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Ashford Place offers Luxury Townhome living on Ann Arbor’s Northwest side.

These larger two and three bedroom semi-detached condominiums have it all! Offering huge space of 1900-2600 square feet as well as lower levels and attached two car garages, decks, landscaping and more! It is no wonder that everyone want to live in this community! There are 8 different floorplans available which include 2 to 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 bathrooms.

The upscale development features 66 multi-story units set in a parklike environment containing two large ponds and an established wooded area. If you lived here you could enjoy nature as well as sports at Oakwood and Sugarbush Parks which are located just nearby. All of course within easy access of Downtown and the rest of Ann Arbor courtesy of freeway access to M-14 and US-23.

These homes are zoned for Ann Arbor schools – Thurston Elementary, Clague Middle, Huron High and range in Price from $240,000 to $370,000 with reasonable fees of around $315 which includes landscaping, snow removal, street paving and exterior home maintenance.

Click here to search Ann Arbor Real Estate using our complimentary Ann Arbor Real Estate MLS Search service. Alternatively please contact Kathy Toth and the team if you need more specific assistance in your Ann Arbor Real Estate needs.

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Thanks to overwhelming support by all most local officials, plans, which have been discussed in the past may come to fruition as early as the end of this year! The reality of linking Ann Arbor and Detroit with a commuter train service is getting closer!

The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments and Michigan Department of Transportation are taking charge of the “Ann Arbor-to-Detroit Regional Rail Project”. For the first three years, the rail line will be a “demonstration project,” intended to obtain more detailed information about ridership projections and costs. If the data shows high enough interest in the rail at the end of that period, the project will become a higher priority to receive Federal Transit Authority “New Starts” grant money. Funding for the project initially, at an estimated cost of $60 million to $80 million in capital costs and another $8 million to $10 million per year in operating costs beyond what’s collected from riders

Because the tracks are already in place, the initial investment is much lower than it has been for similar projects in other regions, in the coming months, new sidings will be laid, which allow trains to wait on the sidetrack while trains with the right-of-way can pass.

Stops are scheduled for Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Metro Airport, Dearborn and Detroit’s New Center area. The respective transportation authorities are planning to adjust bus routes around the train schedules to quickly transport passengers closer to their destinations. It’s expected to take about 50 minutes to travel from Ann Arbor to Detroit via the commuter train.

So far, no price structure has been developed. Initially, the train will make four roundtrip runs on weekdays and three trips on weekend days. For the first 18 months, the current Amtrak Station on Depot Street will serve as the Ann Arbor stop until the city can complete construction of a large “intermodal hub” next to the University of Michigan Medical Center campus on Fuller Road.

This is excellent news for Ann Arbor and supports the idea that the economy in Ann Arbor is stable and that it is a city on the grow – and a top relocation destination!

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Ann Arbor could get a huge economy boost by the development of what they are calling “the Library Lot”

City officials have been meeting and discussing many proposals for the land and the one that has caught many peoples eye is by a group of New York investors known as Valiant Partners LLC who is proposing a project called Ann Arbor Town Plaza Hotel and Conference Center. It includes plans for a 150-room hotel, 32,000-square-foot conference center, condos, restaurants and retail shops. Part of the funding would come from a proposed $8 million bond issued by the city paid back over 20 years with proceeds from the hotel.

Other proposals included several hotel ideas but this proposal is one which was talked about extensively.  It does show a clear narrowing of focus on the city’s behalf.

Asides from creating jobs it would bring a further development to Ann Arbor as well as provide a boost for surrounding restaurants and hotels in the area as the conference center hosts its first events.

Watch this space to see how this story develops – it will certainly be very interesting as a development of this size will have an effect on the city.

Click here to search Ann Arbor Real Estate using our complimentary Ann Arbor Real Estate MLS Search service. Alternatively please contact Kathy Toth and the team if you need more specific assistance in your Ann Arbor Real Estate needs.

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Exciting news for downtown Ann Arbor as the iconic ex-Ritz Camera building is sold on South Street! 

Now a Detroit ophthalmologist is the new owner of the building. It’s a rare sale transaction involving commercial property within steps of the University of Michigan central campus, where rental rates remain among the highest in the city.

Dr. Reza Rahmani, owner of Metro Detroit’s Rahmani Eye Institute PC, bought the building at 318 S. State St. at auction in late November after bidding $1,305,000.

The two-story, 5,500-square-foot building was part of the national Ritz Camera bankruptcy, which closed over 300 stores in the spring.

The building was constructed in 1934 and originally served as the home of McLean’s Groceries. The brick building was surrounded by a number of other structures that served as the homes of major downtown businesses, such as Jacobson’s.

The building’s assessed value is $306,500, according to city records, with $273,200 in estimated land value. The new owner hopes that he can lease both floors of the building!

Downtown Ann Arbor has so much to offer businesses as well as those looking to purchase a residential property to be closer to school or their work. Click here to see more on downtown living options. 

Click here to search Ann Arbor Real Estate using our complimentary Ann Arbor Real Estate MLS Search service. Alternatively please contact Kathy Toth and the team if you need more specific assistance in your Ann Arbor Real Estate needs.

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All the convenience of being downtown, but feeling like you are out in the country in a beautiful parklike setting.

Wickliffe Place Condo’s features a great location in the northern part of downtown Ann Arbor. They are within walking distance of Kerrytown, Farmers Market as well as easy distance to the University of Michigans campuses. Oh and lets not forget Zingermans Deli!  See Zingerman’s video and meet owner.

The development consists of 14 private 2 story units with basements and attached 2.5 car garages constructed into a small wooded hillside surrounded by mature planting. Floorplans for the units average 1500 square feet and they come in 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom or 3 bedroom 2.5 bathroom varieties. The great environment means it is a great place to raise children – who are zoned to attend Ann Arbor schools.

Association fees are around $350 monthly, pets are allowed and there is city water/sewer.

This is definitely one of the nicest communities which benefits from offering a high quality of life for residents by having the best of both worlds – open plan and spacious suburban feel, but being right in downtown.  Be sure to see video and visit Farmers market in Kerrytown.
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Click here to search Ann Arbor Real Estate using our complimentary Ann Arbor Real Estate MLS Search service. Alternatively please contact Kathy Toth and the team if you need more specific assistance in your Ann Arbor Real Estate needs.

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The Armory is an imposing building in downtown Ann Arbor.

The condos form what is probably one of the most unique condo complexes in the area. The grand and ornate building was constructed back in 1930 and still looks as prominent today as it must have done when first built! Located one block from Kerrytown and around the corner from the University of Michigan.

The Armory Condos consists of 13 units which have been remodeled inside to suit modern tastes, and they offer a charming and stylish option to Ann Arbor condo seekers. There are a selection of unit types to chose from. Three story or ranch, between 1500 and 1750 square feet, available as 2 bedroom units.

The remodel has been sympathetically done to the building, allowing its distinguishing features to shine through which are complimented by professional landscaping.

In terms of amenities there is a secure entrance, deeded parking space available for each unit, closeby to all of downtown (around the corner from the Farmers Market!), Children attend Ann Arbor schools and residents pay Ann Arbor taxes, an exercise facility as well as private storage. All that and association fees are only between $183 and $207 monthly with city water and sewer.

This must be one of the best places to live in downtown Ann Arbor!

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Click here to see a unit currently for sale in the Armory!

Click here to search Ann Arbor Real Estate using our complimentary Ann Arbor Real Estate MLS Search service. Alternatively please contact Kathy Toth and the team if you need more specific assistance in your Ann Arbor Real Estate needs.

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Yet more exciting news from the University of Michigan!

The 11-story 225,000-square-foot “Wolverine” office tower, at 3003 S. State St. at Eisenhower, was bought by U-M in 1992 and will undergo a $6.3 million renovation!

Since U-M have owned it, various offices – most of them financial services – have moved in. 

In recent times the University has planned to renovate the building and make better use of its space by consolodating offices and departments and moving some staff from other locations. This applies for private tenants too! In fact, the consolidation will free up space for an additional 50 employees from the MHealthy offices, now on South Industrial, to move into the building.

As part of the renovation, the Optical imaging group will be moved out of the basement, where the space will be converted to use as a wellness room that includes yoga classes and showers.

Wolverine Tower was built in 1973 as development took hold in the Briarwood Mall area. Also built that year was Eisenhower Plaza, also known as the 777 building. The two towers form the landmark offices in the area.

Recently the 777 building had its own renovation project worth millions of dollars and a new, 108,000-square-foot addition.

The work on the Wolverine tower should be completed by fall 2011. – Definitely exciting times for Ann Arbor and U-M!

NEED MORE INFORMATION ON OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN IN ANN ARBOR? CONTACT US!

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Ashley Terrace Ann Arbor Condominiums for Sale - click link. CND – Medium View

111 N. Ashley St Ann Arbor, MI 48104-1308

See the video below which shows you how luxurious and convenient the units are:

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Constructed back in 1966, this older building of 60 ranch style condos is ideally situated for all that Ann Arbor has to offer. Including being within walking distance of the UM Hospital like Nielsen Square.

Association fees are reasonable at around $200-$300 per month and units are a functional 866 square feet and come in 1 through 3 bedroom configurations. 

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The development is nicely stocked with amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool – great for those hot summer days when what you feel like doing is jumping in a pool! There is also carport parking, a community meeting room, laundry facilities on every level as well as good security. The community is zone for Ann Arbor Schools for the kids (in this case; Northside Elementary, Clague Middle, and the new Skyline High) and falls under Ann Arbor for taxes.

Don’t forget that some of the benefits of a high rise are the views! Enjoy spectacular views of Riverside Park and the North Campus area!

Click here to search Ann Arbor Real Estate using our complimentary Ann Arbor Real Estate MLS Search service. Alternatively please contact Kathy Toth and the team if you need more specific assistance in your Ann Arbor Real Estate needs.

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Keller Williams Realty

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Across the nation, the mood is optimistic. The economy is coming out of its slumber and all industries are picking up, particularly in being ready for the Holiday Season.

More exciting is news that the construction industry is set to increase over the next year to 18 months or so.

In fact, Realty Times reports that nationally in the case of McGraw-Hill’s Construction Outlook report which predicts in their 2010 forecasts an increase in the level of construction starts in 2010 is expected to climb 11% to $466.2 billion. This is great news, for all contractors big and small.

They predict that in Single family housing, for 2010 will advance 32% in dollars, corresponding to a 30% increase in the number of units to 560,000. Multifamily housing will improve 16% in dollars and 14% in units.

While on the subject of new construction, there is an interesting development which Realty Times have also reported on. The prospect of single family homes having fire sprinkler systems.

Members of the International Code Council’s Residential Building Code Committee (RBCC) have made it clear that fire sprinklers are destined to become a standard feature in all new homes. This interesting development states that the fire sprinkler requirement was added to the International Residential Code (IRC) last year, and it is scheduled to become effective January 1, 2011. With 48 states adhering to the IRC, it will be interesting to watch how this is implemented, particularly as there are two strong sides to the argument. Those for the regulation tout safety, those against tout implementation of the regulation and the system as potential hazards.

We will watch this develop closely.

However with an oncoming increase in construction and a real estate market that is looking healthier and healthier every day, now is the time to buy!

Click here to search Ann Arbor Real Estate using our complimentary Ann Arbor Real Estate MLS Search service. Alternatively please contact Kathy Toth and the team if you need more specific assistance in your Ann Arbor Real Estate needs.

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Keller Williams Realty

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