Community Development

50 years, 50 stories: Story #23 Peace Neighborhood CenterAnn Arbor Area Community Foundation

Ann Arbor Area Community FoundationWednesday, October 9, 2013

For over 40 years, the Peace Neighborhood Center has been helping Ann Arbor area children and adults with everything from hot meals, transportation and emergency needs to summer camps and after-school activities for young people. During any given week, the Center's staff and volunteers work with as many as 300 people of all ages.

Feature Story

The Lady of the Garden by Paul Suttman at Martha Cook

Arts and Culture

Photo Essay: Our Public Art

Doug CoombeWednesday, October 9, 2013

Concentrate's photographer Doug Coombe believes that despite all the recent criticisms and complaints, Ann Arborites really do want and appreciate public art. To celebrate that sentiment he's put together a photographic tour of the area's public art - old and new.

Diversity

A black Detroiter in Ann Arbor

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Source: The Michigan Daily

There have been more than a few references to the Ann Arbor "bubble" over the years. And it's relationship with Detroit, a mere 45 miles away, seems disproportionately distant. So, how does a black senior from Detroit attending U-M view our leafy college city? The answer may surprise you.

Excerpt:

"You have a campus that claims to be diverse, viewing the picture through a white lens, but falling pretty short of that mark.Some may argue, “Nothing is in Detroit; what good can you really say about it?” I have seen this in so many comment sections on blogs and news sites. My family lives in Detroit. I personally take offense to this remark because it pretty much implies my family’s existence is worthless. It hurts me every time someone makes a blanket statement about Detroit because I view it as a personal attack on who I am and what has shaped me."

Read the rest here.

Arts and Culture

Ann Arbor to get "Power Art"

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Source: WEMU

Traffic signal boxes will soon become instances of public art, thanks to the Arts Alliance and Ann Arbor DDA. How cool is that?

Excerpt:

"Downtown Ann Arbor is expected to get some more artwork, this time on the outside of the grey metal traffic signal boxes that are often covered in graffiti."

Listen to the report on this cool project here.

Arts and Culture

Ann Arbor 'Glass House' is source of envy

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Source: Detroit Free Press

Ann Arbor architect Carl Luckenbach built a glass and deck-dominated house in 1985 with a view of the Arb. It's pretty spectacular and across the street is a house by Frank Lloyd Wright. And it's for sale.

Excerpt:

"On the main floor, the ceiling soars to 30 feet, and the structure is not just shown, it’s punctuated. Long white beams form the roof’s framework. They are buckled together with black steel plates and black bolts, like exclamation points on the white.

“I like the idea of being very straightforward about how the house is built,” Luckenbach said. Built-in bookcases climb one wall like steps. Two rows of clerestory windows wrap around the dramatic ceiling and let natural light pour in."

Read the rest here.

Arts and Culture

Fiber fans to flock to Ann Arbor

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Source: Ann Arbor Journal

Okay, there's three ways this story could go. There's the fiber that's good for your G-I tract. Then there's the high-tech data transfer medium so many techies crave. But here we're talking 'bout natural fibers, as in weaving, knitting and the like. Classes, vendors and spools and spools of the stuff will be on hand.

Excerpt:

"In recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in the fiber arts. The sustainable and green movement has brought a new life to the age old crafts of felting, knitting, spinning and other crafts using natural fibers. The economy has forced people to look towards entertainment at home, so the craft industry has been flourishing. One problem for those interested in these natural fiber arts is where to find materials for these crafts. "

Read the rest here.

Economic Development

Historic Commission approves 3 story addition and renovation of Fourth Ave. building

Natalie Burg Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Source: Joe Barbat, Barbat Holdings

The future is looking bright for a renovation project intended to light a fire under the development of S. Fourth Ave. in downtown Ann Arbor. The plan to transform the four-storefront building formerly known as Town Center Plaza into a five-and-half story residential and commercial property has gained approval from Ann Arbor's Historic District Commission.

"I believe this project is going to ignite many other opportunities on the Fourth Ave. block," says developer Joe Barbat of Barbat Holdings. "A development of this magnitude will propel many others. However, most importantly, the idea of having residents live in the area offers many extraordinary opportunities."

The redevelopment plan will add three-and-a-half stories, including 32 one- and two-bedrrom residential units to the building. Barbat calls the units "beautifully designed," and each will include a balcony.

The building, now referred to as the Montgomery Building, has been known as the home of Bandito's and the now-closed Eastern Accents. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase has already signed on to relocate in the building's basement. As for the remaining commercial spaces, Barbat says he's received interest in the spaces but has not signed any leases.

"We are hoping to attract casual food users or even a specialty market," he says. "The units are planned for a complete makeover."

A timeline for the project is undetermined, though Barbat hopes to have the project completed by the end of 2014.

Source: Joe Barbat, Barbat Holdings Writer: Natalie Burg

Economic Development

Ann Arbor SPARK expandswith "stage two" space for growing start-ups

Natalie Burg Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Source: Bill Mayer, SPARK

In downtown Ann Arbor, there's a pretty big gap between a start-up with a couple of employees and one that is ready to sign an expensive, multi-year lease for a commercial space. The ever-busy Ann Arbor SPARK Central incubator is now giving their tenants the chance to better bridge that gap with the addition of 2,500 square feet of space dedicated to "stage two" startups.

"If I have eight employees, but I know I'm going to have 20 a year form now, it's hard for me to find a commercial lease," says Bill Mayer, business accelerator director for SPARK. "What the expansion allows is space for someone who secures external revenue, has four to five full-time equivalent employees, and they're getting too big for our stage one incubator."

SPARK Central has long been continually at full capacity. It's original footprint, which is now its stage one area, provides 14 desks for tenants, some of which use multiple desks. The new stage two space has an open office place and can hold about 30 workers. Two companies are already working in the new space, and Mayer expects two more to move in next week, filling it to capacity.

"This falls into one of those good-problem-to-have categories," says Mayer, "but our goal is to have our companies graduate. We don't want them to have a residency with us this longer than 12 to 18 months."

Transformation is also afoot at the SPARK East incubator in Ypsilanti, where a large conference room has been renovated into co-working facility. SPARK will continue to hold events and host community groups in the same space.

Source: Bill Mayer, SPARK Writer: Natalie Burg

Economic Development

Water Hill Motors brings auto repairs to Miller Ave neighborhood

Natalie Burg Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Source: Warren Terrell, Water Hill Motors

After working in the auto repair business in Brighton for five years and studying the trade at Washtenaw Community College, Warren Terrell decided it was time to open his own shop. With a specialization in working on Subaru and Volvo vehicles, Ann Arbor seemed like an idea location. "It's so close to downtown and right in the neighborhood here with houses all around it," Terrell says of his Water Hill Motors on Miller Ave., which opened less than two months ago. The shop offers a broad range of auto repair services, including everything from engine repair to oil changes. In addition to Subaru and Volvo, Terrell says he's worked extensively on American-made cars, especially late-model Mustangs. Though he opened the shop quietly, he says business is already doing well. "For no adverting it's been good," he says. "Last week was slow, but the week before I was at full capacity." Terrell intends to add up to two additional technicians to the Water Hill Motors staff over the next couple of months as his business continues to grow. He hopes to develop a clientele for high performance modifications at the two-bay auto shop. Source: Warren Terrell, Water Hill Motors Writer: Natalie Burg

Healthy Communities

Combined martial arts studio and play place to keep Ypsilanti kids active

Natalie Burg Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Source: https://www.facebook.com/YpsiJungleGym

From freestyle play to disciplined martial arts instruction, the options for having fun at 1834 Whittaker Rd. in Ypsilanti are aplenty. The pair of businesses now open in the location, The Jungle Gym and Master Lockman Academy, are both owned and operated by a familiar name in local martial arts training, Brandon Lockman of the Dexter academy of the same name.

"We have a really good staff in Dexter and I don't really need to be there as much," Lockman says. "I live in the Ypsilanti area, so I figured it would be nice to have a place here."

As an ideal location for a second Master Lockman Academy location happened to have a recently closed play place and café inside, the opportunity to open both businesses presented itself and Lockman took it. After replacing the flooring in the martial arts studio, the dual businesses opened in the 4,200 square foot location on Aug. 15. As it turns out, the two businesses are a great match.

"Martial arts is geared toward all ages, but children really benefit," says Lockman. "There is a character development aspect that they walk away with. The two businesses kind of complement each other."

Lockman currently employs a staff of six at the new businesses and offers parents wifi, snacks and drinks at The Jungle Gym while the kids play. With a smaller play structure than other similar area businesses, Lockman says parents can rest easy having a direct line of sight on their kids at all times. What's more, the padded equipment makes it easier on parents' knees so they can get in on the fun too.

During non-class times at the Lockman Master Academy, birthday parties and special events may be held in the studio adjacent to the play area. Lockman says he hopes to offer character development camps for kids next summer.

Source: Brandon Lockman, The Jungle Gym and The Master Lockman Academy Writer: Natalie Burg

Community Development

Liberty Title hires 25 as it grows into new markets

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Source: Concentrate

Liberty Title hasn't wasted any time over the last year expanding into new markets and adding a couple dozen new employees. The downtown Ann Arbor-based company entered into the Lansing area last summer. It also moved its Troy office to Birmingham and doubled it in size and relocated its Rochester office to a larger space. The company recently opened a new office in Novi, too. It all adds up 25 new hires, expanding the company's staff to 114 employees and one intern. "We have been having a very good year as the housing market has been rebounding across the region," says Tom Richardson, general counsel for Liberty Title. That has allowed the company to increase its revenue by 16 percent over the last year. It's revenue is up 63 percent since 2011. Part of that is thanks to new construction starting to peak its head out of the woodchuck hole in the last year. Richardson also credits new regulations that are coming down the pike that should help bump up the business of medium-to-large title companies. "We're going to be pretty busy," Richardson says. Source: Tom Richardson, general counsel for Liberty Title Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

Economic Development

Ann Arbor software start-up Coherix adds 5 new employees

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Source: Concentrate

Coherix is finding its niche in Asia, helping more manufacturers on that side of the world streamline their production capability. The Ann Arbor-based business is a supplier of high-speed, high-definition 3D measurement and inspection solutions. It creates software designed to improve the management of manufacturing processes. Its high-tech optical-based measurement and inspection products help find efficiencies in the automotive and semiconductor industries. The 9-year-old company is finding a lot of demand for its technology with manufacturers of semi-conductors and other electronics. It has also recently inked a deal to do a joint venture in China, which the company expects to become the its biggest geographic market in the near future. This growth has allowed the company to hire five more people in Ann Arbor. It now employs 50 people worldwide and expects to keep growing. "Next year will be huge," says Dwight Carlson, chairman & CEO of Coherix. "We have a big customer we just finished a three-year production contract with." Carlson explains that the client, whom he declined to name, has part of Coherix's technology imbedded in its product. That will produce a handsome royalty for Coherix when its begins making sales next year. Source: Dwight Carlson, chairman & CEO of Coherix Writer: Jon Zemke

Economic Development

Control Gaging begins work on new HQ in Ann Arbor

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Source: Concentrate

Ground has broken for the new headquarters for Control Gaging in Ann Arbor. The investment is expected to help the 41-year-old company take advantage of the growing manufacturing sector. The Ann Arbor-based company engineer, design and manufacture precision gauges for machine tools. It got hit hard in the recent recession but found a way to survive while many of its peers went under. Since then Control Gaging's revenue is up 250 percent. "There was a lot of demand pent up when that ended," says David Hayes, president of Control Gaging. The new facility will measure in at 24,500 square feet. It will allow for more flexibility in the manufacturing process. "Our principal facility isn’t set up for lean manufacturing," Hayes says. The new production plant will also have a number of green features, including green space for employees to relax in, a bike path around the facility and more than 200 trees on site. Hayes expects Control Gaging to move into its new home on July 1st of next year. Control Gaging currently employs 33 people. It has hired two more employees in the last year that specializes in machining and shipping & receiving. Source: David Hayes, president of Control Gaging Writer: Jon Zemke

Sustainability

Renovo Power Technology develops new electrical inverters

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Source: Concentrate

Renovo Power Technology has started to gain some traction with its alternative energy technology and is aiming to pick up speed next year. The downtown Ann Arbor-based company makes advanced inverters that help transition energy from solar panels to the electric grid. Its transformerless inverter technology gets rid of the copper coils of traditional transformers and replaces them with electronics that are both more efficient and cheaper to manufacture. Normal five kilowatt inverters weigh 150 pounds. Renovo Power Technology's inverters are less than 60 pounds. "This is like going from your old tube TV to the your flat panel LCD, an analog device to a digital device," says Shane LaHousse, vice president of operations for Renovo Power Technology. The company currently has a staff of four employees, three independent contractors and one intern. One-hundred-and-twenty-five projects across North America have used Renovo Power Technolgy's inverters over the last year. "We expect that in 2014 to at least triple if not quadruple that number," LaHousse says. Source: Shane LaHousse, vice president of operations for Renovo Power Technology Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

Technology and Innovation

Molecular Imaging looks to hire 10 as it scales biz

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Source: Concentrate

Molecular Imaging is on a bit of a hiring spree, looking to hire 10 people today as it looks to scale up its services. The Ann Arbor-based company provides in vivo pre-clinical imaging services for pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies. A group of venture capital firms acquired Molecular Imaging 2.5 years ago. Farmington Hills-based Beringea led that group of investors making the acquisition. "We plan to scale up our services and add some new services," says Patrick McConville, CSO & senior vice president of Molecular Imaging. Molecular Imaging has already enjoyed some repeat business from its existing customer base. It has also been diversifying its client base to set the stage for growth. McConville expects the company to double in size over the next year so the company is looking to add 10 positions to its existing staff of about 30 people to facilitate that growth. The open positions include a director, accounts manager and eight scientists. "These are scientists focused on executing our studies," McConville says. Source: Patrick McConville, CSO & senior vice president of Molecular Imaging Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

Entrepreneurship

New biz Spruced Up Spaces focuses on planning and organization

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Source: Concentrate

Nia Spongberg moved to Ann Arbor with her partner from Vermont last year. Back in New England, Spongberg had a career in non-profit development but was a jack of all trades, handling everything from grant writing to database management. "I was constantly organizing things," Spongberg says. When she made the move to Ann Arbor she knew she wanted to change directions and so she started her own business focused around organization, Spruced Up Spaces. The Ann Arbor-based company does everything from helping businesses reorganize how they do things at their facilities to helping families better organize their lives. Spongberg likes the challenge in the work and enjoys being her own boss. The business started out slow but it didn't stay that way for long. "At the turn of the year things started to pick up for me," Spongberg says. "It has been growing steadily since then." Spruced Up Spaces enjoys a client base made up mostly of local businesses and residential clients. For instance, Spongberg has helped a family to sort, purge, and reorganize the contents of their home in preparation for a significant renovation project, and she’s helped a massage therapy business to organize its filing system and improve the layout of its office space. Today, the company provides enough work for Spongberg to make a living and she hopes to continue growing. Source: Nia Spongberg, owner & professional organizer of Spruced Up Spaces Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

Feature Story

Entrepreneurship

Guest Blogger: Rishi Moudgil

Rishi MoudgilWednesday, October 2, 2013

We've all heard of venture funding, but how about social funding? Governments, businesses, and non-profits are starting to shake hands on these kinds of deals and projects. More on this from Rishi Moudgil, director of U-M's Nonprofit and Public Management Center.

Feature Story

Diane Miller in flight at Ringstar Studio

Healthy Communities

RingStar Studio: Swords, Silks and Circus Arts

Patrick DunnWednesday, October 2, 2013

Get fit and hone your ability to fight off pirates (or brigands and orcs). Ann Arbor's Ringstar Studio is the latest in alternative fitness training gyms, offering its students everything from martial arts to aerial stunts to stage combat.

Partner Content

Community Development

50 years, 50 stories: Story #22 African American Endowment FundAnn Arbor Area Community Foundation

Ann Arbor Area Community FoundationWednesday, October 2, 2013

More than 20 years ago, three trustees at the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation led the way to help create a special endowment at AAACF that could help improve the physical, economic, social and educational conditions that affect the quality of life for African Americans in our local community.

Technology and Innovation

Head of MichBio weighs in on Michigan's life sciences industry

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Source: MBiz.com

What's the state of the state's life science's industry? "We’re holding our own," says Stephen Rapundalo, CEO for the trade organization MichBio.

Excerpt:

"Certainly we’ve seen some modest growth in the medical device space. … I would summarize it as ‘steady as she goes.’ People are generally seeing more business coming their way. Everybody’s just kind of focused on doing the right thing, maintaining their sales and their growth. I don’t know what the numbers will ultimately say (for 2013), but I suspect it will be modest growth."

Read the rest here.

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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.