Stewart Beal

Don't let the power suit and development deals fool you. Stewart Beal is no Donald Trump. He's actually a pretty cool guy, despite his local real estate demigod status. Forging a real estate empire in Ypsilanti since he was 19 as a student at EMU, now 20-something Beal owns an impressive portfolio of properties and multiple companies. His laconic style might give you the impression that he is a tough guy, and his access to concrete doesn’t exactly change that impression. The fact is, Stewart is incredibly driven, and doesn’t have time for nonsense.  It makes sense that his perfect day includes checking in on rental units, various projects, and contacts with civic organizations, along with grabbing lunch at a restaurant that knows him so well he doesn’t have to order. He lives in downtown Ypsi in one of his own buildings, of course, and take advantage of the fact that he is within walking distance of some of the town’s best spots. 

Every morning, Beal promptly arrives at Bombadill’s Cafe (217 W Michigan Ave.) for a "$2 medium coffee and $4.00 bagel booster with an everything bagel, salmon, spicy cream cheese, lettuce, red onion, and tomato."  After a long morning of running around town, he will stop in at Dalat (100 W Michigan Ave), a Vietnamese restaurant conveniently located near Ypsilanti’s City Hall. "I have the lunch special called the 'L' but long ago actually stopped ordering it because they just bring it to me shortly after walking in the door."  What is this mysterious "L"? A simple dish consisting of stir fry beef or chicken and vegetables.

Second verse, same as the first. Beal's afternoon is nearly identical to his morning: more property showings, checking in on demolition crews, talking with city planners, and figuring out why work is not on time at a job site. Still, he manages to find the energy to pop into Snap Fitness (4567 Washtenaw Ave.) for a workout. "I go to Snap Fitness because it is open 24-hours and the franchise is owned by local entrepreneurs."  Simple, direct and efficient. That's Stewart. If yoga, pilates, and spinning are more your thing, he suggests Ypsi Studio (208 W. Michigan Ave.).

Beal has plenty of walls to scrawl "All work and no play makes Stewart a dull boy" on. Luckily, he knows how to find the right balance. To relax during the week, he might hop in the car and head to Comerica Park; he takes in about 30 Detroit Tigers games a year. On weekends, if he can get away, he heads to a family lake house about an hour outside of Ypsilanti.  In town, however, he’ll hit the Sidetrack (56 E. Cross St.) for dinner with his girlfriend, both ordering their favorite, "the black bean tacos with beans and rice." 

After dinner drinks involves multiple stops, including the Corner Brewery (720 Norris St.). It might be slightly out of the way, but Stewart considers the Sacred Cow IPA to be, "the best beer in Ypsilanti." Next he will drop in on Andy Garris, the owner of the Elbow Room (6 S. Washington), often working behind the bar. Besides being the best local venue for live music, Beal mixes business with pleasure. Stewart has been working with Andy on his expansion plans into a Depot Town property.  Guess who owns it?

Later, Stewart might wash up at The Best Damn Sports Bar, part of the Pub 13 (13 N. Washington) complex of bars, "to convince friends to leave that bar and go to Club Divine, which is next door, but still owned by Dave Curtis."  Once at Club Divine, he'll "attempt to dance, fail, but still have a good time."  Take heart that Stewart Beal admits he can’t dance, at least you know he isn’t a total Superman.