Ann Arbor Spark, the incubator space for early-stage companies, just finished the build out of 6600 additional sqaure feet to its space dedicated to entrepreneurial development. Excerpt: “The challenge in Ann Arbor is the real estate market is really tough. There’s very little inventory, and people are asking for long leases for what is available, so it’s really put a damper on the ability of our incubated companies to grow.” Read the rest here.
Southfield-based V-Max USA, which produces high-end batteries, is planning a new Ypsilanti Township facility in order to expand its developing solar energy business. This means producing "advanced" solar packages that can be distributed to contractors who install solar energy systems into customer homes. Excerpt: "Preliminary site plans submitted to the Ypsilanti Township Planning Department call for a 30,000-square foot facility, and the project could be in front of the planning commission later this month, said township planning coordinator Joe Lawson. The building is planned for an 18-acre vacant property at 1879 W. Michigan Ave. near the Ellsworth Road intersection." Read the rest here.
Here's something for older folks to grouse about: a phone app that rewards students for better study habits. Can't you almost hear them say, "How about good grades? Isn't that reward enough?" Oh, grandpa. Excerpt: "Students earn points for activities such as meeting with a tutor or success coach, attending campus events and more. Points accumulate and can be used to “purchase” items in a prize store or used at the end of the year to bid on major benefits such as free tuition, housing, a meal plan, a tablet device or gift cards to the campus book store." Read the rest here.
Nom nom nom. Another day, another newspaper writer discovers Ann Arbor's culinary scene. Yes, Zingerman's gets a shout-out. But so does new kid on the block, Mezzevino. Excerpt: "All I knew about Ann Arbor when I made my first visit was that it is home to the University of Michigan. The city’s population of 114,000 swells to 145,000 when students are on campus. But after only four days, I left knowing this: If the dictionary had a definition of “cool American town,” it would be Ann Arbor. Consider the following: Ann Arbor has five farmers markets; 23 used-book stores; the largest collection of antique and heirloom peonies in North America; a hardware store that transforms into a beer garden by night, and a local deli, Zingerman’s, that holds an annual fundraiser, Camp Bacon, where events range from the Potlikker Film Festival to the Bacon Ball." Read the rest here.
Eastern Michigan University was handed a $3.26 million gift from long-time supporters William and Delores Brehm. The philanthropic couple are dedicated to growing the university's special education programs and have, over the years, donated more than $8 million to the school. Excerpt: "Dee Brehm, herself a graduate of EMU’s special education program, says that their objective is to help train special education professionals and researchers who will lead the way in supporting people with disabilities as well as those who can benefit from music therapy." Read the rest here.
Ever wonder which Parks & Rec character your favorite bar resembles? Sure you do. Now, if only they'd tell us which Walking Dead character our local cell phone outlets are most like. Excerpt: The Blind Pig: Andy Dwyer A bit of a hike from campus, but its the place to catch up with the local music scene, order a pitcher and maybe win back your ex-girlfriend over a game of pool. Mouse Rat would definitely bust out a moving rendition of “5000 Candles in the Wind” here. Read the rest of this must-know information here.
So, over the last couple of years we've seen enough of these stories to conclude that Chicagoans... or at least Chicago writers and bloggers... think Ann Arbor is a nifty weekend getaway for those who need a break from the Windy City. Excerpt: "As your resident Virgin Traveler, I am ashamed to admit that this is my first entry about the never-ending charm, incredible food choices, and the sense of community that exudes from this college town. Home of the University of Michigan, and a historical town in its own right, Ann Arbor is an intoxicating mix of the old and new. An old-fashioned spirit runs through Main Street, yet the vibe and energy of trendy restaurants ensures a sense of youth and exuberance." Read the rest here.
There should be a point where we ask: "Why are we doing things this way?" If the answer is, "Because that's the way we've always done it" then we should probably be talking more seriously about change. The Detroit Free Press looks at what it means that Michigan has 83 counties yet California, with three times as many people, has just 47. Excerpt: "Michigan taxpayers could save hundreds of millions of dollars by redrawing the state’s oldest political boundaries and reapportioning responsibility for government services on a different basis, the practical obstacles to doing it are enormous." Read the rest here.
Technology is helping to reinvent the way we interact with libraries. U-M's Taubman Health Sciences Library just under went a a $55 million overhaul... and major rethinking of how it functions best. Excerpt: "Hundreds of thousands of books were moved to an offsite location and are available on demand for delivery, and by becoming "bookless" the school said that frees up space for medical student education. The facility on the school's Ann Arbor campus officially reopened over the weekend." Read more here.
Though the concept might be a tough sell in auto-obsessed Michigan, studies show that wider traffic lanes are less safe than narrow lanes - especially in urban settings. Excerpt: "Given the empirical evidence that favours ‘narrower is safer’, the ‘wider is safer’ approach based on intuition should be discarded once and for all. Narrower lane width, combined with other livable streets elements in urban areas, result in less aggressive driving and the ability to slow or stop a vehicle over shorter distances to avoid a collision." Read the rest here.
Our Partners
We want to know what's on your mind.
