1/24/25

Good morning, Ann Arbor!

This is the Ann Arbor Minute - the newsletter that keeps you informed while you keep your mittens on.

What’s on tap for today:

• Scary Stabbing Incident at U of M Construction Site 🚨

• A jaw-dropping downtown library transformation is on deck! 📚  

• New LEGO shop brings nostalgia and bricks galore! 🧱 

Ready to dive in? Let’s do it…

NEWS DIGEST

🚨 Stabbing Under Investigation at U-M Construction Site  

Police are investigating a stabbing that occurred Wednesday morning at the Michigan Medicine Pavilion construction site on East Ann Street. Officers were called to the scene at 7:15 a.m. after receiving reports of the incident. The University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security is leading the investigation, though no further details about the victim’s condition or the circumstances of the attack have been released yet. The construction site’s proximity to campus underscores the importance of safety in active work zones.

(Source)

🏛️ Plans for New Library and Outdoor Plaza Could Redefine Downtown  

Big changes might be coming to downtown Ann Arbor, as city officials contemplate building a new library on Fifth Avenue that includes an outdoor plaza and even housing above. The idea is to create a multi-purpose space that could serve various community needs while transforming the area surrounding the Ann Arbor District Library. City Council Member Jen Eyer called it a “win-win-win” for the city, emphasizing its potential to enrich public spaces while addressing housing needs. Still in the vision phase, this project reflects Ann Arbor’s long-term focus on thoughtful urban development.

(Source)

🚒 Ann Arbor Approves $12M for First Net-Zero Fire Station  

Ann Arbor is making moves toward a greener future by building its first carbon-neutral, net-zero fire station. City Council unanimously approved issuing $12 million in bonds to help fund the construction, furnishing, and equipping of the new Fire Station 4 on the city’s east side. The design includes solar power and other eco-friendly features. The project has been years in the making and represents a key step in the city’s sustainability goals. Once completed, the station will serve as a model for environmentally conscious infrastructure in Ann Arbor.

(Source)

🛠️ New Ann Arbor School Board Faces Trust-Building Challenge

The Ann Arbor Public Schools’ newly elected board has its work cut out for it, with the president emphasizing the need to rebuild public trust. Top priorities include addressing school construction projects, boosting district financial reserves, and ensuring competitive wages and benefits for teachers. However, before tackling these issues, leaders stress the importance of fostering unity among board members. The board's role in restoring confidence is seen as pivotal for moving the district forward effectively.

(Source)

🛑 Man Sentenced to Probation for Ann Arbor Break-Ins  

Frank Henry Green, who admitted to breaking into four Ann Arbor businesses, has been sentenced to two years of probation. Judge Carol Kuhnke of Washtenaw County Trial Court also sentenced him to 93 days in jail, but since Green already served those days, he won’t face additional time behind bars. The sentencing, handed down on January 16, wraps up five different cases tied to the string of break-ins. Local business owners can likely breathe a sigh of relief as this case comes to a close.

(Source)

☕🍸 Coffee Meets Cocktails at Lowertown Bar and Cafe  

Lowertown Bar and Cafe on Ann Arbor’s north side is turning heads with its inventive coffee-infused cocktails, like the Cafe Old Fashioned. This $12 drink combines bourbon infused with Hyperion Coffee beans, rich espresso, and a bright touch of citrus for a flavor that’s both bold and smooth. Whether it’s morning coffee, an early evening cocktail, or something non-alcoholic, this cozy spot on Broadway Street has something for every mood. Bonus: it’s Dry January-friendly with a no-judgment vibe. Stop by to warm up and explore their unique offerings, available from breakfast to late-night hours.

(Source)

WEATHER

Today

☁️ High: 22°F, Low: 10°F

A mix of clouds and sun in the morning, followed by mostly cloudy skies in the afternoon. Continued cold. 

Tomorrow

 🌤️ High: 31°F, Low: 23°F

Cloudy early with partial sunshine expected later. Breezy and slightly warmer.

AROUND TOWN

🧱 A LEGO paradise opens near Ann Arbor  

LEGO enthusiasts, rejoice! Bricks & Minifigs has landed in Scio Township at 5204 Jackson Road, Suite A. This unique shop isn’t just about store-bought sets—it’s all about creativity and upcycling LEGO bricks into something new. The store, opened by local duo Evan Borin and Salima Matariyeh, specializes in selling retired LEGO sets, trading tubs of loose pieces, and even creating custom mini-figures. It also features a LEGO flower shop and a mosaic-building section for those eager to get artistic. Borin, inspired by his sons’ love for LEGO, turned his basement hobby into a thriving business. Whether you’re a collector searching for rare items or a parent ready to build something fun with your kids, this shop promises to inspire builders of all ages. Open daily, it’s already sparking excitement among local families and builders alike.

🎵 Demarre McGill Plays Mozart

Don’t miss a night of musical brilliance as flutist Demarre McGill takes center stage with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra at the Michigan Theater (603 E. Liberty St.) on January 24, 2025, at 8:00 PM. Kicking off with a pre-concert talk at 7:00 PM, this program features Mozart’s enchanting Flute Concerto No. 1, led by Music Director Earl Lee, alongside Andrea Casarrubios’s vibrant Herencia and Mozart’s majestic Symphony No. 39.

A recipient of the Avery Fisher Career Grant and the Sphinx Medal of Excellence, McGill has captivated audiences worldwide since his solo debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at age 15. Prepare to be dazzled by an evening of artistry and elegance. 🎼

🎸 Weezer’s Blue Album Live

Rock out with Steve Leaf & Co. as they bring Weezer’s iconic Blue Album to life at The Rumpus Room (510 N. Main St., Chelsea) on January 25, 2025, at 7:00 PM. This tribute show will have you belting out classics like Buddy Holly and Say It Ain’t So alongside a crowd of fellow fans. With their high-energy performance and love for the music, Steve Leaf & Co. make this a Weezer tribute you won’t forget. Grab your friends, warm up those vocal cords, and get ready to sing your face off!

🦉 Discover the Secrets of Owls

Step into the fascinating world of owls at the Discovery Demo: All About Owls on January 25, 2025, at 11:30 AM at the U-M Museum of Natural History and Planetarium (1109 N. University Ave). This free, family-friendly demo dives into the unique adaptations that make owls such incredible predators—think big eyes, silent wings, and sharp claws. Plus, you’ll get hands-on with an owl pellet dissection (don’t worry, it’s not what you think!) to uncover what these raptors eat. Perfect for ages 5 and up, it’s a fun and interactive way to learn about these modern-day connections to dinosaurs.

😂 Friday Night Laughs: Eleven Non-Blondes

Kick off your weekend with hilarious improv at Hear.Say Brewing + Theater (2350 W. Liberty St.) every Friday at 7:30 PM, starting January 17, 2025. For just $15, catch the Eleven Non-Blondes, a rotating house team delivering an hour of laugh-out-loud short, mid, and long-form improv. Every performance is completely unique—and true to their name, you won’t spot a single blonde on stage! Grab your friends and get ready for a night of unpredictable fun and brews. 🎭

Please verify event details with the organizers before attending, as schedules may change.

SMARTER EVERY DAY

Clever Life Hack:

Ever lose small items like earrings or screws in the carpet?

Wrap a stocking over the end of your vacuum hose, secure it with a rubber band, and suck away.

The stocking catches your treasure while your vacuum earns its keep!

Efficiency: 1, Chaos: 0.

THANK YOU!

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