Ann Arbor’s 25th-annual African American Downtown Festival set for June 4
ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor has OK’d plans for the 25th-annual African American Downtown Festival. City Council voted this week to approve street closures on Ann Street and Fourth Avenue in Kerrytown for the event taking place 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 4. “It’s a free event, so we invite people to bring their lawn chairs, come down, have some great food and enjoy some great entertainment,” she said. “There’s entertainment for all ages.”The festival is happening with support from Zingerman’s and the Ann Arbor District Library, which is donating some of its oversize games, including a huge chess board. City Council also recently approved plans for the Green Fair happening downtown on Friday, June 10, six days after the African-American Downtown Festival.
mlive.comFoolMoon lights up downtown Ann Arbor again with expanded footprint
ANN ARBOR, MI -- Ann Arbor’s annual twilight festival lit up the city Friday night, bringing luminary art and festivities to downtown, Kerrytown and State Street. FoolMoon kicked off before dusk at 6 p.m., but the festivities really began after dual luminary processions from Kerrytown and the Diag after the sun set at 8 p.m.
mlive.comAnn Arbor planning large Black Lives Matter street mural in Kerrytown
ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor officials are making plans for a large street mural in Kerrytown to spell out a message in block letters reflecting the city’s antiracist values. “We are on our way to actually having a Black Lives Matter mural and are working with administration on finalizing that,” said City Council Member Linh Sing, D-2nd Ward.
mlive.com‘Funky’ New Orleans-style live-music venue highlights Detroit Street Filling Station expansion
ANN ARBOR, MI -- The Detroit Street Filling Station is moving forward with plans to expand its footprint by opening a live music venue in a space next door to its Kerrytown restaurant. The North Star Lounge will open at 301 N. Fifth Ave., a space previously occupied by Jessica’s Apothecary and Spa. Detroit Street Filling Station, located at 300 Detroit Street in Ann Arbor, took over the space in November 2020, shortly after the closure of its second location, The Lunch Room, in Kerrytown Market & Shops.
mlive.comNew downtown Ann Arbor development will create housing for artists, homeless
ANN ARBOR, MI — A six-story, 68-unit affordable housing development is coming to downtown Ann Arbor with a focus on housing artists and those exiting homelessness. The city’s Housing Commission has chosen nonprofit Avalon Housing to co-develop the city-owned site at 121 E. Catherine St., a public parking lot in the Kerrytown district.
mlive.comDream comes true for Ann Arbor hairstylist who opened downtown salon
ANN ARBOR, MI — Downtown Ann Arbor has welcomed a new hair salon with a creative twist dedicated to the community. While this 1,800-square-foot salon is new to the historic Kerrytown area, its owner and Ann Arbor family man Addison Foote is a well-seasoned hairstylist who’s following his dreams in opening his own studio.
mlive.comKerrytown’s Loomi Café is closing
ANN ARBOR, MI -- Kerrytown’s Loomi Café is closing this month. The café at 407 North Fifth Ave. in Ann Arbor’s Kerrytown Market & Shops, is closing Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, according to owner Andrew Stevick, who did not provide further details about the reason for the closure or future plans.
mlive.comWoman’s clothing store, Collected Works, to close in Ann Arbor after 44 years
ANN ARBOR, MI -- Collected Works, a woman’s clothing store in Ann Arbor’s Kerrytown, will be closing its doors after 44 years. Owner Irene Patalan announced she would not be ordering additional shipments of clothing, making this fall/winter line the final season of her store. Patalan said her decision to retire was influenced by the pandemic and wanting to spend time with her family.
mlive.comBean-to-bar chocolatier opening first U.S. retail space in Kerrytown
ANN ARBOR, MI -- A Dexter-based chocolate company is opening a retail store in Ann Arbor’s Kerrytown. Mindo Chocolate Makers, which specializes in bean-to-bar chocolate production, is opening its U.S. retail location at 206 North Fourth Ave., in what was formerly the TeaHaus café. Barbara Wilson, Mindo owner, said she chose the spot because she grew up in the area. It will expand into chocolates and truffles with the Ann Arbor location, Wilson said. The new retail location will also feature grab-and-go Ecuadorian coffee and hot chocolate alongside Mindo’s products.
mlive.com5-story development proposed in Ann Arbor’s Kerrytown district
ANN ARBOR, MI — A new five-story development is proposed in the Kerrytown district in downtown Ann Arbor. Local developer MAVD is teaming up with local condo builder Tom Fitzsimmons on the roughly 33,600-square-foot project behind the Detroit Street Filling Station vegan restaurant and across from the Ann Arbor Farmers Market.
mlive.comAnn Arbor library creates self-guided walking tour of historically Black neighborhood
ANN ARBOR, MI — From the Black-owned businesses that lined Ann Street to the Dunbar Community Center and Colored Welfare League on Fourth Avenue, what’s known today as downtown’s Kerrytown district was once a major hub of life for Ann Arbor’s Black community. In partnership with the African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County, the Ann Arbor District Library is now offering the public a chance to take a trip back in time with a walking tour of the historically Black neighborhood. There’s also a broader map of both historical Black neighborhood areas now known as Kerrytown and Water Hill, where Black populations have significantly declined as the areas have gentrified. Ann Arbor’s neighborhoods were largely racially segregated until the 1960s, the walking tour pamphlet notes. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:A look back at the Ann Arbor Community Center over the yearsMore multiracial people in Washtenaw County, per census updateResearchers map Ann Arbor’s racist history of housing discriminationThe story of Albert Wheeler, Ann Arbor’s first and only Black mayorHow they voted: Ann Arbor City Council vote breakdown for September 2021
mlive.comAnn Arbor DDA beginning work on new Division Street bikeway
ANN ARBOR, MI — A third protected bikeway is coming soon to downtown Ann Arbor. The Downtown Development Authority is moving forward next week with installing a two-way bikeway along the east side of Division Street. Construction for the Division Street bikeway is being broken down into two parts and first is the section north of Huron Street, said Maura Thomson, DDA interim director. The easternmost lane of Division Street from Huron to Catherine is closing for construction starting Monday, Oct. 11, and Division Street will be reduced to one lane of northbound traffic. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Ann Arbor OKs design costs for new Border-to-Border Trail tunnel pathwayDowntown Ann Arbor lot long envisioned as future green space gets new coat of asphaltHow they voted: Ann Arbor City Council vote breakdown for September 2021Ann Arbor offering free home improvements to income-qualified seniorsProposed Ann Arbor law requires large buildings to disclose energy data
mlive.com‘Votercade’ advocates for voting rights in Ann Arbor
ANN ARBOR, MI -- Bicycles could be seen and “protect our vote!” could be heard walking through Kerrytown on Saturday afternoon. A group of about 20 people and 15 cyclists traveled in a motorcade of voters, or “votercade,” to bring awareness about voting rights. Michigan State Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, attended, saying he believes some of the 39 bills introduced would be considered voter suppression. Michigan State Senator Jeff Irwin (D) marches with people through Kerrytown in Ann Arbor during a bicycle and march called a ‘votercade’ for John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Action Day on Saturday, May 8, 2021. (Alie Skowronski/mlive.com) Alie Skowronski | The Ann Arbor News“These bills are coming up in the Michigan State Senate and I decided to come show my support for voters,” Irwin said.
mlive.comEncore Studio in Ann Arbor’s Kerrytown merging with Douglas J. Salon
ANN ARBOR, MI -- Residents will soon witness a merger of two well-known Ann Arbor salons. Salon, 500 E. Liberty St., is moving and merging with Encore Studio, 407 N. Fifth Ave. in Kerrytown, on May 10. They believe Douglas J. As the companies merge, they will no longer provide nail services as they shift their focus on styling hair, Lenneman said. Salon, Lenneman said.
mlive.comAnn Arbor’s Miss Kim partners with Detroit based Saffron De Twah for three course fusion menus
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Get the best of two worlds with a new collaboration coming from the kitchen of Kerrytown’s Miss Kim. Partnering with Chef Omar Anani of the James Beard-nominated Detroit restaurant Saffron De Twah, Chef Ji Hye Kim, a James Beard award nominee herself, is offering unique Moroccan-Korean menus only available on Wednesday nights. This week’s menu, available for pickup on Wednesday, Jan.27, is sandwich themed. According to a newsletter from Miss Kim, pre-order items for that menu sold out in three days,The collaborative pop-up is planned to last through Valentine’s Day, says the Saffron De Twah website. Miss Kim is at 415 N. 5th Ave. in Ann Arbor’s Kerrytown neighborhood.
Ann Arbor mom organizes socially distant Santa’s ‘sleigh ride’ in northside neighborhood
ANN ARBOR – The Christmas spirit came alive on Saturday in the Glacier Highlands neighborhood on Ann Arbor’s northside. The Ly family has been welcoming Joe Eadie -- also known as Kerrytown Santa -- into their home for the past nine years. The Ly family with Santa Joe Eadie on Dec. 19, 2020. Santa Joe Eadie surprises children during the pandemic on Dec. 19, 2020. (Carly Ly)Local mothers pose with Santa Joe Eadie on Dec. 19, 2020 in the Glacier Highlands neighborhood in Ann Arbor.
Ann Arbor’s Miss Kim hosts pop-up series with local partners
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Expect pizza and wine during Miss Kim’s December lineup of tasty pop-ups. On the tails of its successful November pop-up series with James Beard Award-nominated chef Max Sussman, Miss Kim is partnering up with local food personalities Chef Jack Goforth and Kristie Brablec. From 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 5, 12 and 19, Goforth’s fermented Neapolitan-styled pizza will be served with wines selected by Brablec specifically for the pop-up. Pizzas are limited and available for pre-order through the Miss Kim website. Pick up pop-up pizza and wine (and some Korean food) at the Kerrytown restaurant at 415 N. Fifth Ave.
Downtown Ann Arbor area associations launch ‘Show Your Love A2’ campaign to support businesses
In order to bolster support for local eateries and merchants, the Kerrytown District, Main Street Ann Arbor, the State Street District, and the South University Area Association launched on Wednesday the “Show Your Love A2” campaign. “We want to keep the nostalgic charm of Ann Arbor thriving. Help us preserve the personality and spirit of Ann Arbor by showing your love to the community. Please shop, eat, and drink (in) downtown Ann Arbor.”ShowYourLoveA2 is also holding a photo contest. To enter, follow the campaign on Instagram at @ShowYourLoveA2 and share a photo of what you love downtown with the hashtag #ShowYourLoveA2.
Detroit Street Filling Station opening ‘intimate music’ venue in next-door space
ANN ARBOR, MI -- A vegan restaurant in Ann Arbor’s Kerrytown is taking over a two-story space next door. Detroit Street Filling Station Owner Phillis Engelbert moved into the former Jessica’s Apothecary and Spa building at 301 N. Fifth Ave. on Monday, Nov. 16. With the rest of the space, we are thinking about an intimate music venue and private dining space,” Engelbert said in the letter. Due to surging COVID-19 cases, Detroit Street Filling Station closed outdoor dining but continues to offer carryout and delivery. Road crews ask for public’s help in slippery conditionsCayman Chemical expanding footprint with $20M forensics, research facility in Ann Arbor areaLocal Eats: Angelo’s still serves homemade bread after 60-plus years in Ann ArborChocolatier Bon Bon Bon opens Ann Arbor shop in Nickels Arcade
mlive.comShopping specials to take over Ann Arbor’s small businesses in December
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Mark your calendars, the holiday shopping season is coming! During the first three Fridays of December, three downtown area districts are hosting special shopping events to help Ann Arbor’s small businesses and consumers get a jump start on holiday wishlists. Here’s what you need to know:Moonlight MadnessThe annual shopping event in the State Street District will take place across three Fridays this year. More details to be announced through the Festive Fridays website. Special shopping sales include 30% off at The Bo Store; 30% off at Underground Printing and cocktail bundles at Palio, Black Pearl and Chop House.
Local Eats: Try cauliflower wings, soups or vegan sweets at Detroit Filling Station in Ann Arbor
The cauliflower wings, breaded and fried with Thai curry sauce are a favorite among customers, along with the buffalo cauliflower wings with Ranch dressing. “Now, we’re offering a unique type of cauliflower wings every week,” Engelbert said, adding one week, it was sweet and spicy wings and Korean barbecue wings with kimchi another. Detroit Street Filling Station’s rotating soups are made, as much as possible, with fresh local ingredients. Detroit Street Filling Station also carries a classic cinnamon snickerdoodle and a variety of cakes and pastries such as a “spooky strawberry cake” around Halloween or cinnamon rolls another day. Detroit Street Filling Station is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
mlive.comKerrytown District KindleFest canceled over pandemic concerns
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – This year’s KindleFest has been canceled due to coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns, according to a message on the Kerrytown District Association website. It is hosted by the Kerrytown District Association and brings artisans, vendors and hundreds of attendees to the Ann Arbor Farmers Market for a traditional German-inspired outdoor Christkindlmarkt. In addition to artisan and crafted goods, the evening KindleFest is known for traditional foods, mulled wine, music and a visit by Santa. As part of the event, downtown businesses in the area stay open late into the evening. “Our members encourage you to stay safe during this unprecedented time!," states the website.
Edgefest returns to Ann Arbor’s Kerrytown Concert House on Friday
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Starting Friday, Edgefest is returning to Ann Arbor for its 24th year with a schedule of six virtual shows. Originally planned as a four-day event to take place this month, the annual celebration of music was transformed into a series of virtual concerts. In lieu of tickets, audiences are encouraged to donate to Edgefest organizer, Kerrytown Concert House, an Ann Arbor nonprofit concert venue. Following this year’s original brass theme of “Partial to the Edge,” each concert features artists and musicians from southeast Michigan and around the US. The 25th Edgefest is anticipated to take place in October 2021.
Ann Arbor author pens “100 Things To Do in Ann Arbor Before You Die”
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Having lived in Tree Town for almost 40 years, author Patricia Majher knows a thing or two (or 100) about the city. Her latest book, “100 Things To Do in Ann Arbor Before You Die” is an ode to adventures in Ann Arbor combining townie favorites with touristic go-to’s. It’s easy to put a dent in your wallet while out-and-about in Ann Arbor, so Majher made sure to include free activities and family-friendly spaces, like the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum or the Creature Conservancy. From around-the-world-eats to free entertainment, the back of “100 Things To Do in Ann Arbor Before You Die” offers itineraries for those looking to explore theme by theme. “100 Things To Do in Ann Arbor Before You Die” can be found at Nicola’s Books, Bookbound and online here.
Ann Arbor catering, carry-out eatery to take over Kerrytown location
ANN ARBOR, Mich. This fall, hungry eaters visiting the Kerrytown district in downtown Ann Arbor will notice a change. Eat Catering and Carry-out, a Packard Street eatery, will be taking over the spot left vacant by The Lunch Room Diner & Canteen in Kerrytown Market & Shops. The eatery will also offer brunch in addition to menu items similar to its Packard location offerings. Eat will keep its carry-out location on Packard Street. The Kerrytown location will give us the opportunity to reach a wider audience and eventually transition into a full service restaurant. Like what youre reading?
The Treasure Mart in Ann Arbor closing for good after 60 years
ANN ARBOR The owners of The Treasure Mart in Kerrytown announced on Tuesday that they will be closing the consignment shop for good this summer after 60 years of business. Elaine and Carl Johns announced their store was up for sale in January after Elaine was diagnosed with ALS, a neurodegenerative disease. They had hoped someone would be willing to take over the one-of-a-kind business that Elaines mother Damaris Cash had started decades ago. It is with deep regret that we are announcing the closing of Treasure Mart, the Johns wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday. Treasure Mart has been in my life since I was 10, Elaine told A4 back in January.
In photos: Ann Arbor’s KindleFest and Midnight Madness
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Every year, hundreds of shoppers fill the Ann Arbor Farmers Market and Kerrytown area during the annual KindleFest celebration. Organized by Kerrytown District Association, the Christmas Market coincides with Midnight Madness, a time where shops and small businesses in the downtown area stay open until midnight. (Sarah M. Parlette)Shoppers browse the wares of small businesses during the 2019 KindleFest. (Sarah M. Parlette)Carolers singing holiday tunes at the 2019 KindleFest in downtown Ann Arbor. (Sarah M. Parlette)Children pose with giant snowmen on 4th Ave. (Sarah M. Parlette)Downtown Ann Arbor during Midnight Madness.
Building Matters Ann Arbor kicks off inaugural architecture tours
(Credit: Building Matters Ann Arbor)ANN ARBOR - Local nonprofit Building Matters Ann Arbor has launched its first architecture tours that will run through Nov. 17. Its first tour in the series is titled "From the farm table to the Council table: Ann Arbor Architecture, 1844-1893" and focuses on the Kerrytown area. Walk with Building Matters Ann Arbor through a part of the Kerrytown neighborhood to discover how the buildings and styles in which they lived, worked, served, and prayed evolved along with themselves." At the beginning of next year and in the springtime, Building Matters Ann Arbor will be launching more tours focusing on the downtown area, African American history in Ann Arbor, essential neighborhoods and more. All About Ann Arbor is powered by ClickOnDetroit/WDIV.
Ann Arbor Farmers Market to host 11th annual Glass Pumpkin Fest
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - On Oct. 19 and 20, see glass pumpkins of many shapes, sizes and colors at the 11th annual Glass Pumpkin Fest in the Ann Arbor Farmers Market. The American Jewel 2019 signature pumpkin that will be available at the 11th Annual Glass Pumpkin Fest in Ann Arbor. The Glass Pumpkin Fest is one of the oldest glassblowing shows and sale festivals. A photo of glass pumpkin making at the 2018 Glass Pumpkin Fest. The Ann Arbor Farmers Market is at 315 Detroit St.All About Ann Arbor is powered by ClickOnDetroit/WDIV.
Convenient downtown Ann Arbor living for $375K with this early 1900s home
ANN ARBOR - Properties like this don't come around very often. Built in 1900, the home at 525 N. Ashley St. has lots of character, including arched doorways, hardwood floors and trim. The newly renovated bathroom features heated floors and a clean white tiled shower with mosaic accents. For more information, contact Linda Lombardini from Trillium Real Estate. Credit: Trillium Real EstateCredit: Trillium Real EstateCredit: Trillium Real EstateCredit: Trillium Real EstateCredit: Trillium Real EstateCredit: Trillium Real EstateCredit: Trillium Real EstateCredit: Trillium Real EstateCredit: Trillium Real EstateCredit: Trillium Real EstateAll About Ann Arbor is powered by ClickOnDetroit/WDIV.
Construction in Ann Arbor's Kerrytown to start new phase Sept. 4
ANN ARBOR – This week was critical in the ongoing Fifth and Detroit project in Kerrytown. It was the deadline for the first phase of intensive work in the area, and it was met. "The finished product will bring a safer and much improved streetscape while maintaining the unique character of our beloved Kerrytown neighborhood." Throughout construction, the DDA is offering free parking at the Ann Ashley parking structure on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. to accommodate Ann Arbor Farmers Market patrons. What should All About Ann Arbor write about?