Development News

Willow Run Airport to invest $20M in runway reconstruction

Scott Wintner, Willow Run Airport Wednesday, April 03, 2013

Keeping an airport in good condition is of no small importance, particularly one that is as integrally linked to an area's economic development as Willow Run Airport is to Washtenaw County.

"It's a chicken-and-egg thing," says Scott Wintner, public affairs manager for the Wayne County Airport Authority, which operates Willow Run Airport. "We're counting on the efforts of our economic development partners to prove there is demand for a strong airport, and we also know that that Willow Run needs to be developed to continue those economic development efforts."

To keep that reciprocal relationship moving forward, Willow Run will embark on an approximately $20 million reconstruction of the northern half of its longest runway this year. Though the project will only involve the removal and rebuilding of half the 7,525-foot runway, Wintner explains that the process is far from simple.

"A runway is a lot more complicated than your typical driveway," says Wintner. "If you look at the architectural plans, you'd think you were looking at a mansion. It's a lot more intricate than you'd imagine."

About $18 million of the project will come from a federal government grant, with the remaining ten percent evenly divided between state funding and Willow Run. The southern half of the runway is ready for reconstruction as soon as funding for the $23 million project can be secured.

The runway reconstruction is part of a 10-year, $182 million capital improvement plan that has been in place at Willow Run for some time. Wintner says much of these plans involve improving aging infrastructure, some of which has been in place since the 1940s.

Source: Scott Wintner, Willow Run Airport
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

Ypsi's Screamin Hot Shoes caters to every woman's foot

Clay Byrd, Screamin Hot Shoes Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Paula Filek has had a dream of getting into the shoe business for years. The owner of Paula's Barbershop in Ypsilanti has long wanted to give more women more choices when it comes to shoes, and a storefront just a quick walk down Cross St. from her shop recently provided the opportunity for her dream to come true.

Screamin Hot Shoes celebrated its opening in Depot Town earlier this month, offering everything from flip flops to party shoes at prices employee Clay Byrd says aren't available anywhere else.

"A lot of our shoes are inspired by what top designers are doing with their shoes," says Byrd, noting that price is all that separates their selection from such high profile designers. "We have nothing that compares to what you would pay for a Jimmy Choo. You can get a fun pair of shoes here and still have the money to go out in them."

While Screamin Hot Shoes has quickly been noted for the store's offering of shoes for transgendered women and drag queens, most of these shoes in larger sizes and more elaborate styles are available on the shop's website rather than in-store.

"She just wanted to sell really pretty shoes," Byrd says of Filek. "We want people to feel comfortable and explore their inner diva and have a good time."

Screamin Hot Shoes currently employs Byrd and Filek, and Filek and hopes to continue to grow in the new space. She plans to eventually expand her inventory to include hosiery and accessories.

Source: Clay Byrd, Screamin Hot Shoes
Writer: Natalie Burg

Connecting William Street study complete

Amber Miller, Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority Wednesday, March 27, 2013

The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority's two-year district planning process process known as Connecting William Street is now complete. The project, which focused on how to best redevelop five city-owned properties along William St. and Fifth Ave., included committee meetings, public outreach, community forums and the services of a land use economist and architecture and engineering firm.

The results of the study were published in January in the Final Connecting William Street Plan, which was adopted as the official thirteenth City Master Plan resource document earlier this month.

"I believe that most of the plan recommendations reaffirm existing plans and community goals for the downtown," says Ann Arbor DDA Planning and Research Specialist Amber Miller. More than 2,000 community members contributed feedback throughout the course of the study, through both surveys and public meetings.

"The majority of the feedback we received confirmed that people want a vibrant sidewalk experience and more opportunities to live, work, and engage in activities downtown," Miller says. "Reinforcing this, the majority of participants supported taller buildings in the core, but made it clear that surrounding context should be considered."

Now that the plan is finalized and the Connecting William Street process is complete, Miller says the DDA board is now discussing the plan recommendations that include DDA action. For example, such recommendations include converting existing office space in the 4th and William parking structure to more active ground floor use, and streetscape and infrastructure improvements.

Source: Amber Miller, Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority
Writer: Natalie Burg

Georgetown Mall progresses toward demolition

Nathan Voght, Washtenaw County Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Progress toward the demolition of the vacant Georgetown Mall on Packard St. seems to be on the horizon as Washtenaw County has already worked with DTE to relocate power lines on the property, and is prepared to proceed with demolition and environmental cleanup work as soon as the property developer is ready.

"The county has selected its contractor to do the grant-related work," says Washtenaw County Economic Development Specialist Nathan Voght. "Our contractor is under contract and ready to go. We will give him a notice to proceed once we know the non-grant funded work is also under contract and ready to proceed."

Washtenaw County has been working with the city of Ann Arbor to help redevelop the property for more than two years. The site has been approved as a Brownfield Redevelopment project, giving the developer tax increment financing incentives to assist with the cost of redeveloping the contaminated site.

In addition, Washtenaw County has received a $1 million Clean Michigan Initiative Grant from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to assist with demolition and soil remediation. Release of these funds is contingent on a signed contract between the private developer, Craig Schubiner of Bloomfield Hills-based firm Harbor Georgetown.

Once Schubiner has reached an agreement with a contractor for work not covered by the grant, the grant-funded work can begin. Voght estimates the grant work of demolition and soil remediation will take three to four months.

After this process is complete, work on the planned Packard Square development, an approximately $48 million mix of apartments and retail, is set to begin. According to the site's Brownfied Redevelopment plan, the development will create at least 45 new jobs.

While many people are certainly looking forward to the Packard Square redevelopment process to move forward, Voght says those living in the neighborhoods around the Georgetown Mall are likely the most excited.

"For those neighborhoods, it's been a commercial center, a place where they all shopped," he says. "I think they were disappointed to see it deteriorate, and are looking forward to seeing something new there."

Source: Nathan Voght, Washtenaw County
Writer: Natalie Burg

Chelsea native opens rare chiropractic specialty practice in hometown

Dr. Nathan Keiser, Chelsea Chiropractic & Functional Neurology Wednesday, March 20, 2013

When most people hear about chiropractic work, they think about back issues. According to Dr. Nathan Keiser, new research has expanded the field considerably.

"Just like a medical doctor would have a specialty in neurology, so do I," says Keiser. "It's based on new brain science. It's a new field, but it's blossoming."

Since the opening of Chelsea Chiropractic & Functional Neurology this month, Chelsea has become home to one of just three chiropractors in the state specializing in neurology. The 1,100 square foot office on W. Middle St. will celebrate its grand opening on March 28.

Keiser practiced chiropractics in Nashville and southern Florida before moving back to his hometown to open his business with his fiance.

While Keiser sees patients for traditional chiropractic services, he says his neurological practice can help those who might have given up hope of dealing with side effects from head injuries, vertigo, strokes and more when symptoms persist despite receiving a clean bill of health from neurologists.

"We understand that just because there is nothing physically broken in the brain, that doesn't mean there's nothing wrong," he says. "We go in and find those areas that aren't functioning so well in the brain and we provide therapies and rehab to allow them to come back to health."

Chelsea Chiropractic employs Keiser, his fiancé and one additional employee. Keiser is one of three chiropractors in his field in Michigan and fewer than 500 board certified functional neurologists in the world.

Source: Dr. Nathan Keiser, Chelsea Chiropractic & Functional Neurology
Writer: Natalie Burg

Washtenaw County awards $600,000 in trail grants to four communities

Coy Vaughn, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Wednesday, March 20, 2013

In four Washtenaw County communities, projects intended to help people get places will soon be really getting somewhere. Ann Arbor, Dexter, Pittsfield Twp. and Ypsilanti Twp. will each receive a portion of the $600,000 awarded this month by Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission.

The awards were a part of the Connecting Communities Initiative, a five-year program intended to invest in the County's non-motorized trail systems.

"Every once in awhile we'll update our parks and recreation master plan for the county, which includes doing a survey to the public," says Coy Vaugh, deputy director of the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission. "Trails are always number one on the list.

This program allows local municipalities to create connections between trails maintained by the County and key points in their communities.

Now in its fourth year, Connecting Communities has supported such projects as the trail connecting Whitmore Lake Elementary School to surrounding residential neighborhoods in Northfield Twp. and a 950-foot Chelsea trail along Old US-12 connecting the boardwalk system at Pierce Lake Golf Course with neighborhoods and schools.

Of the total $600,000 grant, Ann Arbor and Pittsfield Twp. each received $150,000. Dexter received $225,000 and Ypsilanti Twp. received $75,000. The communities were required to match the funds, which are earmarked for construction only, with the cost of engineering the projects. Eight projects in six communities vied for the funding this year.

Source: Coy Vaughn, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation
Writer: Natalie Burg

Insomnia Cookies to open second area location in Ypsi

Renee Sarnecky, Insomnia Cookies Wednesday, March 20, 2013

It would appear that area snackers just can't get enough late-night cookies. An Insomnia Cookies store is set to open on W. Cross St. in Ypsilanti, just one year after the brand's Ann Arbor location opened it's doors on S. University.

"The Ann Arbor location is doing beautifully," says Marketing Manager of Serve U Brands Renee Sarnecky for Insomnia Cookies. "The students and the local community seem to really enjoy the late night retail and delivery hours."

Though an exact date isn't set, Sarnecky expects the new Insomnia Cookies to open at some point in April with a staff of up to 10 employees.

"Ypsilanti is the perfect place for an Insomnia Cookies, and being the home of Eastern Michigan University makes it even more perfect," Sarnecky says. "Students are always in need of a late night snack. With limited late night food options, especially ones that deliver."

For more detailed updates on opening dates, Sarnecky directs cookie fans to the Insomnia Cookie Facebook page. A grand opening will be planned for the location that will include the distribution of free cookie coupons in and around EMU's campus.

Source: Renee Sarnecky, Insomnia Cookies
Writer: Natalie Burg

Glassbox Coffee brings specialty javas and juicing to S. University

Jason Friend, Glassbox Coffee Wednesday, March 20, 2013

There may be few things that sound more ordinary than coffee and juice, but if Jason Friend has his way, the experience patrons have with both at the new Glassbox Coffee on S. University will be anything but humdrum.

"We are a specialty coffee shop that also offers a full juicing menu," says Friend. "Our goal is to source coffee beans from the top roasters in the country."

Friend has been working on developing Glassbox Coffee for about a year and a half. The shop makes many of its ingredients in-house, as well as sourcing from such gourmet coffee companies as Gimme, Stumptown, Verve and Grand Rapids-based Madcap Coffee. The rotating menu of juices, however, is where the café really stands out from the crowd.

"I am a huge juicing fan and always wanted to offer it in a shop environment," Friend says. "Juicing is a wonderful way to get your daily vitamins and nutrients in a great tasting, enjoyable way."

The 700 square foot space underwent extensive renovations from a former office to a gourmet café. Three sides of Glassbox Coffee exemplify the shop's name with floor to ceiling windows. Providing top quality atmosphere is just as important to Friend as his carefully chosen drink ingredients.

"We strive to be a hospitality based shop," he says. "To steal from Danny Meyer, 49 percent of our business is the quality of our drinks; 51 percent is how we make people feel while here."

When the weather improves, Glassbox Coffee will also offer outdoor seating. The café currently employs a staff of five.

Source: Jason Friend, Glassbox Coffee
Writer: Natalie Burg

Cardamom to bring Indian fusion to Plymouth Rd

Binod Dhakal, Cardamom Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Binod Dhakal is no stranger to food. He started working in the food industry as a waiter back in 1995, and his love of people and food has helped him rise through the ranks. After managing Shalimar for more than 13 years, Dhakal is now opening his own restaurant, Cardamom, with a unique take on Indian food.

"We are offering something that is missing in the Indian restaurants here," says Dhakal. "We're creating something different – new dishes from different parts of India."

The 1,700 square foot Plymouth Rd. location is now under renovation. Once complete, Cardamom will serve its fusion of modern and traditional Indian cuisine to up to 65 diners inside and 36 on the patio.

Dhakal chose his location at the Plymouth Road Shops because of its proximity to campus, the hospital and so many other large employers. He says he's most looking forward to interacting with his new customers and serving them his unique foods.

"It's always what I eventually wanted to do," Dhakal says. "I enjoy doing it because I enjoy food and I love people. That's why I'm in the food business."

The menu is still under development, but Dhakal knows he will feature goat in some items. He plans to open Cardamom in April and to employ a staff of about seven.

Source: Binod Dhakal, Cardamom
Writer: Natalie Burg

Arbor One Mortgage nearly doubles staff in first week, looks toward growth

Reigis Recchia, Arbor One Mortgage Group Wednesday, March 13, 2013

When Reigis Recchia and his two partners were looking for a location to open their new mortgage group, they chose an office at 2800 S. State St. because of the space's ability to expand with the business.

It turns out, that was a good idea. Its first week of business, Arbor One Mortgage Group nearly doubled their staff from four to seven employees, and according to Recchia, they're just getting started.

"We're already looking to hire four to seven more people," he says.

Arbor One Mortgage Group is a new organization affiliated with Sterling Heights-based Mortgage 1. According to Recchia, the goal of Arbor One Mortgage is to connect mortgage experts who know the local real estate market with customers. Though the firm is growing quickly, Arbor One Mortgage is selective in its hiring, only employing those with at least five years experience in the mortgage industry, something Recchia says is rare in the field.

"When you're dealing with a more experienced staff, you're able to make the transaction a lot smoother," he says, also emphasizing the group's advantage of being local to Washtenaw County. "Our underwriters are very familiar with what's going on in this area."

The 2,000 square foot office opened on March 1, and has the ability to expand another 10,000 square feet throughout the building.

Source: Reigis Recchia, Arbor One Mortgage Group
Writer: Natalie Burg

Eclectic retailer Shine to open in Fourth Ave. storefront

Kelly Hadin, Shine Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Kelly Hadin is a retail manager with a vision.

"It's a one-stop shop," she says. "We have free gift wrapping so you can walk in and say, 'I'm going to a wedding. What do I do?' You can come in an get an awesome gift for 15 or 20 dollars, or a piece of artisan pottery for a 100."

That vision is coming to Downtown Ann Arbor this month with Shine, a unique retailer of gift items based in Royal Oak. The new location on S. Fourth Ave. will be the second Shine shop.

"There is a great variety in this downtown," says Hadin. "My store has so much variety and color an energy, I feel like it is a reflection of how unique and varied Ann Arbor is."

Shine offers an eclectic mix of handmade and artisanal items, from local to international artists. Hadin says the Fourth Ave. space was perfect for the store, as its historic features create a beautiful backdrop for their products.

"I love the energy," Hadin says. "I feel like it'll showcase the colors really well, but it has its own texture and history."

Hadin plans to be open by March 23, when the store will celebrate its grand opening. In addition to Hadin, Shine will open with one full- and one part-time employee.

Source: Kelly Hadin, Shine
Writer: Natalie Burg

Hail Hookah Lounge coming to former Firefly Club location

Bernard Arabo, Hail Hookah Wednesday, March 13, 2013

A new option for entertainment and relaxation is coming to S. Main with the Hail Hookah Lounge. Under development by hookah enthusiasts Bernard Arabo, John Saroki and Marius Essak, the 4,000 square foot lounge is slated to open in the former Firefly Club location in about six weeks.

"When we would to go to the games during football season, we'd walk by it every day," Arabo says of the building. "We decided being between the stadium and campus, it was a good location."

The partners are now working to renovate the space from floor to ceiling. Arabo says the lounge will be the only one of its kind in the area with up to 16 seating area and a television for each.

"It's cozy and home-like," says Arabo. "You can just relax and hang out with your friends."

Arabo, who also owns Wireless Toyz in Downtown Ann Arbor, hopes Hail Hookah will attract a diverse crowd, including students, business people, cigar smokers and more. The lounge will offer coffee and espresso, and employ between eight and ten workers.

Source: Bernard Arabo, Hail Hookah
Writer: Natalie Burg

Sava-style tapas coming to E. Washington storefront

Sava Lelcaj, babo market Wednesday, March 06, 2013

Considering the rush of new restaurants opening in Downtown Ann Arbor, it may seem that there's one of every genre to choose from now. Not yet, says foodie entrepreneur Sava Lelcaj.

"We just don't have anything around here that is true tapas style," says Lelcaj. "We have Isalita, but I'm thinking more Mediterranean or European-style. Those are my roots, and I felt that was really good move for us right now."

Lelcaj is currently working to remedy that void, as she develops her newest venture, a yet-unnamed tapas restaurant on E. Washington. While she has been quietly planning the eatery for some time, having recently purchased the building at 216 E. Washington, the pending departure of the Mahek Indian restaurant next door has allowed the owner of Sava's and babo market to triple the size of her vision.

"It's actually three narrow buildings coming together to make this project happen," Lelcaj says. "It's one of the most beautiful streets in town. There is all of this beautiful architecture here."

The combined 6,000 square foot space will include between 200 to 250 seats between open dining and private rooms, as well as a basement kitchen and upstairs offices.

Many of the details, including the name, décor and menu items are still under consideration, and Lelcaj says a research trip to Spain this summer will help inform some of those decisions. One menu items she does anticipate serving is the flaming Greek cheese appetizer, saganaki.

"My brother said that if you're going to do a Mediterranean restaurant you have to do saganaki," says Lelcaj. "We like to have fun, and that's one menu idea we're excited about that is more tongue in cheek."

Lelcaj plans to open the restaurant this coming falls. She anticipates hiring a staff of 50 to 60 employees.

Source: Sava Lelcaj, babo market
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

Mid-Michigan physical therapy concept expands to Ann Arbor

A.J. Grzesiak, Renue Physical Therapy Wednesday, March 06, 2013

Renue Physical Therapy began in 2011 in when Tony Klapish noticed a pattern among physical therapy practices he didn't like. Rather than bouncing clients between multiple therapists and assistants on each visit, he founded Mid-Michigan-based Renue Physical Therapy, which promises patients one licensed physical therapist throughout their treatment.

The concept caught on. Renue's fourth office, and first outside of the Tri-Cities, opened on S. Main in Ann Arbor in mid-January.

"We decided on Ann Arbor because we thought it was a good fit," says A.J. Grzesiak, managing partner of the Ann Arbor Renue office. "It's a competitive market for sure, but it's a great area for healthcare. We're hoping to contribute to the quality here."

The 2,300 square foot location includes open gym space, a clinical area and private treatment rooms. The convenient location of the office at the corner of S. Main and Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. was a major factor in the decision to locate there.

"Convenience is big for therapy, because clients are typically going two to three times per week for quite awhile," says Grzesiak.

The new clinic currently employs a staff of three, and Grzesiak hopes to add another physical therapist over the next six months, and to grow to a three-therapist office within two years. He also hopes to grow Renue's community involvement.

"We want to become part of the community," he says. "It's important to us to be a place where people want to come."

Source: A.J. Grzesiak, Renue Physical Therapy
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor