The News
2013-04-08 Big data startup DeepField moves into Ann Arbor's growing tech corridor
Ann Arbor’s “tech hub” on East Liberty Street added another startup to its roster when big data company DeepField moved into office space above the Michigan Theater.
2013-04-01 MedHub Receives Incentives, Commits to $1.7M Investment in Dexter Facility
Ann Arbor SPARK four-time FastTrack winner MedHub recently received support from the Village of Dexter that will help the company expand at a historical site in the community. Ann Arbor SPARK worked with the company throughout the incentives process, which resulted in MedHub committing to invest more than
2013-04-01 Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory closes on Ann Arbor's East Liberty Street
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory closed its doors over the weekend after five years in downtown Ann Arbor.
2013-04-01 Whimsical retail shop Catching Fireflies now open in Ann Arbor's Kerrytown
April and Steve McCrumb brought a pop of color to the Kerrytown neighborhood last week with the opening of their Catching Fireflies retail shop.
2013-02-07 Former Hot N' Now restaurant on Washtenaw Avenue purchased after being listed for several years
The purchase of a former Hot N' Now drive-thru restaurant in Ypsilanti Township is the latest change in a recent flurry of economic activity along the Washtenaw Avenue corridor.
2013-02-06 Many Lives of 2390 Winewood - The history of the Observer's new home
You wouldn't think a simple 1940s industrial building would have much of a history, but 2390 Winewood, the new home of the Ann Arbor Observer, has a surprisingly diverse past: it has housed a manufacturer of trading stamp gifts, a factory where the first hockey helm
2013-01-24 Is there a demand for more office space in downtown Ann Arbor?
When network security firm Barracuda Networks announced major expansion plans in summer 2011, the company was determined to remain near downtown Ann Arbor.
2013-01-21 Historic Kerrytown building will get new life after sale to North Star Financial Consultants
Two financial advisors in Ann Arbor recently became Kerrytown landlords after they purchased a historic building on Detroit Street.
2013-01-15 Ypsilanti manufacturer plans $1.4M expansion: New R&D center, 20 jobs added and revenue gains
American Broach, an Ypsilanti headquartered company, is investing $1.4 million in the purchase and upgrade of a facility to house its new research and development center and employees.
2013-01-10 Driskell and Zemke take oath of office, reiterate pledge to make education a top priority
Washtenaw County's two newest representatives in the Michigan House reiterated their pledge to make education a top priority as they were sworn into office on Wednesday.
Pittsfield Township.s Planning Commission will consider a request Thursday night that would allow a day care center to open in a shopping center on Packard Road.
2012-12-30 Ann Arbor office vacancy falls to lowest levels since 2003
The Ann Arbor region closed 2012 with the lowest office vacancy rates since 2003, according to a local report, indicating that the area's economy is continuing to improve.
2012-12-07 New owners plan to re-open Middle Kingdom Chinese restaurant 'as soon as possible'
Blimpy Burger is in jeopardy, but another popular restaurant in downtown Ann Arbor will be reopening its doors.
2012-12-06 Mexican, pizza and crepes: Wave of new restaurants coming to downtown Ann Arbor
Downtown Ann Arbor.s dining options already are extensive, but a wave of new restaurants planning to open in the next few months are sure to take the local palate to a whole new level
2012-12-03 Catching fireflies retail shop signs lease to open in Ann Arbor's Kerrytown
Fifteen years after April and Steve McCrumb started selling handmade paper goods at the Ann Arbor Art Fair and Sunday Artisan Market, they are returning to the area with a brick-and-mortar store.
2012-11-06 Driskell nabs 52nd District seat in Michigan House from Ouimet with 52.9% of the vote
Democratic candidate Gretchen Driskell has defeated incumbent and Republican Mark Ouimet for the 52nd District seat in the Michigan House of Representatives in a close race where both parties paid top dollar in the fight to gain partisan control.
2012-11-01 Ecorse Road: Main 'artery' of Ypsilanti area sees start of economic revival
After years of little development along the Ecorse Road corridor that runs through Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township, new businesses opening may signal the beginning of an economic revitalization in the area.
2012-10-16 3-story development on Detroit Street wins approval from Ann Arbor Historic District Commission
Plans to demolish a blighted gas station on Detroit Street and replace it with a 3-story flatiron-style building were approved by Ann Arbor.s Historic District Commission last week.
2012-09-25 Blighted gas station on Ann Arbor's Detroit Street could be replaced with 3-story development
An Ann Arbor developer is targeting a long-vacant, graffiti-covered building on Detroit Street in Ann Arbor for his next project.
2012-09-17 Change coming to Ann Arbor's South Main Street as 2 restaurant buildings listed for sale
Change is afoot on the 300 block of Ann Arbor’s South Main Street, where two restaurant buildings were listed for sale recently.
2012-09-05 Demand for nursing professions draws new training school to Ypsilanti
A concentration of area hospitals coupled with a high-demand for workers trained in medical professions has brought a new nurses training school to Ecorse Road in Ypsilanti.
2012-09-03 'Tattoo spa' leaving Briarwood Mall to open new studio on Ann Arbor's North Main Street
Less than a year after joining forces to open a spa, tattoo and piercing studio at Ann Arbor’s Briarwood Mall, mother and daughter entrepreneurs plan to move their studio to North Main Street.
2012-07-27 Tropical Smoothie Cafe to open on East Liberty Street in downtown Ann Arbor
Three months after the owner of Allure Boutique closed his East Liberty Street store, the downtown Ann Arbor space has a new tenant: Tropical Smoothie Cafe.
2012-07-19 Vacant house on Jackson Road to be demolished for new office construction
A vacant bank-owned house on Jackson Road in Scio Township was sold this month, paving way for the construction of an office building.
2012-07-09 Two Local Businesses Move Showrooms and Expand
Two local businesses, Delux Drapery & Shade Company and DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen, are relocating to larger facilities in Ann Arbor to keep up with their expanding business.
2012-06-15 Emerald Dragonfly closes after 5 years near Kerrytown
Emerald Dragonfly, a flower and hand-made gifts shop in Kerrytown, closed its doors recently, leaving the Ann Arbor retail property open for new tenants.
2012-06-15 Bay Design Store to close on Detroit Street in Ann Arbor; local investor buys building
After more than 35 years of running her interior design and furniture business in Ann Arbor, Susan Bay plans to close the Bay Design Store on Detroit Street this fall. The decision comes as the building is being sold.
2012-03-28 Insomnia Cookies to return to Ann Arbor with permanent space on South University Avenue
Insomnia Cookies -- the late night cookie business popular with University of Michigan students -- recently signed a lease for a permanent space on South University Avenue.
2012-03-23 Saline Main Street Group Celebrates Selection
About 40 people gathered Tuesday at Mac's for a press conference formally announcing Saline as a select-level Michigan Main Street community.
2012-03-14 Workers unearth rail car buried underground for decades in Dexter
Crews recently uncovered a 30-foot-long rail car that was buried underground for decades at an industrial site in Dexter.
2012-03-13 Restaurant on Ann Arbor's East Liberty will close when new tenant is found
Changes on downtown Ann Arbor's East Liberty Street will continue this year as soon as a new tenant can be found to take over a restaurant that opened less than a year ago.
A high-profile but aging Ann Arbor manufacturing complex previously occupied by King Engineering Corp. is empty for the first time in more than half a century, creating a major redevelopment opportunity near Briarwood Mall.
2012-03-08 75-year-old Ann Arbor manufacturer moved to West Virginia after acquisition
King Engineering Corp., which was founded in Ann Arbor 75 years ago as an offshoot of another local firm, closed its prominent South State Street headquarters on Dec. 31 after the company was sold earlier in 2011.
2012-03-07 Mexican restaurant to open in former Signature Grill on East Michigan Avenue in Saline
Cancun Mexican Grill, a Kentucky-based restaurant with six current locations in Michigan, is opening its first Washtenaw County location this summer on East Michigan Avenue in Saline.
2012-02-16 Owner to close Allure Boutique on East Liberty Street after 12 years downtown
The owner of downtown Ann Arbor’s Allure Boutique plans to close his shop on East Liberty Street at the end of April after 12 years of operating a business downtown.
2012-02-10 Data management company adding 15 jobs in move to downtown Ann Arbor
Data management firm BraveSoft plans to hire 15 new employees in Ann Arbor in 2012 after nearly doubling its local office space.
2012-01-09 Ann Arbor's commercial real estate market improving as vacancy rates fall
Ann Arbor’s economy is improving for the second consecutive year, according the most detailed survey available of the local office market.
2012-01-09 Frozen yogurt shop to open on East Liberty Street in downtown Ann Arbor
The former Poshh space on East Liberty Street in downtown Ann Arbor has a new tenant: a frozen yogurt shop named Yoggie’s.
2011-08-16 Apparel and textile design studio relocates to downtown Ann Arbor
An apparel and textile design studio opened its doors for business on South Fourth Avenue in downtown Ann Arbor this week after relocating from a location on South Ashley Street. The studio, Nonpareil, is now located in a 1,252-square-foot second-floor space at 208 S. Fourth Ave. next to the Asian Martial Arts Studio.
2011-06-09 New Ann Arbor doggy daycare strives to offer tailored experience for each pup, owner says
If it’s true that every dog has its day, many of them would probably like to spend it at Ann Arbor’s newest doggy daycare and boarding franchise Camp Bow Wow, opening this Friday. Owner Barbara Patton, who worked in the insurance industry for 30 years at AAA and other agencies, has been a dog lover all her life.
2011-04-13 Commercial Real Estate Market Activity Increasing Compared to 2010
With the first quarter of 2011 behind us, it seems safe to say that the commercial real estate market in the Ann Arbor area will inprove in 2011. Vacancy rates have dipped, and local brokers are reporting an increase in activity compared to 2010.
2011-03-29 New owners of ex-Concannon development list 'big hole' in downtown Saline for sale
Saline officials see a nuisance. Passers-by see a big hole in the middle of downtown. Now the new owners of an unfinished construction site hope at least one developer will see potential in the 1.47-acre property on Michigan Avenue.
2011-03-02 Weingartz expanding into Ann Arbor market after buying ex-Harley Davidson store on Jackson Road
A Michigan-based outdoor power equipment retailer will move into the former Harley Davidson dealership on Jackson Road.
2011-01-27 Brewed Awakenings coffee shop will open March 1 at Michigan and Moon near Saline
Kimberly Kaster spent the last year drawing up a business plan and taking steps that would allow her to return to a much-loved job: running a community-oriented coffee shop.
2011-01-27 Kerrytown owners invest in Ypsilanti retail building on edge of EMU campus, plan major renovations
A landmark Ypsilanti retail building will undergo a major transformation at the hands of new owner O’Neal Construction, which also developed Ann Arbor’s Kerrytown Market & Shops.
2010-07-16 Ex-auto dealerships listed for sale in Washtenaw County as dealer networks contract
The national auto dealership consolidation and fallout from the financial crisis is becoming visible in local commercial real estate as former retail car lots come onto the market.
2010-07-15 Packard Street business district gains 2 new tenants amid changes to corridor
Two new businesses are planning to open on Packard Street south of East Stadium Boulevard, providing a continuing wave of activity in what has been one of the more stable commercial real estate areas in Ann Arbor.
2010-06-18 Holistic health center moving to bigger, greener office in south Ann Arbor
To keep up with a growing patient base and to better reflect its identity, Bio Energy Medical Center is moving to roomier and more ecologically sound quarters on Ann Arbor's east side.
2010-06-03 Longtime EMU campus-area businesses Theo's and Ted's Campus Store listed for sale in Ypsilanti
Generations of Eastern Michigan University students made Theo Doors Inc. the longest-lasting campus-area bar in Ypsilanti.
2010-06-03 Tecumseh prepares for economic recovery by launching business and technology campus
Tecumseh isn’t standing still, waiting for economic recovery. The city is preparing for the turnaround now.
2010-04-29 Ypsilanti couple plans $2.2 million renovation after purchase of 3 downtown Ypsilanti buildings
An Ypsilanti couple is turning an opportunity to buy a downtown Ypsilanti bank foreclosure into a three-building purchase that will result in a $2.2 million project.
2010-04-15 (April 2010) Saline's former Kelly's restaurant space to become Italian eatery after sale
The long-vacant downtown Saline restaurant property once operated as Kelly’s and Saline Café will be revived later this year as a new Italian restaurant after the property was sold this morning.
2010-03-25 (March 2010) Ann Arbor's Bombay Grocers buys former Fantasy Attic store on Packard for expansio
An Indian grocery is moving forward with plans to expand on the east side of Ann Arbor - but instead of building a new store, Bombay Grocers will move a few doors west into an existing storefront.
Prospective buyers of the former T.C’s Speakeasy in downtown Ypsilanti are seeking a unique liquor license with which they will be able reopen the shuttered bar and grill.
Ann Arbor will be the location of the first private high school in Michigan offering college-prep curriculum exclusively to students who have high-functioning autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.
2010-01-21 (January 2010) -- Ann Arbor's Absolute Title moving into former Masonic Temple on West Liberty
Absolute Title Co. of Ann Arbor will have a new home this spring after its owners bought the former Masonic Temple building on West Liberty.
2010-01-07 (January 2010) -- Ann Arbor office vacancy climbs to 17.62 percent
Ann Arbor closed 2009 with the highest office vacancy rate recorded since a local real estate firm starting tracking it in 1993.
2010-01-07 (January 2010) -- Business Review's 2010 Ann Arbor area Commercial Real Estate Roundtable
What's there to say about commercial real estate in Ann Arbor at the start of 2010?
2009-11-05 (November 2009) -- Ypsilanti-based HighScope foundation lists Clinton camp for sale
The HighScope Educational Research Foundation, a pioneer in early childhood curriculum development, is trying to sell its camp near Clinton. A sales video can be viewed here.
2009-01-01 (January 2009) -- Swisher: Vacancies remain flat
Economic environment makes 2009 outlook uncertain.
2008-03-08 (January 2008) -- Swisher Commercial Year-End 2007 Vacancy Report
The Ann Arbor office market remained flat in 2007, as increased leasing activity downtown and in the north was offset by continued weakness in the south.
2008-01-31 (April 2008) -- At 40, Swisher expands, targets $100M
Swisher Commercial is eying new markets and looking to bolster its volume in 2008 while closely guarding its independence, as it enters its 40th year as one of Ann Arbor's flagship brokerages.
2007-12-05 (December 2007) --Executive Profile - Gretchen Driskell
Since her first term in 1999, Gretchen Driskell has gradually become perhaps the most popular politician in the history of Saline.
2007-10-18 (January 2008) -- Norfolk Homes starting second office structure
The owners of Norfolk Homes are setting their sights on commercial development to diversify their business, beginning construction on their second Ann Arbor office building this fall.
2007-10-15 (October 2007) -- Press release
Swisher Commercial is pleased to announce the induction of Swisher agent, Gretchen Driskell, to a board of directors post of the Commercial Board of REALTORS (CBOR).
2007-01-15 (February 2007) -- Press release
Swisher Commercial is pleased to announce the addition of Willem van Reesema and Larry
R. Zahn to its sales and leasing staff.
2007-01-04 (January 2007) -- Old Madison Electric building fills children's recreation niche
A new recreation facility is taking shape on Jackson Road, filling a former industrial building with tenants that offer children's activities.
2007-01-04 (January 2007) -- Swisher's annual report shows flat office market
The local office market starts 2007 with data that shows significant vacancy increases, according to an annual survey by Swisher Commercial, but the stories behind that jump tell of little change over the previous year.
2007-01-02 (January 2008) -- Press Release
Charlie Koenn joins the Swisher team specializing in the sale, investment and development of vacant land with experience in all facets of commercial real estate, investment and development properties.
2006-11-23 (November 2006) -- Colleagues pay tribute to Bob Bliss
Ann Arbor's commercial real estate community joined civic leaders, family and friends in paying tribute to Robert Bliss, a vice president at Swisher Commercial, at a memorial gathering on Nov. 17 at Ann Arbor Country Club.
2006-06-01 (June 2006) -- Press release
Mark Buerkle has joined Swisher Commercial as a Licensed Real Estate Agent. Mark brings to the Swisher team experience in international manufacturing with an educational background in International Trade, European Law & Policy and German.
2006-04-21 (April 2006) -- Press release
John B. Evans, a commercial real estate agent with Swisher Commercial for the past 5 years, has become a partner in the brokerage firm and has taken the title of Vice President.
2006-01-01 (January 2006) -- Press release
Gretchen Driskell...Paul Bidwell, MAI, CCIM...Cynthia Debol...Douglas Buhlman
2005-12-22 (December 2005) -- Saline mayor joins Swisher
The Mayor of Saline is taking on a new role: Commercial real-estate brokerage. Gretchen Driskell will join the staff of Swisher Commercial in January, after working for several years in property management for the Phoenix Company.
2005-10-06 (October 2005) -- Local developer joins Swisher
A familiar face in local development circles recently stepped into a new role: commercial real estate agent at Swisher Commercial. Reyn Hendrickson, an owner at Forest Cove office center at M-14 and Miller in Ann Arbor, started work as an associate broker in late September.
Business Direct Weekly's "The List" ranks Swisher Commercial #1 in commercial real estate agencies in Washtenaw and Livingston counties by number of commercial listings.
2005-04-12 (April 2005) -- Swisher opens Tecumseh office
Swisher Commercial is expanding into Lenawee County, where the Ann Arbor-based commercial real estate firm is opening a branch office in Tecumseh this month. Paul Bidwell, a real estate broker and appraiser, will work the territory in the county located southwest of Ann Arbor. Communities that he'll cover include Clinton, Tecumseh and Adr
2005-01-15 http://swishercommercial.com/pdf/Doug_Jeff_Mike_01_2004.pdf
Office leasing in Ann Arbor at the end of 2003 showed gains in the northeast part of the city and the highest vacancy rate for downtown since 1995, according to a new report released by Swisher Commercial.
2005-01-05 (January 2006) -- Local office market stable
The Ann Arbor market shows only a marginal change in its overall vacancy rate from 2004, according to an annual year-end survey from Swisher Commercial.
2003-10-03 (October 2003) -- Office deals on the move
A rebound in the region's commercial real estate market is forecast for 2004, with many area brokers predicting that the increased activity late this year will continue and that next year's business could climb by as much as 20 percent.
2003-09-18 (September 2003) -- Music database firm moves to Pittsfield Township
All Media Guide will move its offices from downtown Ann Arbor to Valley Ranch Business Park in Pittsfield Township, gaining room to expand the company that has the world's biggest entertainment database.
2003-09-11 (September 2003) -- Chain stores moving to Ann Arbor
The Von Maur department store chain opens its Briarwood Mall doors Sept. 15 with millions of dollars invested and future expansion plans that could include other stores in Michigan.
Informative Articles
2013-05-14 Utilities and real estate
by Jack "Reyn" Hendrickson, Jr.
Fixed investments require utilities simply to function, and energy prices are highly volatile. A building achieving better operating economies and/or a higher degree of security than competing buildings will enjoy significantly higher value.
2013-04-30 The ABC's of leasing office space
by Bart Wise
Considering leasing new office space or moving from an existing office suite? If so, here are five points to consider when asking a broker to help you find a new office location:
2013-04-16 Property management
by Ronald Dankert
"Do you manage property?" is a question often asked of Swisher Commercial staff. Our initial response is -- yes, we have a long history of managing several types of high profile, non-residential buildings in the Washtenaw County area. As is often said, "books are written on this subject", but following are some important general considerations for the property owner in his or her quest.
2013-04-15 Capitalization rates
by Paul Bidwell, MAI, CCIM
The purpose of this short article is to define what a capitalization rate is, how it is calculated in the marketplace, and to demonstrate the importance of this measuring device to participants in the real estate market.
2013-04-08 How to Buy/Sell a Business
by Willem van Reesema
There are many advantages of buying an existing business vs. starting a new business. First, there are often a great reduction in startup costs that can drain time, energy and planned expenditures.
2013-04-08 Brownfield Re-Development
by Jessica Eisenman, Principal Brownfield Planner
Brownfields are abandoned, idled, or underused industrial or commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is
complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.
2013-04-08 The 1 2 3s of Income Properties
by Doug Smith, CCIM
Owning an income property can be a great way to diversify an investment portfolio that contains stocks, bonds, and other more liquid forms of investment. While real property ownsership is a lot less liquid than many forms of investment, and hold periods are typically longer than for stocks and bonds, average returns can be equal or better to other forms of investment.
2013-04-08 Liquor licensing changes
by Paul Bidwell, MAI, CCIM
Public Act 501 was signed by the Governor signed into law a new type of redevelopment liquor license. This license is most beneficial to municipalities that need new businesses in downtown areas controlled by Development Districts or City Redevelopment Project Areas..
2013-04-08 The Michigan Green Building Movement
by Jack Reynold "Reyn" Hendrickson
Air-assisted dual-flush toilets in the restrooms? Waterless urinals? Recyclable cork flooring? Green roofs? Geothermal systems? While these concepts may seem strange or even futuristic, they are just a few of the many elements of a sustainable building movement steadily rising nationwide.
2013-04-08 Commercial real estate entering the 1960's commercial revolution
by John Swisher III
What I would like to convey with this "snapshot" is what Ann Arbor looked like in the early 1960's. I want to show where people shopped, ate, and worked. I want to show how much change there has been, and at the same time show how important the downtown is today as it was back in the early 60's.
2013-04-08 Important information about Certificate of Occupancy for commercial re-occupation
by City of Ann Arbor Planning & Development Services ― Construction Services
All new commercial ventures coming into Ann Arbor are required to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy prior to opening for business. The process for receiving a Certificate of Occupancy begins with the submission of a re-occupation application. The re-occupation application is available in the “forms” section of the City web site http://www.a2gov.org. If the applicant intends to re-occupy without building modifications, repairs, or alterations, there is an inspection fee of $190. If the application is submitted with construction permit applications and drawings for alterations, the $190 fee is waived.
