Tanya Muzumdar

Tanya Muzumdar's Latest Articles

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

Kuroshio to bring Asian fusion cuisine, up to 40 jobs to Ann Arbor

By Tanya Muzumdar

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Arts & Culture

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December 5, 2012

More fine dining tables with a multicultural twist will be set in downtown Ann Arbor when Kuroshio opens for dinner at 120 E. Liberty St. this month. General Manager Alan Wang plans a grand opening before the Christmas holiday, but an announcement will not be made until a certificate of occupancy has been received. The cuisine will be Asian fusion, with an emphasis on Japanese, sushi included. And as part of the full bar, Japanese liquors will be poured. The entire exterior and interior were overhauled. New, larger windows have been installed. "We wanted to try to make the space look bigger," Wang says. "The ceilings are higher than they were before." The interior, with seating capacity for 130-140, has new light fixtures and carpeting. "It's going to look very modern, with some traces of Asian influence." To start, Kuroshio will be open for dinner daily. Wang hopes to serve lunch as well, but that is contingent on adequate staffing levels. "We're still in the hiring process," he says. "We're hoping to hire between 30 and 40 part-time and full-time employees." Source: Alan Wang, general manager of Kuroshio Writer: Tanya Muzumdar

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

By Tanya Muzumdar

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Arts & 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 & 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 & 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

Michigan-based Esperance Wine to open branch in Ann Arbor

By Tanya Muzumdar

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Development News

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November 14, 2012

In foodie haven Ann Arbor, there's always room for another bottle of wine. The owners of Charlevoix, Mich.-based Esperance Wine are hoping to open a local outpost for their shop by the end of December, in time for New Year's Eve champagne. Interior construction on the shop at 1251 N. Maple started this past Monday. The space is just under 1,000 square feet. The emporium will not specialize in any particular wine or appellation; "We just chase any region that displays quality," says Pram Acharya, who co-owns Esperance Wine with his wife Suzanne. Esperance Wine will also carry a selection of gourmet foods, such as truffles from Italy. Two or three employees will staff the shop to begin with, Acharya says. Source: Pram Acharya, co-owner of Esperance Wine Writer: Tanya Muzumdar

AATA to break ground on Ann Arbor’s $8M Blake Transit Center

By Tanya Muzumdar

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Development News

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November 14, 2012

Come winter, the skeleton of the long-awaited new Blake Transit Center will be erected in downtown Ann Arbor. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled onsite on Monday, Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. Construction will begin within 2-3 weeks after the groundbreaking and should be completed by August or September of 2013, according to Nancy Shore, a spokesperson for the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA). The $8 million center will be built directly opposite the current center on William St., between Fourth and Fifth Avenue, which will be demolished once the new terminal is completed. It will accommodate the same number of buses as today's facility, which serves six buses in the transit mall area and nine on Fourth Avenue, including AirRide. The 12,000-square-foot building will be LEED-Gold certified. Other enhancements over the old facility are: ADA accessibility, more bathrooms and waiting space, heated sidewalks, public art, extensive window banks, and an overarching transparent canopy penetrable by sunlight. The center will have three levels, including a basement. "It does have the capacity to add three or four floors on top of it. This building was really designed to think about future expansion," Shore says. Since the old terminal was built in 1987, usage has increased by 60%, she adds. "The AATA just had a record amount of transit ridership this year, reaching six million riders, so we know that the demand is going to increase. And we've got Air Ride now coming into the Blake Transit Center, so this building is really made to grow with the growing need of transit in our community." Source: Nancy Shore, spokesperson,Ann Arbor Transportation Authority Writer: Tanya Muzumdar