The Ark music club purchases its Ann Arbor space, plans for future

After 48 years of music history in Ann Arbor, The Ark acoustic music club has settled on a permanent abode. At the end of 2012, the non-profit purchased its 8,000 sq. ft. space at 316 S. Main St. The $2.05 million transaction was completed as a condominium purchase from building owner Dr. Reza Rahmani, according to Marianne James, The Ark's executive director.

"Sixteen years ago, when we had a new lease with terms totaling 20 years, that seemed like a long time. But with only four years left on that, we really needed to focus on locking in the next phase of The Ark's future," James says. "And if we could do that in a permanent location, we felt that was the best option we could secure for The Ark."

The Ark is embarking on a capital campaign with the intention of paying off its mortgage in the next 5-7 years. James says funds raised will also be put towards capital improvements such as updating the concessions area, and "we're looking at redesigning the bar at some point, probably redesigning and perhaps expanding the box office, and there will be a whole series of things we'll keep a wish list on."

The venue has seven full-time and five part-time employees. Anywhere from 51-54,000 people attend over 300 folk and roots music performances hosted there each year. That attendance figure does not include concerts The Ark hosts elsewhere, such as the Ann Arbor Folk Festival in Hill Auditorium or those at the Michigan Theater and other places, says James.

"I think we're also part of the downtown identity, and the fact that we get to be part of that into the future is not only great for The Ark, it's great for downtown Ann Arbor."

Source: Marianne James, executive director of The Ark
Writer: Tanya Muzumdar