Zingerman's expansion, Library Lot become talk of Ann Arbor

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 | Source: Concentrate

Two of Ann Arbor's biggest project proposals are about to become the talk of the town – the Library Lot and the Zingerman's expansion.

The people behind Zingerman's are making another push toward expanding their deli and coffee shop facilities in Kerrytown. They will be holding a public meeting about their plans at 5 p.m. on March 8 at the deli, 422 Detroit St. Zingerman's has grown into a family of businesses with facilities all over the city, but its headquarters remains in the storefront in downtown Ann Arbor.

"We've been doing business there for 28 years in March," says Paul Saginaw, co-founder of Zingerman's. "We'd like to keep doing business here for another 28 years. The original building isn't built for the type of intensity it currently hosts."

About 200 people work in the small 2-story commercial building and a couple of adjacent houses. The plans call for renovating most of those buildings and building a denser structure behind it. That would replace a couple of smaller houses (including one that was burned), a plan which the local historic district found objectionable.

Zingerman's plans to request a "notice to proceed" from the city, which would allow the company to go forward with a project that benefits the Ann Arbor community. To do that, Zingerman's must have all of its ducks in a row, including city approval and financing arranged.

Saginaw argues the new building will not only fit into the existing aesthetic of the neighborhood, but will provide significant benefits for the city as a whole. For instance, the new facilities will increase Zingerman's tax bill by a factor of four or five. It will hire more people, increase its contributions to local non-profits, maintain the vibrancy of its corner of the city, and continue to generate positive publicity for Ann Arbor.

Also on the docket is a meeting on the proposals for downtown Ann Arbor's Library Lot hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Ann Arbor Area. The non-partisan group will host a public meeting about the development's proposals tonight at the Ann Arbor City Club, 1850 Washtenaw Ave. The idea is to keep the conversation going in the community so local leaders can make the most informed decision possible.

"At least the city council will understand what the people want," says Zoe Behnke, president of the League of Women Voters of the Ann Arbor Area.

To do that people behind the five proposals will give five minute presentations on their developments. Another hour will be will be set aside for public questions and comments, which will be limited to two minutes per person.

The meeting will be held between 7-9 p.m. For information, call 734-665-5808.

Source: Paul Saginaw, co-founder of Zingerman's, and Zoe Behnke, president of the League of Women Voters of the Ann Arbor Area
Writer: Jon Zemke