One of these buildings is not like the other... because one of them will be the new home of Ann Arbor SPARK's Ypsilanti satellite office.
The new economy business incubator is deciding which downtown storefront to set up its Ypsilanti extension. The choices are the Mack & Mack building on Michigan Avenue by Bombadills or the Smith Furniture building at 115 S Washington St.
Ann Arbor SPARK has been instrumental in helping a number of start-up businesses in Ann Arbor and through the University of Michigan to get their feet under them by providing support, advice and office space in downtown Ann Arbor. Local leaders believe the same formula can work in downtown Ypsilanti with Eastern Michigan University.
"We have wanted to have a presence in Ypsilanti for a while," says Susanna Thomashefski, a spokeswoman for Ann Arbor SPARK.
The two buildings under consideration also seem to be on their way up. The Mack & Mack building is being restored by Maurer Management & Properties, a local family owned redevelopment company. The Smith Furniture is also one of the last vacant buildings left in downtown and a classic example of mid 20th Century architecture.
Ann Arbor SPARK is looking for 10,000 to 14,000 square feet and expects to make a decision within a month.
Source: Susanna Thomashefski, a spokeswoman for Ann Arbor SPARK
Writer: Jon Zemke