Zingerman's Deli expansion may have tough hurdle to clear with Ann Arbor Historic District Commission
Does the expansion of Zingerman's Deli in downtown Ann Arbor offer a substantial benefit to the community?
That's the question the city's Historic District Commission must answer next week when it meets to hear a proposal from the deli's owners.
Zingerman's Deli will go before the Ann Arbor Historic District Commission next Thursday with a new expansion plan. The HDC denied the deli's previous plans for expansion.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
The answer might not be an easy one.
The seven-member body is being asked to approve a special exception that goes against the U.S. Secretary of the Interior's standards for historic properties. And it would allow the demolition of a house that the HDC two years ago determined was historic.
"It's sort of a weird position for the commission to be in," said HDC Vice Chairman Patrick McCauley. "It's going to be an interesting debate. I suspect there will be a lot of public commentary — probably a lot in favor and some opposed."
The project — a 10,340-square-foot addition to the deli campus at 422 Detroit St. in Kerrytown — already cruised through the approval process with the Ann Arbor Planning Commission and Ann Arbor City Council. Now the HDC remains the final hurdle for Zingerman's to clear — and it might be the hardest of them all.
The HDC denied Zingerman's previous plans to expand in June 2008. The deli's owners have spent considerable time revising their plans ever since.
The makeup of the HDC also has changed in the last two years. But exactly how those variables will play out when the HDC meets at 7 p.m. next Thursday remains to be seen.
"Zingerman's is a major employer and a major anchor of Kerrytown, so I guess that's where the major debate is going to happen," said McCauley, who was not on the HDC for the last vote. "I think it has to be in the interest of the majority of the community."
Two years ago, Zingerman's asked to raze two houses on its property to make way for a potentially 22,000-square-foot addition. Now it is asking to demolish only one house to make way for a substantially smaller addition.
The deli's owners still are asking to demolish the same white house at 322 E. Kingsley St. that the HDC decided in a 4-3 vote two years ago was historic. Only two of the three commissioners who favored demolishing the structure back then remain on the HDC, while two of the four who opposed it also have been replaced.
The historic home in question was badly damaged in a fire in 2006. Zingerman's owners argue that a special exception should be made because of that.
City Planner Jill Thacher said in May that Zingerman’s must prove its project will be of "substantial benefit to the community." But how that benefit is defined and whether it is substantial enough to warrant removing a historic structure from the Old Fourth Ward Historic District remains to be determined by the HDC.
Grace Singleton, one of Zingerman's Deli managing partners, says she's confident heading into next Thursday's HDC meeting.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
Commissioner Diane Giannola, one of the three HDC members who favored demolishing the structure on Kingsley two years ago, said a lot will be discussed and debated at next week's meeting, including whether things like the economic impact of Zingerman's expansion constitute a public benefit.
"Some say yes, some say no," she said.
Zingerman’s owners have been to three working sessions with the HDC during the course of the project and say they're confident they have a worthy case.
Grace Singleton, one of the deli's managing partners, said the expansion will give Zingerman's enough space to allow improved service to customers and staff. She also said it will increase revenue so the business can continue to be a positive economic influence in the community, and they'll hire about 65 more employees. The new digs also will be energy efficient, she said.
"We got pretty positive response back from the staff review," she said. "It's taken a lot of time to get to this point, but I feel we have a really great proposal that takes into account all the different people involved, and it's a real good middle ground to end on."
If approved by the HDC next week, Zingerman's would move forward on demolishing the structure on Kingsley this fall, Singleton said. The next step would be to take an orange house on the property and shift its location to make room for construction staging. The goal is to have the expansion completed by spring or summer of 2012.
McCauley, who considers Zingerman's latest expansion plan "a big step in the right direction," said he won't be able to attend the meeting, so it will take yes votes from four of the six remaining commissioners for the project to pass.
"The HDC obviously wants to see Zingerman's and Kerrytown succeed," McCauley said. "We tried to work out something with them and I think this is a much better plan than last time — what was brought before the commission before."
Singleton said she's expecting a good discussion.
"If it takes until midnight, that's OK," she said.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.
Comments
Julian
Thu, Sep 30, 2010 : 10:41 a.m.
i think the should expand because it is a small place
just a voice
Sun, Sep 5, 2010 : 11:26 a.m.
saving those houses is stupid, the worst thing the city could do is save two houses in an area where they will never be used as houses. unless some important bit of history is associated, then tear them down and lets use the space in this small city the best way possible, kerrytown growth is great
leaguebus
Sun, Sep 5, 2010 : 12:15 a.m.
@Tim Or another city hall.
Tim R. Land
Sat, Sep 4, 2010 : 8:16 a.m.
It seems as though the previous commentators are completely clueless to what the vote is actually about. The vote is not solely about the crappy white house, it is about what the expansion looks like. The massing, the aesthetics, the adjacencies, etc... How the expansion impacts the neighborhood. Trust me if Zingermam's came in and put in a big box type addition, you all would be up in arms saying that the city is in ca-hoots with Zingerman's and big business can do as they please in Ann Arbor. Before you make your decision on wither or not Zingerman's can expand, take a look at their design. Would you like to live next door to that? I would hate to end up with another Ashley Terrace in this city.
Robert
Thu, Sep 2, 2010 : 4:39 p.m.
The HDC is somewhat fanatical about their "historic structure" designations. Historically significant means the house is old and they can identify a past owner. Beyond that the shell of a house is of no significant historical value. I appreciate there passion for preservation but I think they are too narrow minded sometimes. I watched the meetings and I would never buy in the historical district because of the HDC's lunacy. Honestly, if it doesn't pass Zingerman's should pull up shop. I'd personally enjoy easier access in a bigger facility.
russellr
Thu, Sep 2, 2010 : 11:25 a.m.
You would think this would be a no brainer for the council. Think jobs, more people coming to A2 to eat, more parking tickets, taxes etc. Get rid of the burnt house, think about the economy.
Scott
Thu, Sep 2, 2010 : 10:05 a.m.
I would think the Architect hired {?} to design the expansion should take a lot of the heat for not incorporating a know "historical building" into the final concept. It could be that Zingerman's directed the Architect to ignore the building in question and concentrate solely on the design plan that was ultimately presented - damn the torpedoes, we'll get a variance. To ignore a feature like that invites the type of HDC hand wringing and angst, of which the article portrays. It all boils down to the kind of city you ultimately want to experience. One less old wood house will probably not be missed at all, but they're much like dominoes....The HDC will ultimately cave in from their own fatigue of staying past 9:30pm, and Zingerman's will get it's plan passed, as is, and the world will be organic rainbows and $14.99/lb puppies again in Kerrytown.
Maple
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 10:24 p.m.
Woah. I am relatively new to the area so I Google mapped 322 E. Kingsley and then turned on the street view and I wonder if I am seeing the same building everyone is talking about. Is it that little white shack behind Zingerman's (to the left of their back fence) if you are looking at it head-on) that is boarded up and is a garden shed compared to the house next to it? If so... are you kidding me?!
leaguebus
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 9:57 p.m.
Zingermans is the reason why the whole kerrytown area is so vibrant. This proposal should be a slam dunk, but this is Ann Arbor. The golden goose has been killed many times before by citizens put in a position of great power. It looks like the HDC could vote this down.
seldon
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 12:26 p.m.
That house is a fire-gutted ruin. I can't believe this is even a topic for discussion.
Speechless
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 12:10 p.m.
Sure, not every old house has to be saved. I support the latest Zingerman's expansion proposal and hope that the HDC does not vote to block it this time. However, the historical commission's original close vote to deny demolition two years ago was not without potential merit to the city. To have passively accepted Zingerman's 2008 proposal to tear down both houses, on the basis that it would be done to benefit Zingerman's — after all — could have led to a poor precedent that would negatively impact later decisions related to historic preservation. That may have lead to future situations where developers and businesses would routinely claim that their proposed project offers great value to the city and thus is eminently worthy of classification under a "Zingerman's exception" to any applicable historic preservation rules. It's meaningful to have project approval take place in circumstances where Zingerman's works with the historic designations that affect its flagship Kerrytown location while seeking to negotiate reasonable compromises.
jondhall
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 10:14 a.m.
No expansion I have already decided it will not go through, thanks for the input, this is a liberal town and we do liberal things, thanks all for your input!
krc
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 9:29 a.m.
I don't particularly care for the look of the proposed expansion. IMO, Zing's could put a historic-looking facade on the new expansion to appease the HDC, so it looks nicer from the street. Angelo's, the restaurant over near the hospital did a good job with their expansion and preserved the 'historic' look.
Charlie Moss
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 9:22 a.m.
I note with interest the tight scrutiny that the Zingerman's proposal to exapnd is facing in Ann Arbor. Unfortunately, much less scrutiny is being applied to the proposed Costco adventure/loCation on Ellsworth Road. The environmental and community impact of the latter project will be major. I have been told that I should trust the master planning capability of the Pittsfield Township board. So far I have not seen any evidence of the significant due diligence required for this project. In addition, I am concerned about the impact on a proven Michigan corporate citizen -- Meiers Sorry to change the subject.
kacky
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 7:57 a.m.
To all the people saying "build a new zingerman's" or "move somewhere else": They don't want to build a new one. The point is to expand the deli. I don't know if you've ever seen the deli on a warm summer day, but the line goes out the door and around the corner. They need more room. And moving somewhere else isn't so easy either. Yes Zingerman's has businesses in other places, but the deli was the first- and that in itself is historic. The deli fits in perfectly to the surrounding area, it would be out of place out by the bakehouse. Also to all the people saying Zingerman's is overrated, I'm really sorry you've never received the real Zingerman's Experience. It's not just about the $15 sandwich (even though they are REALLY good, with the best ingredients you will find ANYWHERE), but the service. If you've never had an employee "go the extra mile" for you, you haven't really had the experience. I encourage all of you to give it another shot, if it's the deli or the roadhouse or the bakehouse.
SonnyDog09
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 7:06 a.m.
While I do believe that they have the right to expand, I will not comment on the wisdom of their decision.
SillyTree
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 6:16 a.m.
I think they switched to 8 oz in the mid 60's. I remember it as the Cokes being 8 and 7 Ups were 10 oz. Either way it was a fun time; Probably because I was 6.
15crown00
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 1:24 a.m.
A solid business wants to expand. A junk house stands in the way.Zings gets my vote.Let us hope the HDC sees it the same way
Insightman
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 11:09 p.m.
@SillyTree Those were 6-1/2 ounce Cokes, not 8 ouncers.
Jay Allen
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 10:47 p.m.
Based on what people have wrote, then YES Zingerman's resides in a historical area of AA. The majority feel that Zingerman's should stay in Kerrytown and remain a historical marker. Got it. No debate. So does it remain "historical" if it is expanded upon? I mean how far can you go and still be "historical"? Going to another location as I said earlier and LEAVING what is there makes the most sense to me, still. But hey, what do I know.......
SillyTree
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 8:29 p.m.
I wasn't taking sides.
Brian Kuehn
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 8:22 p.m.
Messages of support are great. However, until the HDC renders a decision maybe we should hold off on speculating which way the vote will go and excoriating the HDC in anticipation of a "no" vote. If the HDC votes down the proposal we will all have plenty of time to tongue lash them. E. R. Murrow's Ghost had the right idea; publicly indicate support or opposition and wait to see what happens.
st.julian
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 7:48 p.m.
Substantial benefit: Zingermans Destination for national audience Jobs with decent pay and longevity socially repsonsible beliefs and behavior high quality products maintains neighborhood character than nay high rsie cond inthe rest of the city HDC no substantial benefit to the community flatulance
SillyTree
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 7:42 p.m.
I remember when Zingerman's was a small corner grocery store. The Tree was across the street. Kerrytown was just the name of a neighborhood (I think anyway; I never heard the name Kerrtyown until the Farm Bureau moved.) The shops at Kerrytown included Godfrey's Moving and Storage and the Washtenaw County Farm Bureau. It was real neat. We bought red shoelace licorice at the farm bureau and there was a Coke machine that sold glass 8 oz. bottles. Why was there no HDC to protect those entities? If only there had been, you could still buy a bale of hay downtown! Can you imagine? I also remember when Detroit St. crossed Fifth Ave instead of the now required right turn. There were street car tracks that protruded through the pavement. Where are the street cars? I only got to see their tracks! I wish the street cars had been preserved so I could have seen them.
that's a tuffy
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 6:27 p.m.
10,000 square feet and 65 new jobs? Something doesn't taste right.
DagnyJ
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 4:21 p.m.
Agree that the city council and others happily allow landlords of students slums (who probably also contribute to the campaigns of officials) to collect rent and let the old houses slowly decay.
CynicA2
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 3:29 p.m.
Ann Arbor has far too many drafty old shacks designated as part of some historic district or another. Anyone who has ever lived in one knows that they are hot in the summer and cold in the winter and notoriously expensive and difficult to maintain or update. Not to mention that their only "historic" value is as a reminder that we can build much better houses now. Fire up the bulldozer! If the Hysteric District Commission doesn't approve, bulldoze them first.
John
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 2:58 p.m.
Ann Arbor turns a blind eye to landlords allowing junk to pile (and occasionally burn) in front of their student slum pads. Lawns go to weed forests and paint peels in sheets. Yet a question surrounds a quality business expanding? Zingerman's has proved it's value to the community a thousand times over, they should be allowed to continue their growth unabated. Sometimes old houses are just old houses.
Bill
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 2:32 p.m.
I'm guessing that Zingerman's is far more historically significant than a shell of a burned out property. The HDC goes to far at times in their evaluations and decisions on what is a contributing property. While saving some history is good, so is moving Ann Arbor toward being a modern city.
bonjour_sherry
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 2:22 p.m.
Wondering if it is possible to connect the three buildings together using nicely designed bridges or covered walkway, and paint three buildings with coherent colors so they look like one complex? With some creative landscaping and design, it can be a Zen Garden Zingerman.
treetowncartel
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 2:08 p.m.
Is it feasible for Zingerman's to just move the house somewhere else in the Historic District, or close by? They could form a non-profit to rehab it, and then use it for some charitable purpose. Maybe a little "Old West Side" museum, a homeless shelter, housing for victims of domestic violence or lodging for out of town guests atending Punkweek festivities.
Rasputin
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 1:40 p.m.
@ jondhall, if Subway or McD's wanted to expand, A2 would shut them down quick. C'mon folks it's food, can we move on? Good luck Zingerman's I remain neutral.
Stephen Landes
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 12:50 p.m.
Zingerman's is THE most historically significant operation and structure in Kerrytown. We owe it to ourselves as citizens to support the Zingerman's organization as they seek to expand and cement their relationship with Ann Arbor and the Kerrytown area. Fifty years from now I predict few if any citizens or visitors will know or care much about the other buildings in that part of town, but Zingerman's will remain as a symbol of what a few determined people with a vision can create.
Stephen Landes
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 12:49 p.m.
Zingerman's is THE most historically significant operation and structure in Kerrytown. We owe it to ourselves as citizens to support the Zingerman's organization as they seek to expand and cement their relationship with Ann Arbor and the Kerrytown area. Fifty years from now I predict few if any citizens or visitors will know or care much about the other buildings in that part of town, but Zingerman's will remain as a symbol of what a few determined people with a vision can create.
Movie Guy
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 12:30 p.m.
It's kind of amazing that this is even up for debate. Clearly if something is of true historical significance, then a discussion must be had. That's simply not what we have here. Once this building was gutted by fire, boarded up and not restored in any timely fashion, it lost its place in history. This is not a grand piece of important, historical or otherwise noteworthy architecture - it looks like this: http://annarborchronicle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/back-alley.jpg This is not the steps of the Union where Kennedy spoke, or built by Frank Lloyd Wright. "Historic" should mean something other than "old". Someone please correct me if there is something significant that I am missing here.
BobbyJohn
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 11:59 a.m.
Mr. McCauley SHOULD be there for an important vote like this that involves dozens of jobs for our community. This is an important vote.
David Cahill
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 11:17 a.m.
This is a different project. Also, the staff review is favorable. So I expect the HDC to approve the project. Plus, no organized interest group appears to oppose it. This is a Good Sign.
Tom Teague
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 11:15 a.m.
@Urban - But there is always the longer, but effective, Demolition by Neglect option. I'm trying to imagine the business case that would justify Zingerman's renovating the house. Having lived in a community that got a late start on preservation, and watching some historically significant buildings disappear, I generally am in favor of independent HDCs. But in this case, without historic connection or detail in the house, and the property looking blighted, it seems like voting the exception is a good idea. For those who are concerned about the slippery slope that the renovation would create -- HDC exceptions for any business that wants to rip out an historic home -- I would counter that a no vote followed by two years of planning and work, extensive public debate, the concurrence of other governing bodies, and a re-work of the original design keep this slope pretty dry.
Urban Sombrero
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 10:56 a.m.
@Tom Teague: Ahhh, OK. Thanks. I was just wondering if it might not have been better for them to just do it and then deal with the consequences later. Guess not, hehe.
Tom Teague
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 10:50 a.m.
@Urban - Even if Zingerman's found a contractor willing to demolish the structure without a demolition permit, they would face fines that might exceed the normal cost of doing business.
Urban Sombrero
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 10:43 a.m.
Just out of sheer curiosity---what would happen if Zingerman's were to just tear it down? "It's easier to apologize after the fact than to ask permission", all that.
jcj
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 10:36 a.m.
I am not sure they have that much opposition except for the HDC. Cost I would think would be a major factor. They already have in place most of what they need on site. They already own the property. They already have the plans. They already have the downtown clientele. And just as important is that the HDC needs to be preserving properties that ADD something to the community!
MB111
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 10:35 a.m.
Old does not equal historic. This, and the Germantown farce, are examples of how much this city fears change. It is likely the HDC will reject this and finally prove that Ann Arbor is an anti-business city
Jay Allen
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 10:20 a.m.
I have a suggestion, better said I 'spose, a question. Why not just build a **new** Zingerman's elsewhere. Zingerman's wants to expand. They do have opposition to expand in their current location. Keep everything "historic" (although I feel that stamp is HIGHLY over rated). Just keep the small shop where it is. They already have the "Roadhouse" out on Stadium and Jackson. Just build another location, more parking and easier to get to. Is this dumb?
bunnyabbot
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 9:59 a.m.
The real question should be is if this "historical building" is a substantial benefit to the community, which it isn't. It is not usable, safe or pretty. I love how the house burned in a fire in 2006 and then was labeled historic in 2008. For someone who asked Zingermans owns the property. The former inhabitants did not care for the property before the fire, it has been in poor condition for decades even when people were living there. They should post a picture of the property in question so people can see how it looks now. I agree, Zingermans IS overrated and expensive. Their expanstion a substantial benefit to the community? I don't think so, what I do know is that it would be beyond common sense to allow them to expand a sucessful business onto an adjoining property that has zero significance.
PersonX
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 9:57 a.m.
I am a strong supporter of historic preservation, but sometimes our commission is petty and misses the wood for the trees. I hope it will let his one go through easily. If the question is simply about benefit to the community, then there really can be few reservations. There is no other business in AA that is so community minded, period. Now if only they would lower their prices and make the sandwiches fit in my mouth...
4 Fingers
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 9:56 a.m.
What exactly is the historic value of this house?? someone important live there?? underground railroad??? or just plain old?
applehazar
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 9:46 a.m.
McCauley - who would vote yes - is not attending?? Isn't it the job of the Vice Chariman to attend the meeting and vote? Annarbor.com needs to press why a pivitol person is not attending to vote. Sounds suspicious. There may be a good reason but an important fact is totally left out of the article.
Bridget Bly
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 9:41 a.m.
Question for those who were around in 2008: Was the 2008 vote that made the house "historic" a case of using the historic designation to stop Zingerman's, or was there some other (better) reason to denote it historic?
say it plain
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 9:16 a.m.
ooh, @jondhall, just sayin': Zingerman's isn't "kosher" lol. Not unless you count bacon mixed into everything including donuts "kosher". Just FYI :)
Foote
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 9:15 a.m.
While I agree with most people that the expansion of Zingerman's is a good thing, the statutes governing the HDC decision don't easily allow for removal of an historic structure. There are alternatives (Zingerman's can move or expand elsewhere). The "public" benefits that Zingerman's provides are "private" in nature, with the exception of their payment of taxes and their substantial philanthropic efforts. Within the past year, the developers of the Liberty Lofts condominiums were denied on their proposal to remove two similar structures from 2nd street on the Old West Side. The HDC should be consistent in its judgment.
jcj
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 9:01 a.m.
I don't need a $15 dollar sandwich myself. But the world does not revolve around me alone! It is PLAIN that this needs to pass. And has nothing to do with "big business"
jondhall
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 8:34 a.m.
Who needs a kosher $15 sandwich? Maybe "Z" will bring some sandwiches to the meeting? If "Z" wins then big business WINS again, come on liberal Ann Arbor, speak up!
DagnyJ
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 8:20 a.m.
If the HDC doesn't approve this, then it's time to get rid of the HDC.
jcj
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 8:15 a.m.
Grandpabob good point. Let the HDC buy the property. Then the city can build a shrine around the old pile of rubble! There is one heck of a lot more good brought to the community by Zingerman's than this pile of rubble! If there are members of the commission that can't live without this then after it passes take the pile of rubble and drop it off in their front yard! Then they can really appreciate it!
81wolverine
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 8:01 a.m.
This topic shouldn't even be debated. Let's see: Try to save a burned-out shell of a building by spending 3 times as much money as it would cost to build new even if a fool could be found to pay for it, OR tear the shell down for a fraction of the cost, expand a popular business that already brings people into town, and add 65 jobs for the local community. Hmmmm. That's a toughie.
AESeaman
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 7:49 a.m.
Zingerman's is overrated. That being said, obstruction of progress in the name of "historic preservation" is even more overrated.
Ryan J. Stanton
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 7:42 a.m.
For those keeping score... The three HDC members who favored the demolition of the house at 322 E. Kingsley back in 2008 were Robert White, Diane Giannola and Sarah Wallace (Shotwell). White and Giannola still are members of the commission, while Wallace has been replaced with Thomas Stulberg. Michael Bruner and Henry James Henrichs, who voted against the demolition, were replaced with Patrick McCauley and Lesa Rozmarek. Kristina Glusac and Ellen Ramsburgh, who also voted against the demolition, remain on the HDC. In fact, Ramsburgh is now the chairwoman. Hypothetically, assuming the four members who were around for the last vote maintain their positions, with McCauley expected to be absent, it would take both Rozmarek and Stulberg to vote in favor of demolition for the Zingerman's project to pass.
sbbuilder
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 7:29 a.m.
Looking back from the perspective of forty or fifty years from now, you would have to say it would be the height of foolishness to preserve a pile of rotten junk in favor of this proposed new expansion. I think we need to revisit the power we have invested into councils such as the HDC. The pendulum has swung too far one way, and needs to come back to center.
a2roots
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 7:25 a.m.
This should be a no-brainer but unfortunately over the years this commission has made plenty of decisions that were questionable. Maybe this time they will get it right.
GRANDPABOB
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 7:17 a.m.
Just who owns the house and property? If the HDC wants the house saved let them move it to a suitable location.
Elaine F. Owsley
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 7:11 a.m.
Personally, I'm tired of reading about the HDC and its attempt to wag the dog every time something like this comes up. For the love of heaven, tear down that burned out house and put something worthwhile in its place. You can't save every stick and stone that has some age, otherwise the town would be full of junk that no one would come to Ann Arbor to see. Come on, HDC, give it up.
Ruth
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 6:53 a.m.
Looks like a slam dunk for approval. When they need to expand again they should be allowed to purchase the Community High School property.
Steve Pepple
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 6:42 a.m.
An off-topic comment was removed.
Bob Martel
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 6:41 a.m.
Let's hope that the results of the un-scientific poll that accompanies this article reflects the HDC's view of this proposal. Let Zingerman's proceed with this project!
Larry
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 6:25 a.m.
I'm sure Ypsilanti would welcome them with open arms! great business, Jobs, money spending clientele. What more could you ask for? sacrifice one historic dwelling (old house) is not going to change the atmosphere in the Kerrytown area. Its the architecture and feel not the age! Whats to think about.
GoblueBeatOSU
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 6:13 a.m.
Zingerman's...here is an idea that will save you a lot of time and greatly reduce your costs. On top of that, the people will want you. Board the places in Kerry Town up and move to Pittsfield. You would be very close to your other operations. The people in Pittsfield will welcome you with open arms. You could build almost anything you would like. Plus you wouldn't have to attend this HDC meeting.
Booradley
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 5:38 a.m.
Its jobs and a good image, so let them expand!