Community Development

Coverage of community groups bringing about changes, innovations, and solutions in their community.

Ann Arbor commuter rail pushes forward, hopes to start service in spring

The proposed commuter rail line between Ann Arbor and Howell has hit a snag after not getting a $1 million federal grant. But local organizers are rallying, trimming the projects budget and going after other strings of money.

Latest in Community Development
New start-up firms to occupy old Ann Arbor Pfizer space

With the help of Ann Arbor SPARK, new companies and University of Michigan researchers are starting to move into the former Pfizer wet lab section.

Ypsi builder to renovate historic Starkweather house

Ronald Rupert has worked on some big renovation projects in his time, but bringing Ypsilanti's Starkweather Mansion back to its former grandeur might turn out to be his toughest project yet.

UofM’s Kellog Eye Center receives $1.5 million grant for new facility

The University of Michigan's $2.5 billion "Michigan Difference Campaign" proves that UofM isn't one of the country's largest endowments for nothing.

New park amenities in Ann Arbor exhibit strength of city’s recreation system

The city is opening a disc golf course (its second) in Bandemer Park and a off-leash dog run (also its second) at Olson Park this fall. Well known for the high-quality of its parks and recreation facilities, Ann Arbor is often on the cutting edge of improving and developing trends for recreation in SE Michigan.

Vacant historic storefronts in downtown Ypsi become loft apartments

Eric Maurer, an Ypsilanti resident and EMU graduate, is hoping to renovate downtown vacant storefronts , turn the upper levels into loft apartments and revitalize the city's core. Profit would be nice too.

Abandoned Kresge store in Downtown Ypsi reborn as lofts, martini bar

A former Kresge’s department store in downtown Ypsilanti is about to find new life as a martini bar, set of lofts and Mongolian barbeque.

Depot Town’s Thompson Block signs major tenant, close to signing a second

The latest redevelopment project in Ypsilanti’s Depot Town, the Thompson Block building, just signed its first major retail tenant is on the verge of inking a deal for another.

Place Matters

Job, schmob. Location is where it's at. More and more young professionals are settling into communities that match their lifestyle, then finding jobs that complete the picture.

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