Features

Economic Development

German tech company opens first U.S. office at Ann Arbor SPARK

Eric GallippoWednesday, August 17, 2016

A German tech company specializing in streamlining business apps and digital processes says opening its first U.S. office in Ann Arbor was a simple decision.

Community Development

The Backstory: City Council matters

Patti SmithWednesday, July 27, 2016

With the impending local primary election just a week away, Concentrate's part-time historian Patti Smith digs into the history of Ann Arbor's first city council.

Al McWillians biking on Huron River Drive

Sustainability

Washtenaw County's top five bike rides

Patrick DunnWednesday, July 27, 2016

The current state of politics may be bad, but the weather is good. Is there a better reason to get on a bike and ride? After all, H.G. Wells once said: “Every time I see an adult on a bicycle I no longer despair for the future of the human race.”

Economic Development

Pro-granny flats ordinance moves forward in Ann Arbor

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Source: Concentrate

An ordinance that would allow the addition of granny flats, technically known as accessory dwelling units, to single-family homes in the city of Ann Arbor has been recommended for approval by the city's Planning Commission

Economic Development

Michigan Union receives $85M in tender loving construction upgrades

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Source: Concentrate

The nearly 100-year-old Michigan Union is set to undergo $85 million in upgrades, the most extensive work done on the building since its construction.

Healthy Communities

FlexDex lands $5M investment to develop surgical device

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Source: Concentrate

FlexDex Surgical has landed $5 million of investment from a Series B round. It plans to use the capital to turn its laparoscopic surgery tool into the go-to instrument for doctors everywhere.

Healthy Communities

ShapeLog brings data analytics tech to strength training

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Source: Concentrate

Ann Arbor-based start-up ShapeLog has designed a technology that utilizes sensors that help bring data analytics to weight rooms, gyms and rehabilitation centers.

Economic Development

Closing Time: The art of shutting down your business

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

There is no shortage of advice when it comes to starting or growing a business. But when it comes to shutting down, suddenly mums the word. Yet, there are right and wrong ways. Concentrate talks to David Hile of Hile Creative, who closed up shop after 31 years.

ModeChat: Author William Rapai on invasive species and the Great Lakes

Kirk HaverkampWednesday, July 20, 2016

What impact are invasive species like the zebra mussel and the round goby having on the Great Lakes? And why does it matter? Metromode's Kirk Haverkamp interviews the author of a new book on invasive species in our beloved blue waters.

In The News

Arts and Culture

Concentrate's News Editor commissions local muralist for Detroit building

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Source: Detroit News

Concentrate's very own Jon Zemke leads a double life as a developer in Detroit. Along with bringing neglected buildings back to life, Jon saw an opportunity to bring art to the city he calls home.

Economic Development

State Theatre in line for $5M in upgrades this fall

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Source: Concentrate

The Michigan Theater Foundation has big plans for the State Theatre, and they start with a major renovation of the historic building early this fall.

Arts and Culture

McShane's Pub opens second location in Ypsilanti

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Source: Concentrate

Bob Roberts and Sean McShane liked going to a bar in Ypsilanti so much that they took it over and turned it into one of their own.

Economic Development

New subdivision, North Oaks, breaks ground in Ann Arbor

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Source: Concentrate

Workers have begun construction on the North Oaks of Ann Arbor subdivision. The development calls for nearly 500 new homes on the north side of Ann Arbor over the next decade.

Arts and Culture

Sweetwaters grows to 7 locations with new cafes in Ann Arbor, Canton

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Source: Concentrate

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea is on the precipice of opening its sixth and seventh cafe this summer, an expansion that will cap its 23rd year of growth in the Ann Arbor area.

Ronda Bergman and Cheryl Orosz of Girl Develop It

Diversity

How Girl Develop It supports women in tech (and those who want to be)

Jenn McKeeWednesday, July 13, 2016

While more and more young women are entering high tech fields like IT and software development, things are long way off from professional parity. Girl Develop It and organizations like it are trying to change that dynamic through support, mentorship and networking.

Healthy Communities

The Backstory: The truth behind "Big" Jim Ashley

Patti SmithWednesday, July 13, 2016

Local legend says that Ashley Street in downtown Ann Arbor was named after James "Big Jim" Ashley -- railroad builder, state representative, and governor. Only there were two Jim Ashleys and neither quite fits the lore. Or do they? Patti Smith uncovers the truth.

Good wood: How you can enjoy your campfire this summer while protecting Michigan's forests

Mark WedelWednesday, July 13, 2016

Without campfires, there's no s'mores. But without restrictions on moving firewood around the state, there might not be healthy forests. Mark Wedel explains why.

Economic Development

First residents move into The Mark in downtown Ann Arbor

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Source: Concentrate

The first residents of The Mark are set to move into their new condos in downtown Ann Arbor later this week. And inquiries for open units keep coming in. Sadly, all seven units were sold before construction even began.

Economic Development

Redevelopment plans emerge for derelict building in downtown Ann Arbor

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Source: Concentrate

111 S. Main has stood empty for about 25 years. A full gut rehab begins next week, with an expectation that six months from now downtown will get another 12,000 sq. ft. of office space.