Natalie Burg

Natalie Burg's Latest Articles

ArborBike aims to launch 14 bikeshare stations in June

By Natalie Burg

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Community Development

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April 9, 2014

The first 14 ArborBike station locations have been chosen, and according to the Clean Energy Coalition, June is the target date for getting the bike share program on the road.  "The stations we have selected were chosen based on data and practicality," says Kevin Mulder of the Clean Energy Coalition. "We’re very excited to have had [The University of Michigan's] support from the beginning of this project, and we believe the integration of downtown and campus station locations is crucial to offering a comprehensive service area to residents, employees, students, and visitors To chose the 14 locations, ArborBike organized analyzed housing density, job density, student populations, existing bike infrastructure and destination spot. After narrowing down these locations, they searched for available space where the bike station equipment would fit. Solar and wireless access were also taken into consideration. The finalist list of stations will service downtown, Central Campus and North Campus.  "The main feedback we've received about the station locations is a request for additional stations outside of the first 14 proposed sites," Mulder says. "People are asking about Park & Ride lots, the west side, and the Washtenaw corridor toward Ypsilanti." Requests for additional stations is not a bad way to launch the program, and Mulder says expansion is a part of the program's long term plan. As other bike share programs have found value in keeping stations in somewhat close proximity, the Clean Energy Coalition feels confident the public will have a positive experience with the program. An ArborBike sponsorship campaign was recently launched for continued support of the project. More information about sponsorships can be found on the new Arborbike website. Source:  Kevin Mulder, Clean Energy Coalitin Writer: Natalie Burg

Local artist finds a vehicle for his designs with Flophouse Skateboards

By Natalie Burg

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Arts & Culture

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April 9, 2014

It's not easy for artists to find a way to make a living through their art, but Ben Thompson has found a way to combine two of his passions into one business. The fine artist and graphic designer recently launched Flophouse Skateboards where he designs custom art for skateboards by hand.  "My designs are very eastern inspired. I spend a lot of time in tattoo parlors, that is an influence in my work," Thompson says. "I have also people come to me with their own idea, and I come up with something and show them a design."  After studying fine art at Eastern Michigan University, Thompson started working as a graphic designer for a local sign company. When he had the idea to apply his art to skateboards, his boos helped him come up with a process for making it work. When a warehouse in the same building as the sign shop became available, Thompson decided to give his skateboard art a go as a business.  "I'm an artist, first and foremost," he says. "This is a bridge for me to make a living between my art and something I like doing."  Thompson renovated the space and opened Flophouse Skateboards in January. Though most of their sales take place online, Thompson says he welcomes people into his shop if they wish to visit. He and two employees create their designs and apply them to skateboards by hand. Eventually, he hopes to purchase equipment that will mechanize the process so he and his workers can create their custom skateboards more efficiently. Source: Ben Thompson, Flophouse Skateboards Writer: Natalie Burg

$2.2M S. Fourth renovation to bring Ruth’s Chris Steak House to Ann Arbor

By Natalie Burg

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Arts & Culture

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April 9, 2014

The S. Fourth Ave. building that housed the former Dream Nite Club is getting a major renovation, and the south side of downtown Ann Arbor will be getting a new restaurant with the $2.2 million development of a Ruth's Chris Steak House. The project came together after the development team that worked on a Ruth's Chris in Grand Rapids decided to give the franchise another go. "It was very successful and well received and that team decided tot look for another market that was similar," says Steve Fry of Concept Design, the architectural firm working on the project. "Ann Arbor sort of stood out as a good possibility."  Finding the right size building available downtown was a challenge, but the vacant nightclub was selected for its potential to become the structure they need. The one-story, approximately 8,200 square foot building will be totally renovated, including the addition of a 1,700 square foot second level.  "This building did fit for size, shape good location," Fry says. 'We basically approached this as having potential by completely renovating and bring it back to life." Fry also hopes the timing of the renovation will coincide with the neighboring properties coming back to life a well. He believes residential or hotel use of the recently sold city property across the street would be a great complement to the restaurant.  The project is pending approval by the Ann Arbor city council next month. Should it be approved, Fry says the plan is to move quickly, with a goal of opening the new Ruth's Chris by end of the year. Source: Steve Fry, Concept Design Writer: Natalie Burg

Natural, homemade ice cream coming to W. Liberty with Blank Slate Creamery

By Natalie Burg

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Arts & Culture

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April 2, 2014

When she was in her 20s, Janice Sigler thought about opening an ice cream shop. After two decades working for the University of Michigan, the idea came back to her.  "I just decided to do something completely different," she says. "I went out to Massachusetts to work with someone out there who makes their own ice cream, just to get a sense of whether or not it would be something I wanted to do." It was. Sigler is now renovating the building she purchased on W. Liberty and S. First St into Blank Slate Creamery, an ice cream store specializing in natural ingredients. Rather than including emulsifiers and other chemicals, Sigler's treats will be made from cream, cane sugar, milk and eggs — as well as a number of interesting, all natural flavors.   "We have a coffee flavor that we're using Mighty Good coffee in, a pistachio with actual roasted pistachios pureed in the mix, and I've been experimenting with rice krispie treat," Sigler says. "One of the unusual sorbets cactus pear, which is bright pink naturally, so it's very pretty." Renovations on the 1,300 square foot space include adding interior walls, counter seating, some windows, as well as a pasteurizing and ice cream making room that will be visible to customers when they visit. Sigler intends a great customer experience to be part of Blank Slate Creamery, and is hoping to hire a staff of up to 10 employees who are creative and will engage with kids in the store. Sigler has long term plans for her new downtown building as well. Eventually, she and her husband plan to convert the second floor into a living space and become downtown residents above their ice cream shop.  Blank Slate Creamery is slated to open in June. Source: Janice Sigler, Blank Slate Creamery Writer: Natalie Burg

Two new Mighty Good mini-locations opening this spring

By Natalie Burg

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Development News

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April 2, 2014

Food carts are often used as an incubation process for new food businesses to get their bearings and test the market before investing in a permanent location. Though Mighty Good Coffee has been a destination for coffee connoisseurs a remote workers for years now, owner  David Myers still sees his forthcoming presence at Mark's Carts as a similar venture.  "Four blocks is a long way away in terms of pedestrian traffic," he says. "I think there is an opportunity for us to do well in an corridor that gets a lot of traffic that doesn't necessarily cross Huron St. For me, it's relatively low risk, and there is no retail space available right now, so why not try not try something?" The Mighty Good Coffee cart could join Mark's Carts as early as this Friday, should all of their equipment arrive on time. It will only be the first of two new ventures for the coffee maker, however, as Myers is also working on a mini-coffee shop inside Two Wheel Tango on Jackson Rd. "The coffee shop inside a retail space is a trend that has been growing for a few years," Myers says. "I'd been looking for a place for coffee on the far west side, so I called [Dennis Pontius] up one day and said would you ever consider this. We were off and running." The Two Wheel Tango location will include a coffee bar, about six tables and a menu similar to what is now available at the original Mighty Good shop. The Mark's Cart shop will offer a slightly pared down menu. Both locations will open at 7 am, which Myers hopes will further activate the spaces, which currently open later in the morning.  Three new staff members have already been hired to manage the Mighty Good cart, and Myers anticipates hiring two more for the Two Wheel Tango location, which is slated to open in May.  Source: David Myers, Mighty Good Coffee Writer: Natalie Burg

Jerusalem Garden to quadruple size in former Seva location

By Natalie Burg

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Arts & Culture

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April 2, 2014

Ali Ramlawi has long known Jerusalem Garden needed to grow. Last year, he planned an expansion of the Fifth Ave. location where his family's restaurant has been for nearly 30 years, but couldn't come to a deal with his landlord. Perhaps the plan simply wasn't meant to be, as it was followed by a rare opportunity to grow into a location that was not only nearby, but was also the home of another Ann Arbor institution: Seva.  "We've been here for 27 years. It's hard to leave something like this," Ramlawi. "But people love the charm of that place. It's unique, it's funky, and it's a natural fit. It's an organic way to grow." The move around the corner may not be far, but the 4,500 square foot location will quadruple Jerusalem Garden's footprint. Ramlawi expects the new restaurant will allow him to seat about 100 diners, double his employees to make a staff of 45, and consolidate some of his operations that currently take place in another facility.  "It's nice to bring everything under one roof," says Ramlawi. "I'll be able to have more capacity for people to sit, and to expand our catering the University of Michigan. We'll have some room to breathe." Ramlawi plans to undergo a complete buildout of the space, and is aiming for New Year's to open in the new location. Though he was worried customers might be upset about change coming to the restaurant, thus far, he says he's been delighted by all of the positive feedback he's received. Source: Ali Ramlawi, Jerusalem Garden Writer: Natalie Burg

Gift of Life Michigan to double facility size with $12.3M expansion

By Natalie Burg

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Community Development

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April 2, 2014

Gift of Life Michigan has been saving lives for more than 40 years. By next year, they'll be doubling the footprint of their headquarters in Ann Arbor to amplify the quality of and access to organ transplants in our state. A 50,000 square foot, $12.3 million expansion is planned for the organization's Research Park Rd. facility that will connect two existing buildings, and provide room for a surgical center, 250-seat auditorium and memorial area for donor families.  "There are three things in healthcare that one can always improve upon," says Gift of Life Michigan CEO Richard Pietroski. "There is reducing costs…improving access to a scarce resource, and improving quality. With all our processes centralized, we'll be doing all of that." With a staff of about 200, Gift of Life now sends teams of employees all over the state. With 145 hospitals of varying resources, coordination can be difficult. With surgical capabilities at Gift of Life's facility, donors can instead be transported to one location for a more streamlined process.  "About seven years ago, we had an organ recovery team from U-M involved in a plane crash," says Pietroski. "Nationwide, that's something that's happened frequently enough that I'd rather transfer the donor than have teams fly. It's a service to the transplant center and their teams." While about six months of rezoning and property line changes will preceed construction, Pietroski anticipates construction to be complete by Sept. 2015. About six full-time positions and several more part-time positions will be created by the new facility.  Currently, 3,300 Michiganders are registered organ donors, indicated by a red heart on their drivers' license. People can become organ donors by visiting the Gift of Life Michigan website. Source: Richard Pietroski, Gift of Life Michigan Writer: Natalie Burg

Longtime family bakery in Pinckney to open new location in downtown Chelsea

By Natalie Burg

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Arts & Culture

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March 26, 2014

Pinckney Bakery owners Kim and Saing Yam weren't looking to open a second location, but when they came across the space in downtown Chelsea left by cupcake maker Glee, both the building and the timing seemed right.  "It's a coincidental thing," says Kim Yam. "The cupcake lady closed down, and I told my husband to go look. It wasn't planned." Though unplanned, a second location isn't unprecedented for the Yams. They owned the Dexter Bakery for 17 years before deciding to cut back and spend more time with their kids about five years ago. Now that their kids are older, the Chelsea location seemed like a good opportunity.  "The only thing we'll do different than in Dexter, is we don't do bread," Yam says. "We have pastries, pretzels, cookies — everything, you name it, and we bake fresh every day." Yam hopes to open the Chelsea Bakery in the second week of April, initially hiring a staff of two for the store. They are now renovating the 2,000 square foot space, putting in new flooring and countertops. Yam plans to include space for seating inside the bakery. Source: Kim Yam, Pinckney Bakery Writer: Natalie Burg

New State St. drive-thru and gas station to break ground this summer

By Natalie Burg

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Arts & Culture

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March 26, 2014

Joseph Kafi has had big plans in mind for the corner of S. State St. and Eisenhower since he purchased the Shell station there five years ago. Now, the demolition and redevelopment project has been approved by the Ann Arbor Planning Commission and could break ground this summer. "This is one of the last hard corners before downtown," Kafi says. "It's a good location, with the mixed commercial uses, Briarwood Mall and other offices nearby." According to the plans, the less than 1,000 square foot convenience store and existing car wash will be demolished to make way for a new, 4,250 square foot development that will include a larger retail store and a restaurant with a drive thru. Though a restaurant brand has not yet been chosen for the location, Kafi says he is in talks with a number of national chains and expect it will be a bakery/cafe concept.  The expanded retail space will also grow in terms of its offerings. In addition to snacks, the store will offer a larger selection of grocery items, electronic accessories and sportswear.  "It's basically for quick visits on the go," Kafi says, "for someone who may need anything from nail polish remover to chips."  Should the project be approved by city council and construction proceed as planned, Kafi hopes construction will be complete by fall of this year. He intends to retain the convenience store staff for the new store, and hopes to continue offering gas throughout construction.   Source: Joseph Kafi, JAK Cubed, LCC Writer: Natalie Burg

Beloved Birmingham hamburger house picks Ann Arbor for second location

By Natalie Burg

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Arts & Culture

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March 26, 2014

For more than 60 years, Hunter House Hamburgers has been a Metro Detroit favorite, serving oniony sliders from a white pill-box diner in Birmingham. After all that time, the small family restaurant has decided to expand, and downtown Ann Arbor will be the beneficiary of the decision.  "We had been an institution in the Detroit area for 60 years," says Kelly Cobb, who will operate the new location. "We thought what better way to share than to expand. Ann Arbor was obvious choice." Cobb will open the new Hunter House on E. William St. in late April or early May. At 2,000 square feet, the restaurant will be about twice the size of the original, but will retain the same diner aesthetic customers are used to in Birmingham. That extra room will allow for some changes to the Hunter House menu.  "We never really had a chance to grow at the original place because it's so small," says Cobb. "We have a ton of additional kitchen space now." The Ann Arbor location will offer about a dozen varieties of milkshakes and malts and some additional menu items, but Cobb assures fans of the original that they will also find everything they love from Birmingham as well.  In addition to dine-in seating, Cobb plans to offer a take-out window and stay open late to serve the downtown market. He anticipates hiring a staff of about 25 for the Ann Arbor location. Source: Kelly Cobb, Hunter House Hamburgers Writer: Natalie Burg