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

Rosales Insurance Agency opens Saline office with 3 new staff members

Susan Rosales, Rosales Insurance Agency Wednesday, May 15, 2013

In a world in which so many people buy insurance from faceless companies online, Susan Kirk Rosales hopes to bring real relationships into the equation with her new business, Rosales Insurance Agency in Saline.

"We try to get to know our clients," says Rosales. "You're going to need us when you're in a time of need. You want to know that when we're there in a time of crisis, you can recognize that face."

In addition to insurance, Rosales offers financial services to her clients in the new E. Michigan Ave. office. Her office, which is affiliated with State Farm Insurance, opened in January and celebrated its grand opening this month.

"It's growing area here, a great place to be," Rosales says of her location, which formerly served as home to a dry cleaner. "We're in Saline, near Ann Arbor and near Ypsilanti. It's going very well."

Rosales recently moved back to the Ann Arbor area where she grew up after living in Texas for six years. She returned to the area to be closer to family. She hopes Rosales Insurance will grow to be deeply involved in the community through civic organizations and support of local kids' groups.

The new, 800 square-foot office currently employs Rosales and three additional team members.

Source: Susan Rosales, Rosales Insurance Agency
Writer: Natalie Burg

All Paws Grooming brings love of pets and Ypsi-made products to Hewitt Rd.

Annette Collins, All Paws Grooming Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Annette Collins is no stranger to the pet business. Between herself and her four groomers at All Paws Grooming on Hewitt Rd. in Ypsilanti, the new business brings 47 years of experience to customers.

"People really like us because we're so dog-friendly," says Collins. "When the dogs come in they start wagging their tails, and everything is dog proof, so they can snoop around all they want."

All Paws Grooming opened in an approximately 2,000 square-foot bungalow in late March, and already, Collins says the business is even busier than she and her husband had hoped.

"We opened with a bang," she says. "Our pastor came and blessed the place when we opened, and we've had great success."

In both her dog grooming products and her retail items, such as collars and doggies' clothing, Collins focuses on stocking American-made inventory. She also carries several Ypsilanti-made products. As a local business, she says supporting other local entrepreneurs is a high priority.

Eventually, Collins hopes to add daycare, as well as dog obedience classes for her clients at the new facility. Clients also benefit from her son's massage therapy business, which is located above All Paws. Clients can get a massage after dropping off their pets for grooming.

Source: Annette Collins, All Paws Grooming
Writer: Natalie Burg

Unity Vibration adds staff, opens new tasting room

Tarek Kanaan, Unity Vibration Living Kombucha Tea Wednesday, May 08, 2013

It's been a busy year for Ypsilanti kombucha brewer Unity Vibration. The company, founded by Rachel and Tarek Kanaan after they began experimenting with brewing their own kombucha and kombucha beer in 2006, has expanded the reach of their product from two markets to 12 since January of last year. Today, Unity Vibration kombucha is sold in Michigan, Chicago, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Maine, Florida, Washington, Oregon, L.A., San Francisco and Sacramento.

"It takes time to grow a truly unique product and create a category," says Rachel Kanaan of Unity Vibration's unique kombucha beer. "We get a lot of positive feedback everyday, so we know it's worth growing at a healthy rate."

There's evidence of the small company's growth at their headquarters as well. The Kanaans have hired a staff of four, and are now building a new tasting room in their Ypsilanti brewing facility.

"We wanted more direct contact with our customers," says Tarek Kanaan, "and it seemed like a cool thing to do. Eventually we will have a tasting room either in Depot Town or Michigan Ave, which will be much more of a healthy foods, kombucha, music-venue kind of hip spot."

The first Unity Vibration tasting room is currently under construction in the company's Ecorse Rd. facility. Though the footprint will be small, it will include a bar and a 'keezer,' which is a converted freezer with six taps coming out of it. At the tasting room, visitors will be able to buy growlers, as well as packaged products, and taste samples.

The Kanaans plan for continued growth down the road as well. They hope to expand their operations to include a farm where their ingredients can be grown, and to hire additional staff. In the meantime, they'll keep growing their list of new kombucha flavors, including the new Bourbon Peach, Kombucha Pale Ale and their seasonal Kombucha Tea Cranberry Clementine.

Source: Rachel and Tarek Kanaan, Unity Vibration Living Kombucha Tea
Writer: Natalie Burg

Bits and Pizzas to bring unique Italian recipes to Dexter

Rob D'Oria, Bits and Pizzas Wednesday, May 08, 2013

Rob and Mindy D'Oria's forthcoming Bits and Pizzas restaurant in Dexter won't be anyone's run of the mill pizza place. From imported Italian tomatoes to longtime family meatball recipes, the D'Orias are planning to create a restaurant unlike any Dexter has seen before.

"I'm from the east coast, so I'm kind of a pizza snob," says Rob D'Oria. "We've spent the better part of the last ten years thinking about the food and testing out recipes."

Patrons will get their chance to try out those recipes around mid-June. D'Oria hopes to have work completed on the downtown Dexter space and a staff of about 20 in place by that point to make and serve the New York-style pizza and other specialty Italian foods.

The recipes aren't the only aspect of Bits and Pizzas that have been carefully crafted for some time. The 5,000 square-foot building on Main St. in Dexter has been under redevelopment for about a year.

"The building is almost 150 years old," says D'Oria. "It's pretty well configured from a layout standpoint, and it will give us room to grow."

In addition to updating the infrastructure of the historic building, the D'Orias are building a patio from the rear of the building that will hold out outdoor seating. Eventually, Bits and Pizzas will expand seating into the second floor, including a full bar.

D'Oria says he's not cutting any corners to make Bits and Pizzas a truly unique place. They'll source their ingredients from local and specialty sources and be making everything – including their own Italian sausage – in house.

Source: Rob D'Oria, Bits and Pizzas
Writer: Natalie Burg

Veteran family housing proposed as $6M renovation project

Bob Beale, Premier Property Management Wednesday, May 08, 2013

Local veterans and their families could have a new housing option in Ypsilanti Twp. Julie Fielek, owner of Oakridge Apartments on Holmes Rd., would like to turn her 64-unit rental property into a place where veterans with families can find affordable housing and specialized services.

"Julie has been doing work for veterans over the past few years," says Bob Beale, owner of Premier Property Management, which manages the 20-year-old Oakridge Apartments. "There are some very specific needs veteran families need."

The project, which Beale estimates will cost between $6 and $7 million, aims to renovate the 64 units, as well as build a community center that can accommodate some of those special services, including having healthcare staff available to address posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and provide daycare for veterans so they more easily find and maintain employment.

Oakridge Apartments are now fully leased. Beale says residents will be notified of the transition, and the management will work with other area rental properties to help relocate those who may need assistance.

Low-income housing tax credits will be sought to help finance the project, and Beale says additional applications will be made for Housing and Urban Development grants. An application for Washtenaw County HOME funds has been approved to assist as well, contingent upon securing the housing tax credits.

Should the financing move forward, Beale anticipates renovations being completed in 2015.

Source: Bob Beale, Premier Property Management
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

Free Smarter Home seminar series to offer green tips for homeowners

Doug Selby, Meadowlark Energy Wednesday, May 01, 2013

Meadowlark Energy gets a lot of phone calls from homeowners who have lots of questions about energy issues in their homes. What the building performance company found is that many of them are missing basic information about how their homes work.

"People are looking for knowledge about this and they don’t know where to go to get it," says Doug Selby, co-founder of Meadowark Energy. "We wanted to put something together so people could, in a relaxed setting, learn more about how their homes operate."

As the home remodeling is picking up again, Meadowlark Energy is planning a free seminar series to provide homeowners with the basic knowledge they need to decide how they can make their homes greener.

"We think people should be thinking about all of the opportunities for greening your home," Selby says. "It's the only remodeling activity that actually puts money back into your pockets."

While Selby says the larger, longer-term solutions discussed in the seminar series will cover services offered by Meadowark Energy, other DIY approaches will also be included.

The Smarter Home Seminar will take place once a month for three months beginning May 11.

Source: Doug Selby, Meadowlark Energy
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

$4M Thompson Block plan includes 16 lofts in downtown Ypsi

Stewart Beal, Beal Properties Wednesday, April 24, 2013

A new, $4 million plan in the works for the Thompson Block property in Ypsilanti includes 16 luxury lofts, 14,000 square feet of commercial space and 30 onsite parking spaces.

"The building is one of the most historic buildings in the entire state of Michigan," says developer Stewart Beal of Beal Properties, who has been working to redevelop the property for several years. "The project is extremely important to me."

Beal presented his new plan to the Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority last week, including the news of new investors who have helped raise $300,000 toward the project goal of $1,740,000. Beal calls the new investors critical to the success of the development.

The presentation also requested support from the DDA in the form of grants from the organization's Façade Improvement and Building Rehabilitation programs, consideration of future DDA liquor license requests and a letter of support to the Michigan Economic Growth Corporation to help secure financial support.

Beal hopes to begin work on the revised Thompson Block plan after a 6-month period of raising new equity, obtaining local and state approvals and signing leases for the spaces. He anticipates construction to begin in late 2013 or early 2014 and complete work by late 2014 or early 2015.

Source: Stewart Beal, Beal Properties
Writer: Natalie Burg

The Eyrie to bring Michigan-made goods to Depot Town

Janette Rook, The Eyrie Wednesday, April 24, 2013

After traveling the world for more than a decade as a flight attendant, Janette Rook knew just what kind of gifts she wanted to feature in her new Depot Town shop, The Eyrie, set to open April 25.

"You don't see the regional differences or the unique local items like I remember more from when I was a kid, and from other countries," says Rook, who also worked as a union activist before deciding to open her own business. "I'd like to recreate that more vibrant experience as much as I can in our little corner of Michigan."

Rook decided the beautiful historic storefront in Ypsilanti's Depot Town was the perfect place to showcase a variety of goods from Michigan artisans including art, accessories, home décor items and potted plants.

"I'd love for this place to be one more reason folks come to Ypsilanti and see what I see," says Rook, "not only in Depot Town, but in downtown Ypsilanti. There is a feeling of new beginnings here that is interesting, exciting and hopeful."

Even the renovations put into the 750 square-foot shop were Michigan-made, as Rook painted, stained and fixed up the place herself. Rook will be staffing The Eyrie herself initially, but plans to add up to two new positions at the shop in the upcoming months.

Source: Janette Rook, The Eyrie
Writer: Natalie Burg