Concentrate - Features

A Place Geeks Can Call Home

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Sometimes you need more than just a SPARK. If Ann Arbor wants to compete on the national tech stage it needs to do a better job of developing its geek culture. Enter Tech Brewery and the Workantile Exchange, a pair of private, entrepreneurial hothouses. These two co-working spaces are at the center of a growing geek movement that believes that united, techies stand, divided, they fall.

MASTERMIND: Aubrey Martinson

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When political leaders talk about getting Millennials to invest in Michigan's future, they're talking about people like Aubrey Martinson. The 30-year-old executive director of the Chelsea Center for the Arts not only brings fresh ideas and perspective to her job, she's proof positive that keeping our young creative talent is not only good for the community, it's good for the bottom line.

Concentrate Takes A Holiday

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In celebration of the Fourth, the Concentrate staff will be indulging in some hard-earned R and R. But fear not, we'll be back July 15th with more tales of growth, innovation, sustainability & entrepreneurship from the front lines of Ann Arbor's new economy.

Local Brain Gain

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

They're two 30-something creatives who moved from North Carolina's storied Research Triangle and set up shop in... Ypsilanti. Thought we were going to say Ann Arbor, didn't you? Not only do these young professionals (and parents) love their new home, they've embraced Metro Detroit in a way few in Washtenaw County ever bother to try.

MASTERMIND: Peter Sickman-Garner

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"Connecting the dots" for Zingerman's community of businesses by day, depicting the earthly adventures of Satan and Jesus by night, marketing manager and comic book artist Pete Sickman-Garner could be the new Wallace Stevens � only funnier.

It's Not Summer Until Top Of The Park Says So

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

From the top of a parking garage to the oh-so comfy confines of Ingall's Mall, for 26 years Top Of The Park has been the official signal that summer has finally come to Ann Arbor. Concentrate's Dave Lewinski captures the run up and opening night of this unique and beloved townie institution.

Virtual Health, Real Success

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Michigan could take a lesson from Healthmedia. From it's early struggles to find local investment to its recent purchase by Johnson & Johnson, the innovative software-as-service company has stayed committed to remaining in Ann Arbor.

MASTERMIND: Brian Spence

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Inventing a successful game isn't, well, all fun and games. It takes creativity, persistence and luck. Former Ann Arbor school teacher Brian Spence has those attributes in spades,allowing him to take his passion for invention into the product lines of toy companies like Hasbro and Mattel.

A River Wild Or Tamed?

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Huron River is Ann Arbor's defining natural feature. From kayakers to fishermen to rowers, its waters have become a vital blue park. And like most parks, the balance between recreational use and environmental health has become a tricky one. This is the debate facing Argo Pond and the decaying dam that created it.

Learning From Ann Arbor's Big Sister

Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Authentic German pretzels�and some ideas on high-density land use and sustainability to boot. Forget the symbolic cultural exchanges, there's much more Ann Arbor can learn from her sister city, Tübingen.

MASTERMIND: Bill Harmer

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bill Harmer sees Chelsea's Library as something more than just a warehouse for books. He sees it as a rock venue and comedy club and career center. More importantly, he sees it as an opportunity to connect with his community in new and innovative ways. No wonder Chelsea was named home to the Best Small Library in America.

Dude, Where's Our Skate Park?

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Innovative cities across the country are rethinking their public spaces, adding off-leash dog runs and skate parks to the traditional mix of softball diamonds and tennis courts. An enthusiastic and eclectic group of local skate park supporters are pushing Ann Arbor to join the trend.

MASTERMIND: Myra Klarman

Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

If Ann Arbor has a community photographer it's Myra Klarman. Not because she takes wonderfully vibrant snaps of kids and families (she does). Or because she's the official photographer for A2's Summer Festival. It's because she seems hellbent on capturing the spunk and soul of the city in projects like her blog, Relish.

The De-Evolution Of Local Development

Tue, 12 May 2009 17:26:45 GMT

Ann Arbor touts itself as sustainable, progressive and anti-sprawl. And yet almost every proposed development meets heated opposition. The end result: Buildings that aren't as dense or green as they could be. Are uncooperative developers to blame? Or stuck in amber NIMBY neighborhoods? Can these warring factions make peace?

Art Funding Takes It On The Chin: What's The Impact?

Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The arts are getting pretty roughed up in the current economy. How do local arts and culture groups survive in a state that cuts all its funding? And, more importantly, what are the implications for our region as it struggles to attract and retain new economy workers?

Concentrate On Culture, Place And Jobs

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Jobs Landed. filterD. Insider guides. What's with all the new features in Concentrate? And, come to think of it, what the heck is Concentrate trying to accomplish? Wonder why we do what we do? Write what we write? To paraphrase our favorite poet and playwright, "Read on, MacDuff."

The World Comes To Packard And Platt

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Slow down and smell the curry. Or falafel. Nestled at the corner of Packard and Platt, a well-worn strip mall is home to a surprising mix of ethnic bakeries, grocers and restaurants.

MASTERMIND: Al McWilliams

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Forget Nike, Al McWilliams is really the 'Just Do It' guy. From pro cyclist to all media mini emporer, the founder of Quack! Media has gotten his fingers into every nook and cranny of media content. Music, magazines, movies and marketing are his company's domains and he has no shortage of ideas and opinions about how to make them grow.

Photo Essay: New Biz In A Bad Economy

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In case you hadn't noticed, it's bad out there. And yet, there are always those bold souls who pull on their waders and get down into it. Concentrate's resident View Master, Dave Lewinski, takes snaps of six businesses who've opened in the last six months and found success.

RADIO CONCENTRATE: U-M Graduates Michigan's Next Generation Of Green Leadership

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A few days from now, U-M student Leslie Garrison will buck at least two trends: She�ll remain in Michigan after graduation (though she's not a native). And she�ll take part in a growing local industry. Garrison thinks the state has what it takes to lead the nation in sustainable innovation. Right down to the first composting toilet.

Cool Spaces: Loft Living in Downtown Ann Arbor

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

How to attract and keep young talent? That is the question. Concentrate asked three young professionals who live in the city's hottest living commodity -- the symbol of all that is youthful, urbane and hip-- the downtown loft -- what they think of their digs, their town, and how Ann Arbor can attract and retain more young people just like them.

Tuning in to Greenovation.TV

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Need practical advice on how to green your home? An Ann Arbor couple has launched an Internet TV channel dedicated to helping you to GIY -- green it yourself.

MASTERMIND: Todd Osborn

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Who would trade New York or London for Ypsilanti? DJ and music producer Todd Osborn would. From owning a local record store once upon a time to filling the virtual vinyl bins of Ghostly International's ever-growing music scene, Osborn has carved out a successful career from his native soil. Oh, and he once built a hovercraft.

What's Next for The Ann Arbor News Building?

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

For nearly 75 years the A2 News Building has been an iconic cornerstone on the downtown's northern edge. But it's a section of the city that has struggled to achieve vibrancy. Could the demise of the publication and sale of the building mean the kind of redevelopment that promotes business and walkability?

MASTERMIND: Eve Aronoff

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When it comes to Ann Arbor restaurants there's eve and then there's everyone else. Since opening in 2003, Eve Aronoff's initmate bistro has emerged as an ambassador to the city's hipster/ foodie scene. From her curried mussels to Thursday night's popular cocktail scene to the sublime ginger-lime martinis, Eve has help redefine the local culinary landscape.

Sweet Dreams Are Made Of These

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Noise rock. Experimental theater. Puppets. Dreamland Theater is the very defintion of fringe, cementing Ypsilanti's growing reputation as the city where starving artists don't have to go hungry in order to make their art.

Home But Not Alone

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Cohousing - It's not just for hippies anymore. Sure, suburban condo complexes are the last place you'd expect a cooperative living community, but Scio Township (of all places) actually boasts three. And they focus on the virtues we've been taught since kindergarten: participation and sharing.

Ann Arbor's Tweet

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Are you a follower or do you have a following? Who's tweeting who? Social Media is this year's buzz word and Twitter is its newest doo-dad. Our story would end here (if we stuck to the 140 character limit) but Twitter has only just begun in the Ann Arbor area.

MASTERMIND: Eli Cooper

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Google "Eli Cooper" and you're bound to get lots of transportation references. Then there's the inevitable and unofficial moniker: "Czar". As Tree Town's Transportation Program Manager, however, Cooper's title and catchy sobriquet do little to explain his passionate mission to help Ann Arbor rethink the meaning of transportation.

Downtown and Underground

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Parking in SE Michigan usually means surface lots, driveways and the occasional garage. Ann Arbor's leaders are turning local conventional wisdom on its head, choosing to store cars underground and out of sight as a way to grow development, commerce and urban vibrancy.