the room, but plans to add 15 new employees to his 25-person staff with the addition. Should the plans be approved, Ramlawi expects construction to take between 12 and 18 months.

Jerusalm Garden opened in 1987 as a 300 square-foot, take-out only restaurant. While the restaurant has evolved with the times, Ramlawi says it is a unique piece of Ann Arbor's history in an ever-changing downtown market.

Source: Ali Ramlawi, Jerusalem Garden
Writer: Natalie Burg

Second Glassbox Coffee location to open at Arbor Hills Crossing

Jason Friend, Glassbox Coffee Wednesday, April 17, 2013

A month after opening his first Glassbox Coffee location on S. University, owner Jason Friend has announced a forthcoming second, larger Glassbox Coffee to be located in Arbor Hills Crossing.

"For an independent coffee shop, having a chance to get in at a center like Arbor Hills Crossing is probably a once in a lifetime opportunity," says Friend. "The developers have done an outstanding job at getting in a stellar group of well known national stores as well as really making a very concerted effort to get local businesses in."

The second iteration of the café will still offer gourmet coffee and unique juices, but the 2,100 square-foot space will expand the capabilities of the new shop beyond the original, 700 square-foot Glassbox Coffee.

"We will have a full juice bar inside the shop, as opposed to the four to five juices we currently offer at the shop on South U.," Friend says. "The shop will definitely be one of a kind, from our very unique brewing equipment, to the distinct layout and design. We are also planning on eventually roasting in the space, which customers will be able to watch through glass walls."

Friend anticipates an Aug. 23 opening, and plans to hire a staff of about 15. Despite opening a second location so quickly, Friend currently has no plans for further expansion. His focus for now, he says, will be making both Glassbox Coffee locations the best they can be.

Source: Jason Friend, Glassbox Coffee
Writer: Natalie Burg

Unique twist on Asian sandwiches comes to S. University

Eric Joh, Belly Deli Wednesday, April 17, 2013

With the popularity of Vietnamese bánh mì sandwiches on the rise nationwide, it seemed like a perfect time for restaurateur Eric Joh and his partner to bring the trend to Ann Arbor – with their own take on the cuisine.

"Our sandwiches are inspired by bánh mì , but they aren't really authentic bánh mì,"says Joh of his new S. University restaurant, Belly Deli's specialty. "The only difference is that our meats are hot, and we have Korean-style beef. It's our own unique spin on the sandwich."

The breads used at Belly Deli are unique as well. While they have been using authentic Vietnamese breads made in Detroit, the owners are currently working with Great Harvest Breads to develop a new roll produced especially for them.

"Right now we're still working on the bread," says Joh. "Great Harvest is local, and they mill their own flour, so we're happy to be working with them. It's been hard to find the right kind of bread."

The new restaurant opened just over two weeks ago and employs a staff of 12. Belly Deli opened in the former, 700 square-foot No Thai location that was vacated after the popular eatery moved into the first floor of the Landmark building nearby. Joh is friends with the owners of No Thai, and says they have been helpful in developing the business. Some of the five Belly Deli co-owners are also co-owners of No Thai.

Joh says he hopes to soon add delivery service and eventually expand into multiple locations.

Source: Eric Joh, Belly Deli
Writer: Natalie Burg

NWP expands into 10,000 sq ft Eisenhower Corporate Park space

Tim Rogers, NWP Services Wednesday, April 17, 2013

It took Calif.-based NWP Services Corporation less than a year to outgrow its downtown Ann Arbor location, and the utility cost recovery and management solutions provider is now expanding into a 10,000 square-foot space in the Eisenhower Corporate Park on S. Industrial Hwy.

"We are very delighted and encouraged with the level of talent we have access to for both financial and technology services," says NWP Vice President of SmartSource Tim Rogers. "Ann Arbor also provides a location with easy access to great support services."

The office park location was chosen, Rogers says, for its easy access for customers, employees and partners. The build-out is currently underway, and NWP plans to move into the new office in early June. The larger size will also allow the office to continue to grow its presence in Ann Arbor.

" NWP has a long history of doing what we do well," says Rogers. "With the expansion into Ann Arbor, we are very excited about strengthening our presence in the region, and look forward to being a bigger part of the community."

NWP currently employs 35 at their Ann Arbor office. Rogers says he hopes that number will continue to grow, though no definite hiring plans are currently in place.

The Ann Arbor branch of NWP primarily supports the company's SmartSource service, which provides back-office outsourcing opportunities for property owners and managers.

Source: Tim Rogers, NWP Services
Writer: Natalie Burg

Birmingham-based Boyd Beauty opens Ann Arbor satellite

Shari Martuscelli, Boyd Beauty Wednesday, April 17, 2013

With a number of Ann Arbor clients and a resident himself, the decision of where to open a second location of Boyd Beauty practically made itself for Dr. Charles Boyd. After launching his first clinic in Birmingham three years ago, Boyd Beauty opened near Kroger on E. Stadium Blvd. this February.

"What we do here is enhance your natural beauty," says the Ann Arbor Boyd Beauty's lead practitioner, Shari Martuscelli. "We craft the perfect, individualized treatment plan for your needs."

Boyd Beauty offers such services as cool sculpting, skin tightening, injectables, chemical peels, facials, laser treatments and cosmetic surgery. The 1,400 square-foot office opened in early February, and a grand opening is anticipated in May.

What makes the new Boyd Beauty office truly unique, says aesthetic specialist Janet Kirk, is the staff.

"We work as a team," Kirk says. "We're really looking to achieve the best results. We look to each other and we work cohesively together to achieve that goal."

The new Ann Arbor office of Boyd Beauty employs Martuscelli and Kirk, in addition to owner Boyd. Martuscelli says their goal is to grow and add additional practitioners to the staff.

Source: Shari Martuscelli, Boyd Beauty
Writer: Natalie Burg

Gallup Park canoe livery to invest $563K in renovations

Cheryl Saam, Gallup Canoe Livery Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Ann Arbor's Gallup Park canoe livery will soon be more accessible, safer and easier to navigate after $563,398 of improvements coming to the property. Work is slated to begin late this week or early next week, will continue through Memorial Day, and will pick up again after Labor Day to avoid the livery's busy summer season.

Work will include ADA accessibility on trails to the waterfront and additions to existing docks that will better facilitate kayaks, as well as an ADA accessible kayak dock.

"The docks themselves are really exciting," says Gallup Park Facilities Supervisor Cheryl Saam. "These three new docks will be like fingers coming off [the existing dock]. One of the fingers will have an ADA accessible kayak dock. It's pretty difficult for anyone to get into a kayak, so that will be tremendous."

The project will also include improved wayfinding signage, separating a sidewalk and driveway for improved safety, an ADA accessible fishing dock and expansion of the patio outside of the livery coffee shop.

"We have had so much growth at the canoe livery," says Saam. "When it was designed in the '70s, we never dreamt of the capacity we're running at right now."

The project was made possible through a $300,000 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant. The remainder will be funded by the city. During pre-Memorial Day renovations, all Gallup Park operations and staff will be transferred to the Argo livery, which will be open seven days a week.

Source: Cheryl Saam, Gallup Canoe Livery
Writer: Natalie Burg

Phone Home Repair finds a home on E. Liberty

Kort Linden, Phone Home Repair Wednesday, April 03, 2013

Smartphone repair may have a reputation for being the territory of big box stores, but Kort Linden and Katrina Chizek are looking to change that image with Phone Home Repair on E. Liberty St. in downtown Ann Arbor.

"We wanted a retail setting," says Linden, "and to offer more unusual products, and have access to the downtown foot traffic in this area."

Phone Home Repair isn't Linden's first venture in the industry. Prior to moving to Ann Arbor with his fiancé, Chizek owned three phone repair shops in California. When the pair decided to move closer to Chizek's family in Plymouth, he sold his West Coast locations to set up shop on Liberty.

"There's not a lot of high-quality competition in this area," says Linden." So far, people have been really receptive."

The small, 700 sq. ft. shop opened March 26, and offers mobile device repair, customization and accessories. In addition to being independently owned, Linden says Phone Home Repair offers faster turnaround on repairs and lower prices on retail items.

Chizek and Linden spent about a month renovating the space themselves. The store is also staffed by the couple. Linden says he hopes to eventually expand Phone Home Repair by opening locations in other Michigan cities.

Source: Kort Linden, Phone Home Repair
Writer: Natalie Burg

Downtown A2 shop digitally preserves priceless media

Hanna Stelman, Priceless Photo Preservation Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Who doesn't have boxes full of photos, slides or home videos sitting around in their homes, waiting to be dealt with? The commonly procrastinated task of converting old media into new is for fairly good reason. Until recently, there just wasn't anywhere local to have the service done.

"We did our research and found the cheapest way to [convert] slides is to ship them to India," says Hanna Stelman, a University of Michigan School of Information graduate who focused on preservation of information. "Why would you want to fly your priceless slides somewhere?"

To give people another choice, Stelman and her partners Eric Hansen and Rob Hoffman created Priceless Photo Preservation, a business that converts an array of old media into usable and achievable digital media. All three partners have degrees in archiving.

"We make an effort to preserve things to archival standards," says Stelman, "meaning, files that aren't going to corrupt as easily. We also include compressed files to upload online."

Priceless Photo Preservation began from the partners' homes, but is celebrating the grand opening of their new downtown Ann Arbor location this week. Stelman says the business' growth necessitated the move to a dedicated space.

In addition to converting old media to new, the company can also enhance media, such as adding verbal recordings to media to archive memories along with images. Stelman says the goal of Priceless Photo Preservation is to expand beyond Ann Arbor into Grand Rapids and Detroit.

Source: Hanna Stelman, Priceless Photo Preservation
Writer: Natalie Burg

Ann Arbor : Development News