Features

Feature Story Kayser3

The Backstory: Gambling, seances and sandals made the Kayser Building

A gun shop begat a hotel begat a gambling den begat a tea house begat a community center begat a barbershop begat a Birkenstock shop. After 117 years Ann Arbor's Kayser Building is still adding to its colorful history.

Development News Alloy Studios founders Ilana Houten, Jessica Tenbusch, and Elize Jekabson.

Ypsi Alloy Studios renews lease after finishing strong first year

This month marks the first anniversary of Ypsi Alloy Studios, a maker space founded by a trio of women entrepreneurs who are looking to share their vision with local artisans and patrons.

Development News Ann Arbor State Bank groundbreaking

Ann Arbor State Bank builds new branch on city's south side

Ann Arbor State Bank isn't just constructing the typical brick and glass box branch on the city's south side. It's planning to respond to its unique little corner of Tree Town.

Development News Kengsinton Hotel lobby fireplace

The Kensington Hotel invests $4.5M into renovations in Ann Arbor

What was once the Kensington Court Ann Arbor is about to become The Kensington Hotel on State Street as a multi-million dollar renovation wraps up construction later this month. And Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales is in on the plan.

Innovation News RetroSense Therapeutics

RetroSense Therapeutics launches clinical trials on 1st human patients

Ann Arbor-based RetroSense Therapeutics has begun patient trials on its gene therapy technology (it helps restore vision), Which is the first big step toward commercialization.

Feature Story Eli Cooper

Rail on the brink: Washtenaw County's imminent next generation of rail projects

Could we finally be getting reliable and regular commuter rail service between Ann Arbor and Detroit? This November's election could make 21st-century rail travel a real possibility for locals.

Development News Jolly Pumpkin logo

Jolly Pumpkin to add restaurant to Dexter facility and taproom

Dexter's Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales is adding a full service restaurant to its main brewing facility, the ultimate complement to its already popular taproom.

Development News Luck Monkey

Lucky Monkey plans tattoo parlor for breast cancer survivors

Ann Arbor's Lucky Monkey Tattoo is moving out of downtown to the city's west side due to rising rents. But it's also opening a second location in Whitmore Lake, one that caters to female clientele and, most especially, breast cancer survivors.

Development News Foundry Lofts Drake

Foundry Lofts welcomes its first residents to downtown Ann Arbor

Foundry Lofts welcomed its first tenants earlier this month, bringing 200 new residents to high-rise living in downtown Ann Arbor.

Innovation News Park n Party

Ann Arbor's Park n Party expands online parking biz across U.S.

Ann Arbor-based Park n Party got its start five years ago helping tailgaters find an easier way to party at Michigan football games, specifically helping them reserve that perfect parking spot online. Today, it's helping tailgaters across the U.S..

Feature Story Whitney Hotel

The Backstory: Be our guest!

Downtown Ann Arbor is abuzz with new and expanded guest accommodations. There are rumors more are on the horizon! This is nothing new. The city has a long history of hotels being built, burned down, and renamed over the last century. Patti Smith gives the nickel tour!

Feature Story Walter Landberg

Private school, public issues: A conversation with Walter Landberg

Common Core, economic disparity, access to learning, the future of the American education system has been debated at just about every level of society. Public schools are typically the focus. But what about private or independent schools? Where do they fit into the conversation? 

Development News Webers room

Weber's wraps up latest renovation by modernizing hotel rooms

Weber's recently wrapped up its latest phase of renovation, breathing new life and decor into its 158 hotel rooms on Ann Arbor’s west side.

Development News Oxford Companies mural

Oxford Companies narrows artist submissions for latest mural

This summer, Oxford Companies intends to put up another large mural in downtown Ann Arbor. It will go on the side of 1214 S. State St. near the University of Michigan campus, and cover nearly 500 square feet.

Innovation News Humax Corp

Humax Corp launches app to take paying it forward into 21st Century

Ann Arbor's Humax Corp has developed "Give and Get," a social capital app that helps foster pay-it-forward behavior in its users.

Innovation News Kulisha

U-M senior tackles global hunger and overfishing with insect feed

Two university seniors -one at U-M- have developed a business plan that will help Kenyan villagers expand their pet/fish food industry without depleting local resources.

Feature Story John Roos at RoosRoast Coffee

Boom! Roasted: The explosive growth of Ann Arbor's coffee scene

Specialty coffee roasters are everywhere these days. But locals didn't always appreciate the virtues of a better bean. Concentrate's Patrick Dunn digs into the origins of our current coffee craze and where it's headed next.

In The News Graduate Ann Arbor

Graduate Ann Arbor opens, now city's largest hotel

Chicago-based AJ Capital Partners has made a $51 million bet that Ann Arbor 's dearth of downtown accommodations means big business for their new hotel.

Development News East Main Redevelopment logo

East Main redevelopment opens, breathes new life into downtown Milan

The East Main redevelopment is done. Leases have been signed and people and businesses are moving in to the new crown jewel of downtown Milan.

Development News Omari Rush at the Ann Arbor Art Center

Ann Arbor Art Center plans for large public art project on Stadium Blvd

The Ann Arbor Art Center is soliciting proposals for large art installations for a retaining wall to be built on Stadium Boulevard.

Hasini and Harshini Anand are members of Corner Health Center's Youth Leadership Council and mental health advocates.

 


   Voices of Youth
Concentrate's Voices of Youth series features content created by Washtenaw County youth in partnership with Concentrate mentors, as well as feature stories by adult writers that examine issues of importance to local youth. Click here for a full list of the latest content from this series.