Tanya Muzumdar

Tanya Muzumdar's Latest Articles

Historic Ypsilanti Freighthouse shoots for spring re-opening

By Tanya Muzumdar

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Arts and Culture

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December 5, 2012

The long-awaited next chapter for the Ypsilanti Freighthouse is coming, very possibly by May of 2013.  The circa-1850 building, originally part of the Michigan Central Railroad Complex in Depot Town, has been closed for the past eight years. At this point over $1 million has been raised and spent on an extensive rehabilitation of the structure to make it eligible for occupancy and re-open it for public use. The funding came from a combination of federal, state, and city of Ypsilanti funds, as well as auctions, sales, and private donations. The Friends of The Ypsilanti Freighthouse (FOYF), the group managing the project, is raising the final $75,000 needed for the last few punch-list items, according to FOYF co-founder Linda French. The funds are needed to install new bathrooms, a heating system, and a fire suppression system. The property has a new metal roof, steel structural supports, and a large rain garden. It retains its original brick interior walls and wood floor. The Freighthouse, which measures about 5,000 square feet, will contain a train kiosk for planned commuter train service, a gathering room for community events, and a café.  "Once we get it open, we're going to put out RFPs throughout the community to see what it is the people in the city would like to see in there, and then have RFPs from different groups that might want to run it," French says. "We envision it going back to being a public domain, where you have jazz shows, you have antique shows and farmers markets, just bits of things that the community can be involved in." She adds: "We did a very extensive business plan so that we would make this a sustainable building so the city doesn't have to pay money to keep it going." The intent is to charge rental fees for occasional private events, such as weddings, although by and large, the building will remain open to the public. "It is Greenfield Village quality. It's just a wonderful building and now that it's fixed, we'd like to return it to the city of Ypsilanti and have it be used by the citizens." Source: Linda French, co-founder, Friends of The Ypsilanti Freighthouse Writer: Tanya Muzumdar

Ann Arbor’s The Connector plan seeks input on mass transit options

By Tanya Muzumdar

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Development News

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December 5, 2012

In the near future, car-clogged Ann Arbor could get some relief if The Connector, a plan for a high-capacity mass transit service route covering an arc from the city's northeast to its south end, gets some traction with the public. A feasibility study conducted by the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA), the city of Ann Arbor, the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority, and the University of Michigan found sufficient demand for such a service exists in that portion of the city, the service could be supported, and four options exist: bus rapid transit; streetcars; light rail; and elevated guideway, perhaps akin to Detroit's People Mover. Now the partnership has started on the next project phase, a Federal Transit Administration grant-funded alternatives analysis to be completed over the next 14 months, with a final report to be issued in early 2014. Accordingly, community input is being sought at a series of public meetings to be held later this month and in 2013. The community will have a say on a locally preferred alternative, which would outline the preferred transportation mode or combination thereof, service level, station locations, route alignment, and estimated costs. "Right now the U-M bus system carries about 30,000 people a day between North Campus and Central Campus. Just on that little spur, there's that kind of ridership, and we're talking about a bigger corridor that goes from northeast Ann Arbor down to Briarwood," says Chris White, manager of service development for AATA. In a best-case scenario, The Connector could be up and running by 2020, although White says such projects typically take longer to develop. The public is welcome to drop in and offer input at these Ann Arbor locations: Mon., Dec. 10 8-10 a.m. at the Blake Transit Center 1-3 p.m. at Busch's Market, 2020 Green Rd. 6-8 p.m. at Briarwood Mall Tues., Dec. 11 8-10 a.m. at Sweetwaters, 123 W. Washington St. 1-3 p.m. at Sweetwaters, 3393 Plymouth Rd. 6-8 p.m. at Briarwood Mall Source: Chris White, manager of service development for AATA Writer: Tanya Muzumdar

Ann Arbor’s 618 S. Main high-rise project gains ground with $3M loan

By Tanya Muzumdar

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Community Development

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December 5, 2012

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation's (MEDC) recent announcement of a $3 million loan from the Michigan Strategic Fund for the 618 S. Main apartment project underlies the recent trend of high-density housing projects garnering high investment dollars in Ann Arbor. Two structures on the property will be demolished to make way for a building with 150-170 apartments, a mix of studio and one- and two-bedroom units. Joe Martin, community revitalization manager at the MEDC, says the Community Revitalization Program loan to 618 South Main, LLC, was approved because, "One, it was taking an existing building and increasing density. The plan was to go a minimum of six stories high...Also, instead of having surface parking, this project is going to utilize an underground parking structure, and it's also going to have other significant green elements." The developers, 618 South Main, LLC and Ann Arbor Lifestyles, LLC, will seek LEED Silver certification for the project, Martin says. A rain garden, solar panels, low-flow water fixtures, and energy-efficient lighting are incorporated in the design. The loan comes on top of a $2.8 million tax-increment financing package announced by the MEDC earlier this year. Additionally, the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority will provide a $650,000 grant for infrastructure improvements. The project's total capital investment will be in the area of $37 million, according to the MEDC. A groundbreaking is planned for April or May of 2013, Martin says. After completion, the project is expected to generate six full-time and eight part-time jobs in maintenance, leasing, and general operations. Source: Joe Martin, MEDC community revitalization manager Writer: Tanya Muzumdar

The Wafel Shop, and 5 new jobs, are on Ann Arbor’s plate

By Tanya Muzumdar

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Arts and Culture

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November 28, 2012

No longer just for breakfast or plated up at the 24-hour roadside diner, waffles as dessert and/or all-day snack are coming to Ann Arbor. The Wafel Shop is set to open at 113 E. Liberty St. by the Christmas holiday, says owner Noah Goldsmith. On the menu will be the De Liege waffle, with chunks of Belgian pearl sugar that caramelizes when cooked, and the traditional Belgian waffle. They'll suit a variety of tastes: Gluten-free, chocolate-dipped, fruit, nuts, savory toppings. Goldsmith sold his waffles through a pop-up counter at Zingerman's Coffee Company last summer. Goldsmith and his partner will actively manage the eatery, and "We're probably looking to hire an additional five people," he says. Source: Noah Goldsmith, owner, The Wafel Shop Writer: Tanya Muzumdar

Can you “Conquer the Cold” during Ann Arbor’s commuting challenge?

By Tanya Muzumdar

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Development News

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November 28, 2012

Those who've given the cold shoulder to commuting by any means other than a car may want to get their blood flowing with getDowntown's "Conquer the Cold" winter commuting challenge. "We kind of want to give people the sense that you can dominate your commute so it's not just doing it, it's dominating it. It's approaching winter commuting with a sense of adventure and a sense of fun," says Nancy Shore, director of getDowntown. Employees using alternative means of transportation to get to work in downtown Ann Arbor can log their commutes online during the month of January. Qualifying trips are via bike, bus, and foot. Various badges of honor will go to the most ambitious commuters, and there is a $500 grand prize gift certificate to outdoor retailer Moosejaw. Participants can also post pictures and stories online, with the goal of "generally just trying to elevate the exposure of people that do do winter commuting, in both showing that it can be something that anybody can do, and also that it is something that is a little bit more hard core, and that people that are doing it should feel a little bit cooler than the rest of us," Shore says. Informational winter commuting warm-up events (with free drink coupons!) will be held at Sweetwater's coffee shop on Tues., Dec. 4 at 123 W. Washington, and Wed., Dec. 5 at the Kerrytown location. Bonus: you won't have to shovel your car out. Source: Nancy Shore, director of getDowntown Writer: Tanya Muzumdar

Magic and Performing Arts Center moves into Ann Arbor’s Braun Ct.

By Tanya Muzumdar

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Arts and Culture

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November 28, 2012

Kip Barry's Magic and Performing Arts Center is the latest nightlife and entertainment venue in Braun Court, across from Ann Arbor's Kerrytown Mall. Located at 325 Braun Court, owner and founder Kip Barry describes the center as a magic store with a theater inside. The shop will carry a full line of magic and novelty items and be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12-5 p.m. on Sunday. The theater seats up to 50 people in front of a new stage, where magic shows, lectures, poetry readings, and jazz performances will take place. Theatergoers can also avail themselves of a concession stand serving cupcakes, cookies, and coffee. Five employees will staff the operation. The theater is also open for other performers. "It's going to be for community theater, where an outside group can four-wall it, which means they can rent it for their small productions...we're going to have variety acts," Barry says. Barry has been practicing magic since age 9. He is also a jazz singer who has toured in 60 countries. This will be his sixth magic store; he previously sold his wares locally at a kiosk at Briarwood Mall and at Elmo's. "I'm looking [for this theater] to be sort of a new-age vaudeville, especially in a place like Kerrytown, because that community there is not only smart but creative and very family-oriented," Barry says, adding, "I want things that are family-oriented yet not so mainstream that you can see them just anywhere." A Christmas show will take place on Sat., Dec. 15. Call (734) 985-5184 for more information. Source: Kip Barry, owner and founder, Kip Barry's Magic and Performing Arts Center Writer: Tanya Muzumdar

Now Playing: Spontaneous Art

By Tanya Muzumdar

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Arts and Culture

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November 28, 2012

The name kind of says it all. Then again, maybe it doesn't. Spontaneous Art is a trio of guerilla (and sometimes gorilla) performance artists who have dedicated themselves to making life in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti region a little funkier, a little sillier, and. most importantly, a little less predictable.

U-M installs new electric car charging stations

By Tanya Muzumdar

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Development News

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November 28, 2012

Electricity may steadily displace gasoline for powering cars, and the University of Michigan is supporting this newer technology while shrinking its carbon cloud. Last month, six new electric car charging stations were installed in campus parking areas: the South Campus lot at Hoover and Greene streets, the Ann Street parking structure on the Medical Campus, and the North Campus lot on Murfin Street. "We have had requests from faculty, staff, and students about the opportunity to have these on campus," says Stephen Dolen, U-M's executive director of parking and transportation services. The stations are of the Level 2 (208-240 volts) variety. Faculty, staff, and students may use them free of charge, while the public need only pay the standard parking rates. The project was funded through a U.S. Department of Energy grant administered by the Clean Energy Coalition. Equipment and software costs were approximately $28,865, according to Dolen. The stations are quickly being utilized, Dolen says. Usage is recorded and the university is building future electric charging capacity into its plans. "For instance, in the new Wall Street parking structure that we'll be building, starting early next year, we're putting in the infrastructure to be able to add up to 30 EV (electric vehicle) stations in that building, if there is that kind of demand...We'll see how this works and what kind of usage [we're getting] and then consider expanding." Source: Stephen Dolen, U-M's executive director of parking and transportation services Writer: Tanya Muzumdar

Clark Professional Pharmacy to move to Ann Arbor storefront, triple space

By Tanya Muzumdar

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Development News

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November 14, 2012

Patients will soon be able to see a doctor and fill their prescriptions under one roof in Ann Arbor. Clark Professional Pharmacy will be moving from its current location on Clark Road in Ypsilanti to a shared building space with the newly opened Washtenaw Urgent Care clinic at 3280 Washtenaw Avenue. Ahed Salamen, a pharmacist who co-owns the business with Nathan Worthing, expects to open on January 10, 2013. Salamen anticipates higher traffic and more exposure in the new space. "Nathan and I purchased the pharmacy in 2007, and since then have outgrown the business. We need an additional 2,000 square feet to be comfortable. This facility is three times the [size of the] current facility we're in." The 3,500 square-foot store will offer special compounding services and regular prescriptions. "It'll be similar to the CVS / Walgreen's-type model, but in addition to that you'll have a lab: 5,000 square feet of lab where you'll see medications being custom made for patients," Salamen says. The pharmacy will also carry an exclusive line of juices and high-end neutraceuticals, which are over-the-counter pharmaceutical-grade items. Clark Professional Pharmacy has two pharmacists and seven other staff. Salamen also plans to hire a nutritionist and possibly a sterile lab technician for the new location. Source: Ahed Salamen, pharmacist and co-owner, Clark Professional Pharmacy Writer: Tanya Muzumdar

Vellum Restaurant to open in December, add 40 jobs in Ann Arbor

By Tanya Muzumdar

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Arts and Culture

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November 14, 2012

Downtown Ann Arbor is full of quick-service restaurants, but there's still room for upscale eateries, where dinner is a night in itself. That's the aim of Vellum Restaurant, named in the spirit of the printing press that formerly sat in the late-1800s building at 209 S. Main Street. "We saw Ann Arbor didn't really have an American restaurant with a very composed and stylized, a little bit more technical kind of menu," says Peter Roumanis, managing partner of Vellum. Roumanis co-owns the restaurant with his father, John Roumanis, owner of the Carlyle Grill and Mediterranno restaurants in Ann Arbor. Vellum will be open for dinner seven days a week, starting on December 10, according to Roumanis. The two-story restaurant will have seating for 135, a bar, and a small five-table lounge for waiting guests. The restaurant occupies the former pool hall area of the Full Moon Cafe. As such, everything from plumbing to a full kitchen had to be installed. The dining room will have extensive copper, brass, and wood finishes, and the original pressed tin ceiling remains. Forty new staff members, a mix of community residents, are undergoing training, Roumanis says. "[We hired] not just students, but also natives and locals, and we're really happy about that, because they really contribute to the lasting scene in Ann Arbor, not just the seasonal scene." Source: Peter Roumanis, co-owner of Vellum Restaurant Writer: Tanya Muzumdar