Burns Park Blog

Voice your opinion tonight at the City Planning Commission meeting tonight, June 3rd

2008-06-03T14:02:00Z

The newly proposed development of the former "University Village" now titled "601 Forest" is going to be larger than previously thought. From the rendering below, it will be enormous. I thought the project was not a bad idea originally, but I've changed my mind. This looks like a project for Chicago or Manhattan, but not the campus area of Ann Arbor. Now is the chance to wise up the decision makers so they realise Ann Arbor does not have the necessary critical mass in that area to make sense of this without destroying what is already there.

The Planning Commission meeting it tonight June 3rd at 7 PM in City Hall, 2nd Floor, 100 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor. This is the chance to have your voice heard.

Below is the recent Ann Arbor News Article:

Plans for South University Avenue tower in Ann Arbor grow several stories

Article by Stefanie Murray for "The Ann Arbor News"

"If you are going to limit the growth of the city on the parameters, there is only one place it can go, and that is up. If you want density, you have to go up." - developer Dan Ketelaar.

Plans to build a $150 million, skyline-altering, upscale student housing tower on South University Avenue in Ann Arbor have gotten a little taller.

Have your say
What: Public hearing on the site plan for 601 Forest, a 25-story mixed-use student housing complex.
Where: Ann Arbor City Planning Commission meeting, second floor of City Hall, 100 N. Fifth Ave.
When: Today, 7 p.m.

The shape and name have also changed, as the developers adjusted site plans following input from the public and city planners.

What was once dubbed University Village is now proposed to be "601 Forest" - a L-shaped, mixed-use building with a 25-story corner tower and 20-story wings spreading south along South Forest Avenue and east along South University. Previous iterations called for connected 22-story and 15-story towers, and 26-story and 19-story towers before that.

If built, it will be Ann Arbor's second tallest building and likely one of the most expensive private downtown redevelopments in recent history.

The city Planning Commission will consider the project for the second time at its meeting tonight. The commission tabled a decision in March.

The site does not need to be rezoned, said city planner Matt Kowalski, who has handled review of the project.

The proposed 464,314-square-foot student apartment complex, at the southeast corner of South University and South Forest avenues, has been somewhat controversial.

The building will house 1,142 people in 342 apartments and have a total of about 250 vehicle parking spaces, including a dozen metered spots. A total of 16,140 square feet of retail space will be available on the ground floor.

Nearby residents are concerned about its height and increased traffic. Many local business owners, however, support the project because it would mean so many more people living on the main business corridor of the southern campus area of the University of Michigan.

"If you are going to limit the growth of the city on the parameters, there is only one place it can go, and that is up. If you want density, you have to go up," said Dan Ketelaar of Omena Real Estate Investments, one of 601 Forest's developers.

"You have to create enough density to create a marketability of value, an economy of scale, if you will."

The South University Area Association is backing 601 Forest.

"From the business community down here, this is exactly what we need," said Dennis Tice, president of the association and an owner of the Pizza House restaurant. "It is absolutely critical for this downtown to have projects like this."

Nearby student housing structures include the 18-story University Tower and the under-construction 10-story Zaragon Place.

Construction of 601 Forest would mean demolition of five buildings that sit on less than two acres of land, including a 39-unit apartment building and the Village Corner store. Ketelaar and Ron Hughes of Hughes Properties in Bingham Farms are leading a group of investors behind the project.

The developers plan to apply for 601 Forest to be certified through the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental design program, known as LEED. They are also pursuing brownfield tax credits.

A second-story terrace with green space will be built for residents, and much of the roof will be green, too.

"We've vertically broken up the towers throughout with different color and materials," Ketelaar said. "We've tried to create it so there is a street level rhythm on the facade, broken up in columns, and then we carried that through the towers so it has the appearance of three towers."

Ketelaar said the "U" shape of the building was changed to an "L" shape when architects removed the southern wing of the building so it would not loom over nearby residences on Forest Court.

Amenities of the apartments will include a fitness center, lounges, cafe area, pool tables, a computer center and 24-hour security and surveillance. Resident assistants will live on each floor. A typical apartment will cost $1,000 per bed per month.

If the project is approved by the city, Ketelaar said, he and Hughes hope to begin demolition later this year and installation of the infrastructure for the geothermal heating and cooling system by fall. After it gets through the Planning Commission, the site plan must go to City Council for final approval.

The developers had originally planned to have the project completed by 2010, but now say the building won't be open to students until fall 2011 at the earliest.

The Burns Park Run is Coming!!

2008-04-22T18:02:51Z

Every May, as the weather warms and the park surrounds us with fresh greenery, the annual Burns Park Run welcomes Spring. This year's run is Sunday, May 4th, at 8:30 AM.

The run features a 5K and a 10K races, and draws about 1,000 participants. There is also a Fun Run in the park for the youngest runners. Proceeds benefit the Burns Park Elementary School. The course winds through the streets of the Burns Park neighborhood.

This is one of the true highlights of the Burns Park calendar. The energy and cheering buzz through the whole neighborhood. Don't expect to sleep in on Sunday, May 4th. You'll miss the fun. I may even dare to run this year!

For more information, or to register or volunteer, you can go to the official website at

http://www.burnsparkrun.org/

Ann Arbor Makes Another Top 10 List

2008-03-10T14:37:14Z

Foot experts at the American Podiatric Medical Association have chosen the best and worst walking cities in America. Their rankings were posted on March 7, 2008. Ann Arbor made the list!

One of the best benefits of Burns Park and the Old West Side (and a big reason for their popularity) is the proximity to downtown and campus. Residents can walk to restaurants and entertainment without having to search for parking. Now the news will be more widely known with this recent announcement. I think it's great to note that Ann Arbor (with 114,000 people) has the second smallest population, behind Cambridge's 101,000. The other top 10 are all major urban areas or state capitols, and even Cambridge is just across the river from Boston.

More than 500 U.S. cities were evaluated and ranked on 14 walking criteria, including the percentage of adults who walk to work and the number of parks per square mile.

Here are the 10 best cities for walking:

Cambridge, Mass.
New York City
Ann Arbor, Mich.
Chicago
Washington, D.C.
San Francisco
Honolulu
Trenton, N.J.
Boston
Cincinnati, Ohio

The 10 worst cities for walking are:

Oklahoma City, Okla.
North Las Vegas
Gadsden, Ala.
Davenport, Iowa
Mount Pleasant, S.C.
Enid, Okla.
Laredo, Texas
Springdale, Ark.
Clarksville, Tenn.
Lafayette, La.

Is The Spring Market Here Yet?

2008-03-07T15:56:06Z

I've seen some increased Open House activity in the Ann Arbor area over the last few weeks, and I've added some listings to my inventory with more to follow. It feels like spring is here.

What's the buzz right now? The most recent report I heard is that Ann Arbor will level out this year and even have a 2% appreciation overall. I can see that in some popular areas like the Old West Side or my neighborhood Burns Park, but will we see an increase in surrounding areas? With the condo market down so much right now over last year, I think condos are going to be a tough sell this year. And I can see prices continuing to dip in that market.

There are fewer houses on the market now than there was at this time last year, so if our buyer pool remains steady we could have a good year.

Any thoughts? What's your experience been?

Proposed High-Rise at South University and Forest

2008-03-05T18:39:37Z

Developers Dan Ketelaar and Ron Hughes propose to build a 22-story high rise and a connect 15-story tower at the corner of S. Univeristy and Forest. The site is a large portion of the block where Village Corner, the Bagel bakery, Park Plaza Apartments, Student Bike Shop, Cahmpion's Convenience Mart and two rental houses now stand. The building would be apartments, primarily students with retail space on the ground level.

There will be a working session of the Planning Commission on Tuesday, March 11th at 7 PM in the 4th floor conference room of City Hall. The public may attend, and no action will be taken by the Commission.

The meeting of the Planning Commission will be on Tuesday, March 18th at 7 PM in the Council Chamber on the 2nd floor of City Hall. Public commentary will be welcome.

Co-chairpersons of the North Burns Park Association, Peter Nagourney and Kathy Sample are encouraging neighbors to voice their concerns about the project at these meetings.

More information or a copy of the developers' drawings are available by emailing: apvh@umich.edu or gnystuen@umich.edu.

What are the concerns of people who live closer to this area? I live a few blocks away so the impact on my will be minimal. Since the block in question is mainly student housing at present, I think the only major impact will be to parking in the area. With that many students, there will likely be more cars in that direct area. Otherwise, the new retail and increased population will be good for the local businesses. Students don't usually venture into the residential neighborhood, so I don't see much impact to the permanant residents here.

Any other opinions?

January Housing Statistics from the Ann Arbor Board of Realtors

2008-02-12T13:21:57Z

February 12, 2008

Ann Arbor Area Board of REALTORS®

According to Lawrence Yun, the National Association of REALTORS®, sales activity is expected to remain soft through the first half of the year despite a generational low in mortgage interest rates. "Household formation was only half of what it should have been last year given the demographics of a growing population and sustained job growth, so there clearly is a pent-up demand from buyers who are on the sidelines," he said. NAR believes that increasing the loan limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (Economic Stimulus) will bolster the severely stressed housing finance market by immediately infusing much needed liquidity into the nation's mortgage market. "When the full impact of higher loan limits for conventional mortgages begins to impact the market, there is likely to be a notable rise in home sales and prices.

The January statistics for real estate sales in the Ann Arbor Area demonstrate a soft, stabilizing market with residential sales declining 15 units after rentals are removed from the equation. Condominiums follow suit with a decline of 12 units. Condominiums show an increase of $8,340 or 5.38 percent in Median Sales Prices, over January 2007.

January 2007 (After Rentals are removed*) January 2008 Difference

Residential Sales 157 units 142 units (10%)

Condominium Sales 35 units 23 units (33%)Condominium Median Sales Price $146,660 $155,000 5.38%

*Effective April 2007 - Rental properties are no longer included in the statistics published by the Ann Arbor Board of REALTORS®. To provide a true comparison, rentals have been removed from the January 2007 data.

Burns Park Players article from the Ann Arbor News

2008-02-04T16:13:27Z

Burns Park Players Endure

Group of Neighborhood Thespians Marks 25 Years

Sunday, February 03, 2008 BY JENN MCKEE The Ann Arbor News

Sometimes, a small act can lead to big things.

Take, for example, the talent show that Susan Schreiber - then the owner of the local children's clothing store Generations - organized in 1983 to raise money for Burns Park Elementary School. The event was such a hit that it inspired geriatrics physician Alan Dengiz to put a group of Burns Park students and parents on stage to perform a modest production of "Grease.''

How modest? According to articles found in The Ann Arbor News' archives, Dengiz begged people to take roles, played taped music for at least one number, and used a cardboard car that was built by second-graders.

Even so, a long-standing Ann Arbor institution - the Burns Park Players - had been born, and annual productions of classic musicals like "The Music Man,'' "Gypsy,'' "Guys and Dolls,'' "Li'l Abner,'' "South Pacific,'' "Annie Get Your Gun,'' "Little Shop of Horrors,'' "Hello Dolly,'' and others followed, starring adults and students who lived in the Burns Park school area.

Not that this evolution happened overnight. Susan Hurwitz, former BPP president and producer of this year's 25th anniversary show, "Disney's Beauty and the Beast,'' bears witness to a time when people were still drafted for roles rather than vying for them.

"My husband actually got involved before I did,'' said Hurwitz. "Alan Dengiz was recruiting people for 'Damn Yankees' at the ice cream social, and he saw my husband and said, 'Hey, how would you like to be the judge?'''

Hurwitz got involved with BPP in the late 1980s, after noticing that the group didn't even have a cashbox for ticket sales. She volunteered to help organize the company's operations, and Dengiz asked her to be a producer, despite the fact that she had no experience. She learned on the job while the company grew.

Indeed, BPP's shows were performed on the Burns Park Theatre stage until 1992; but as they became more popular with both audiences and performers, the company had to move to Tappan Middle School's 600-seat theater, where it still performs today.

"(BPP)'s certainly gotten bigger, and it's certainly gotten more ambitious,'' said Hurwitz. "Sometimes that's just a function of the passage of time. When we moved to Tappan, we had a bigger space than at Burns Park. And then we had a couple who moved here from the East Coast who both had their MFAs from Yale. ... So they raised the bar.''

Later, when a similarly accomplished director had to opt out for maternity leave in the late 1990s, BPP turned to the University of Michigan's musical theater program for help. This sparked a relationship between the two entities, and BPP has had U-M student directors (and sometimes choreographers and music directors) ever since.

"We still retain this atmosphere of having a good time,'' said Clinch Steward, who's performed with BPP for 15 years. "We're parents first, and we're professional people second, and we're actors third, fourth, fifth or sixth. But over the years, (BPP) has gotten more serious and more professional along the way, that's for sure.''

Along the way, the company expanded its fundraising beyond the scope of Burns Park and Tappan to include arts programs in all of the Ann Arbor Public Schools; and since its inception, the company has reportedly contributed more than $250,000.

A wonderful benefit, yes; but those involved with BPP productions often have more personal motives. Steward, for instance, joined the group shortly after moving to Ann Arbor. "The Burns Park Players ... became my entree into feeling at home in Ann Arbor,'' he said. "I knew people on our street, but even just after the first year, you meet a group of 40-50 adults, and you kind of live with them and humble yourself with them, and it really made me feel like part of the community.''

Something else that keeps Steward coming back, though, is the effect he sees BPP shows having on the kids involved. "At the end of the show, for the curtain call, they parade across the stage, and they have their chance to bow as a group,'' he said. "When everybody is clapping for them, they just think it's their moment in the world. And that alone, at least for me, makes it all worthwhile.''

Around the Corner from Burns Park

2008-02-04T08:58:41Z

You have to head north toward the University of Michigan campus to walk to shopping and restaurants near Burns Park. There are plenty of cool places to in which to browse and eat. And one of those was recently profiled on The Food Network. While I don't think it's an everyday meal, it is a greasy treat with lots of attitude. Blimpy Burger is a campus institution that you have to experience at least once, and maybe you'll even get hooked. It's about a 5-10 minute walk from Burns Park. Check it out sometime when you're in the mood for a great burger and killer onion rings.

Kudos to the Fed today

2008-01-30T16:08:07Z

With the Federal Reserve cutting the prime interest by a half percent to 3.0%, the real estate stands to benefit soon with lower mortgage rates. This second cut in two weeks is a serious push to stimulate the retail sector. I'm optimistic we'll see a reflection of the lowered rate in the next couple weeks in the mortgage industry. In my experience it is January and February that typically has the lowest mortgage rates. It's a great time for buyers to take advantage of the lower rates to increase their buying power. Who knows how long this could last? Usually by spring the rates inch up again when the housing market gets into full swing. A reward to the brave buyers who are willing to move during the frigid Michigan winter.

Buyers, if you're out there (and I know you are scarce in Michigan right now), the couple weeks will be the time to shop. Be ready to jump on a property and lock in your rate. Now is the time to size up the housing choices to rank your top picks. Then keep your agent and lender on the alert for a quick move when the rates hit bottom.

Contact me for more.

Two NEW Listings in Burns Park

2008-01-28T14:43:37Z

2034 Norway just came on the market last Friday. Asking price $575,000. It's 2,200 square feet, 3 bedrooms with 2.5 tiled baths. This Ives Woods charmer was built in 1924 with all the classic detail that makes Burns Park houses unique. French doors, Pewabic tile, leaded windows, plaster walls & ceilings, natural woodwork, and hardwood floors. Formal living room with fireplace, formal dining room, study that opens to a screened porch, kitchen with birch cabinets & breakfast nook. The 85' x 200' lot is over a third of an acre with a 2-car garage and mature trees.

Also new on the market is 1617 Cambridge, listed for $629,900.

Contact me for more details or to schedule a showing.

Burns Park Players present BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Live Onstage

2008-01-28T11:41:00Z

Fridays February 8 & 15 at 7:30 PM and Saturdays 9 & 16 at 4:30 PM -- The Burns Park Players will present the family fun musical Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" at the Tappan Middle School. Tickets are available at "Morgan & York" on Packard just south of Stadium Blvd. Seats are reserved.

When I first tell people about the Burns Park Players, they tend to have a skeptical response. How can a bunch of busy professionals with little theatrical training from one elementary school area mount an elaborate stage musical, and make it worth watching? Let alone charge admission? Truth be told, I wonder that myself sometimes, and every year in February I'm amazed how beautifully and lovingly a small community comes together to create an entertaining and spirit raising event for its lucky audiences.

Sure, I'm a little biased. I'm a member of the group. But I wasn't easily won over. I was introduced to the Players by a client involved with the group. She said "You live in Burns Park, you have a theater background, you should get involved, come with me." (Yes, I have a degree in theater & English, did graduate work in theater at U-M, and managed the historic Michigan Theater and the Ann Arbor Civic Theatre.) What could a rag-tag bunch of well-intentioned parents putting on a show with tons of school kids have to offer me? Six years later, I can say more than I ever imagined. It's like trying sushi for the first time...the concept of eating raw fish is hard to stomach. And then after those first few bites, when the wasabi kicks in and makes you giddy, you discover it's one of the most amazing taste treats you've ever had. The Burns Park Players are like that.

I invite everyone in the neighborhood to get involved. There is a job for you. Whether it's on stage or behind the scenes, it takes a ton of people hours to produce the quality production that we produce.

In less than two weeks, our audiences will see the fruits of our labor and dedication. The set is looking beautiful with lots of color, the costumes are dazzling, and the performances get better every time we rehearse. I will write more soon about my role in all this fun.

For 25 years the Burns Park Players have been putting on shows to raise funds to support Burns Park elementary and Tappan middle schools' arts programs. Since 1992, the Burns Park Players have donated over $200,000 for grants, stage improvements, and program support for the arts curricula.

Economic Forecast for Michigan and the Ann Arbor Area

2008-01-23T22:10:03Z

I had the opportunity to hear David Cole, Chairman of the Center for Automotive Research, speak yesterday about the Michigan economy and its road to recovery. Cole was cautiously optimistic that within the next couple years we would see the state's largest industry get back on its running legs. In recent years, the US automakers have been crippled by the rising costs of pension benefits. About $2,500 of every car made went to cover these benefits, a huge amount. Now the unions are responsible for these benefits, allowing the US automakers to compete more effectively with foreign automakers. Despite reduced labor costs abroad, shipping and import costs will make US automobiles a much better value than they were in the past.

The US automakers can now bring a product line to the market in two years where it used to take five. This will allow quicker responses to demand and technological improvements.

Cole also spoke about the relative impact of the auto industry's troubles versus Pfizer's impact on the area economy. He claimed that one auto production job loss results in the loss of ten more jobs. In comparison, one job loss at Pfizer (which is primarily research and development) results in a single job loss. I appreciated this informative perspective and was comforted that the pullout of Pfizer might not be as bad as many of us were anticipating. And I'm hopeful that the US carmakers will be able to increase their share of the auto market.

Additionally, the development of hybrid engines and alternative fuels are moving in the right direction to help relieve the US's reliance on fossil fuels and imported oil.

In this challenging real estate market, I was heartened to hear a hopeful voice from a knowledgeable insider. I welcome your comments and incite to help the community forecast its future and plan for the upcoming selling season.

Welcome to the Burns Park Blog

2008-01-22T23:12:51Z

Greetings from my new Burns Park Blog. As an active Burns Park resident, I know how much we treasure our homes and the neighborhood. To share that passion, I have created a forum where residents (long-time, new and aspiring) can share information about events, activities, news, restoration, renovation, selling, buying, and anything else that makes Burns Park a great place to live and play. I'm the neighborhood expert and Realtor, and I want to collect and share information that will be helpful and informative for you. I will keep you up-to-date on market trends, houses for sale, and recent sales. If you have something to say or a question to ask, please join in. We are a vibrant community, and in upcoming entries, I will work to connect us even further. Thanks for joining us. I look forward to serving our Burns Park spirit and real estate interests.