12/25/24

🎅Happy Holidays, Ann Arbor!

Author

Christopher Jacobs
December 25, 2024

Good morning, Ann Arbor!

This is the Ann Arbor Minute—the only thing you’ll want to unwrap before your morning coffee. ☕🎁

What’s on tap for today:

  • Multiple cars broken into right on Christmas Eve! 🚘

  • Demolition leading to big changes 🚧

  • AA real estate still sizzling! 🏠

Ready to dive in? Let’s do it…

NEWS DIGEST

🚔 Holiday break-ins hit Sunnyside Park area

Police are investigating a string of car break-ins reported on Christmas Eve in the Sunnyside Park neighborhood near Packard Street. At least three vehicles were confirmed to have been targeted early Tuesday morning, according to the Ann Arbor Police Department. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, lock their cars, and avoid leaving valuables inside. No suspects have been identified yet, but the investigation is ongoing. It's a tough reminder to take extra precautions, especially during the holidays.

🚧 Long-Time Vacant Buildings on W. Washington Street Come Down  

Demolition is in full swing at Ann Arbor’s long-vacant 415 W. Washington St. site, as crews clear the way for new possibilities downtown. The city has been eyeing this space for years, and now old, deteriorating buildings are being dismantled under a $1.4 million contract. While much of the site is being leveled, a chimney that serves as a nesting spot for migratory chimney swifts is being preserved. Ideas for the property's future include a six-story housing development with 157 units paired with a connection to the pedestrian-friendly Treeline trail. The site requires environmental cleanup due to its industrial past, but city officials are optimistic about its redevelopment, with plans to attract a new developer after a previous deal fell through. Changes here could bring new life to this key location near the Ann Arbor YMCA.

🏗️ Big Development Coming to South University Area  

Landmark Properties is transforming the former Galleria Mall site into a towering 18-story student housing complex named The Metropolitan on South U. This project, aimed at University of Michigan students, will feature 950 beds spread across 241 units and include modern amenities such as a clubhouse, fitness center, pool, and rooftop lounge. Located just a few blocks from the Ross School of Business, the new building will also include 5,200 square feet of ground-floor retail space. While there’s no construction timeline yet, The Metropolitan will be Landmark’s third residential project built from the ground up in Ann Arbor and its seventh managed project in the city.

🏫 Ann Arbor Public Schools Revives Long-Forgotten Bond Advisory Group

After a stalled start, Ann Arbor Public Schools is looking to bring back a community-driven bond advisory group to guide its $1-billion school construction projects. Originally launched in 2021 to provide expert input on the district’s building improvements, the group saw four members appointed but fizzled out by 2022. Now, as the district pushes its capital projects forward, it plans to resurrect this group to ensure public collaboration and advice on its massive to-do list. Keep an eye out for new updates and possible opportunities to get involved.

🥐 Ondo Bakery Brings Fresh Life to State Street  

The beloved café at 324 S. State St. has transformed once again—this time into Ondo Bakery. Min Kyu Kim, of Kimchi Box fame, has reimagined the old Ann Arbor Coffee Roasting Company, adding an irresistible array of pastries alongside their stellar coffees and teas. Local favorites include the black sesame red bean and cream bun (a gooey masterpiece) and the flaky bacon and egg croissant. The space itself feels cozier, with vibrant pastry displays filling what used to be a sparse area. Regularly packed with U-M students, Ondo is becoming a go-to for everything from study marathons to casual meetups over lattes. Open daily, it’s a tasty and welcoming highlight in Ann Arbor’s bustling State Street corridor.

🏡 Ann Arbor’s Latest Home Sales Wrap-Up  

Between Dec. 16 and Dec. 22, 24 homes were sold in Ann Arbor, with a median price of $465,000 for a cozy 1,074-square-foot home on Bernice Street. Deals ranged from a $227,500 purchase on Packard Street to a stunning $1.95 million sale on Londonderry Road. While some smaller homes, like a 598-square-foot property on Little Lake Drive, sold for $340,000, others brought luxury, like the Londonderry residence with over 3,000 square feet of space and four bathrooms. Whether you’re watching the housing market or planning your next move, this week's diverse sales highlight a wide range of options in the city.

WEATHER

Today

☁️ High: 36°F, Low: 31°F

Cloudy skies with a chance of a rain or wet snow shower.

Tomorrow

☁️ High: 41°F, Low: 36°F

Overcast throughout the day with a slight chance of rain.

AROUND TOWN

🎄 Ann Arbor's holiday lights are a local must-see  

If you’re driving down Fairview Street this season, don’t forget your sunglasses—one Ann Arbor home has turned its entire yard into a glowing holiday masterpiece. The display features thousands of lights, inflatable decorations, and even synchronized music if you tune your car radio to a specific station. This dazzling light show has become a neighborhood tradition, drawing visitors from across the area and spreading plenty of holiday cheer. Best of all, the homeowner welcomes everyone to stop by and enjoy the display for free, just asking that you drive carefully and keep the festive spirit alive.

🎭 Tomorrow’s a Song Away—Annie Hits the Stage!

The Encore Musical Theatre Company is bringing the timeless magic of Annie to life starting December 26, 2024. Follow the fearless red-headed orphan as she charms billionaire Oliver Warbucks and dreams of a brighter tomorrow. Packed with unforgettable songs like “It’s a Hard Knock Life” and “Tomorrow,” this Tony Award-winning classic is perfect for all ages. Shows run Thursdays through Sundays until January 12, 2025, with performances starting at 7:30 PM. Don’t miss this heartwarming story of hope, family, and finding where you belong!

🎤 Comedian Matthew Broussard

Get ready for a comedy masterclass with Matthew Broussard at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, December 26–28, from 7:15 PM to 8:45 PM. Known for his appearances on The Tonight Show, Conan, and Comedy Central, Broussard blends clever wordplay, math jokes, and self-deprecating humor into a set that’s as smart as it is hilarious. He’s starred in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Here Today with Billy Crystal—so you know he’s got range. Whether you’re a pun enthusiast or just love a good laugh, this show is sure to deliver. Grab your tickets and let the laughs roll!

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

SMARTER EVERYDAY

"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear." – Buddy the Elf  

Sure, it’s whimsical, but think bigger:

 joy is infectious.

Generosity, smiles, or even a kind word resonate beyond you, amplifying into someone else’s brighter day.

Why not start the echo? â¤ď¸

THANK YOU!

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