12/27/24

Good morning, Ann Arbor!

This is the Ann Arbor Minute - more reliable than a Michigan winter and way less cold. ❄️

What’s on tap for today:

• Ukrainian family’s handbags bring resilience to Ann Arbor ❤️‍👜 

• Holiday cocktails you’ll want to sip ASAP! 🍸

• Avalon Cafe is headed downtown—new digs, same charm! 🍳 

Ready to dive in? Let’s do it…

NEWS DIGEST

🏗️ Legal Battle Over Ann Arbor High-Rise Heads into 2025  

The fight over Ann Arbor's proposed Five Corners high-rise continues as the case shifts to a new judge next year. The controversial 15-story development, planned for the corner of State and Packard streets, faces opposition from the neighboring property owner, 716 Packard LLC, which owns the Domino’s Pizza site next door. Retiring Judge Tim Connors recently denied the city’s motion to dismiss the case, meaning the legal proceedings will move forward into the new year. Chicago-based Core Spaces, the developer behind the project, partnered with Schenk Realty to propose the high-rise. Community concern has been brewing over the project’s impact, keeping Ann Arborites engaged in this ongoing debate.

(Source)

🍹 Ann Arbor’s Year in Sips: 5 Must-Try Cocktails of 2024  

This year, Ann Arbor bars and distilleries served up some unforgettable drinks. The top picks? At #5, Ann Arbor Distillery’s Ground Rule blends summer gin, Water Hill Fernet, and marigold-strawberry syrup into a refreshing sip. Coming in at #4, Raven’s Club’s Fjordic Breeze highlights Hyperion cold brew, aquavit, and amaro for a summery twist. At #3, Dexter’s Highline Room created a standout Rosemary Fig Whiskey Sour with locally distilled bourbon. Nightcap’s Pina Picante (#2) brings a fiery sweetness with serrano syrup and nitro-muddled cilantro. Topping the list is Mash Bar’s Le Monsieur, a fall classic packing brown butter bourbon and smoky aromatics. These drinks captured the town’s craft cocktail creativity—perfect for anyone seeking holiday inspiration. Cheers to more in 2025!

(Source)

👜 From Ukraine to Ann Arbor: A Handbag Business Reborn  

Maksym and Alla Kondratenko, a Ukrainian couple who fled the war, are rebuilding their lives in Ann Arbor by relaunching their handbag business, Kondra Bags. Back in Ukraine, their business thrived until their warehouse was destroyed. Now, they receive shipments of handmade bags from friends in Ukraine and sell them locally and online. With the help of supportive residents, the couple has partnered with stores like Bivouac and Found in Kerrytown, where their bags have been a hit—selling over 100 in a single weekend. Their story is touching not only because of their resilience but also for the chain of support it’s inspiring, from Ann Arbor shoppers to Ukrainian artisans. Everyone agrees: the bags' quality and craftsmanship speak volumes.

(Source)

🍞 Avalon Cafe and Kitchen Finds a New Home on Main Street  

Avalon Cafe and Kitchen is shaking things up in downtown Ann Arbor! After closing its East Liberty Street spot on Dec. 23, the beloved bakery and brunch hub is relocating to 224 S. Main Street, right next door to Pretzel Bell. Starting Jan. 13, Avalon will share Pretzel Bell’s kitchen during off-hours—a creative solution after facing tough years in the hospitality industry. The move allows Avalon to expand its hours while keeping its signature fresh breads, pastries, and coffee flowing. Most of the staff are staying on, and former Avalon GM Joanne Bower will now oversee both eateries. Owners hope the new partnership strengthens both brands while keeping their unique vibes intact. Meanwhile, Avalon’s old space could welcome fresh Metro Detroit concepts in the future.

(Source)

🏈 Wolverines Make Moves in the Transfer Portal  

Michigan football is shaking up its roster with some early transfer portal action. So far, the Wolverines have secured eight incoming transfers, including a quarterback and running back, while also seeing 13 scholarship players leave the program. Among the new recruits is Justice Haynes, a standout running back who scored seven touchdowns in 2024. As Michigan gears up for next season, these early moves could signal a strategic shift in addressing key needs on the field. Stay tuned—this is just the beginning of transfer portal season.

(Source)

WEATHER

Today

🌦️ High: 43°F, Low: 41°F

Cloudy in the morning, then off-and-on rain showers during the afternoon hours

Tomorrow

🌦️ High: 56°F, Low: 46°F

Cloudy early with showers developing later in the afternoon.

AROUND TOWN

🎭 Chanukah Boogaloo: Musical Magic!

Get ready to laugh and celebrate the season with Theatre NOVA’s “The Elves and the Schumachers Two: Chanukah Boogaloo”—a musical comedy for the whole family! Join the fun on December 27 & 28 at 7:30 PM at 410 W. Huron St, Ann Arbor as part of Theatre NOVA’s 10th-anniversary celebration. Tickets range from $12–$32, so grab yours and enjoy a night of festive fun, catchy tunes, and hilarious hijinks. Don’t miss this holiday hit—perfect for all ages!

🌌 Explore the Stars at the U-M Natural History Museum Planetarium  

The U-M Museum of Natural History’s planetarium is turning heads—and telescopes—with its “Sky Tonight” show, a recurring weekend favorite. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, attendees get a guided tour of the wonders above us, led by knowledgeable U-M science students. The show walks you through spotting constellations, understanding cardinal directions, and identifying planets—all paired with helpful tips for stargazing on your own. The highlight? A dizzying, high-speed virtual flight through the galaxy that feels like both an amusement park ride and a space adventure. Whether you're an astronomy enthusiast or just curious about the night sky, it’s an out-of-this-world way to spend the evening.

🍀 Celtic Celebration: Crossroads Ceili!

Ring in the New Year with lively tunes and Irish cheer at The Ark’s Crossroads Ceili on December 28 at 8:00 PM—316 S. Main St, Ann Arbor. This annual tradition brings together local Celtic singers, musicians, and dancers for a night of unforgettable performances. Tickets start at $25, so grab yours and kick off the year with toe-tapping rhythms and rich Celtic culture!

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

SMARTER EVERYDAY

Want more meaningful conversations?

Replace “What do you do?” with “What’s been inspiring you lately?”

You’ll learn more about someone's passions, unlock deeper connections, and leave the small talk behind.

Try it next time and watch the instant joy it brings to the conversation. 😊

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