Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield

GERAK: SOCIAL SCENE • J. MARCH: GOLD CASH GOLD IN CORKTOWN

THE LAST

FARMERS IN OAKLAND SCARCITY OF LAND, RISING VALUES, OTHER CHALLENGES DEAD MALLS: WHY SOME CENTERS MAKE IT AND SOME DON'T LEADERS OF FAITH: WHO'S IN THE PULPITS AT HOUSES OF WORSHIP ENDNOTE: DON'T NARROW WEST MAPLE FOR NEW BIKE LANES

lakefront

lakefront

lakefront

Bloomfield Twp.

Orchard Lake

Orchard Lake

Bloomfield Hills

$6,000,000

$5,300,000

$3,949,000

$3,449,000

lakefront

G

N DI

N

PE

Bloomfield Twp.

Bloomfield Twp.

$1,795,000

$1,690,000

KATHY BROOCK BALLARD MICHIGAN’S #1 REALTOR 2010 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014

Birmingham

Franklin Village

$1,195,000

$1,095,000

D

L SO

2014

Birmingham

Bloomfield Hills

Bloomfield Hills

Birmingham

$1,049,000

$1,049,000

$970,000

$899,000

G

N DI

D

L SO

EN

P

Bloomfield Village

Bloomfield Hills

Plymouth Twp.

Birmingham

$589,000

$575,000

$549,000

$499,000

2 7 5 S2 O L D W O O D W A R D , B I R M I N G H A M

|

224785. 3S1 8 O .L4D5 0 W4O O D W A

D

L SO

Bloomfield Twp.

Bloomfield Hills

Birmingham

Birmingham

$2,900,000

$2,725,000

$2,350,000

$2,199,000

lakefront

Birmingham

Bloomfield Twp.

$1,590,000

$1,375,000

Bloomfield Twp.

Bloomfield Twp.

$1,079,000

$1,049,000

Bloomfield Twp.

Bloomfield Hills

Bloomfield Hills

Rochester Hills

$859,000

$849,000

$699,000

$595,000

Franklin Village

Bloomfield Twp.

West Bloomfield

West Bloomfield

$470,000

$454,900

$449,000

$359,000

KATHYBROOCK.COM | OVER $70 MILLION SOLD IN 2014

INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR 25 YEARS

193 WEST MAPLE ROAD BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009 MW F 10-6 | T TH 10-8 | SAT 10-5 | SUN CLOSED TEL. 248.645.0075 | WWW.SHADESOPTICAL.COM

Your shades are with you everyday, in every moment. They’re your interface to the world. It’s important that you have a style for every occasion. Our passion is collaborating with you to curate your eyewear collection. And it’s our expertise to be sure each and every pair comfortably fits your face, maximizing how you look out of them as well as how you look in them.

WHAT’S

YOUR SHADE?

Bloomfield Hills $1,849,900

T U S HA R VA K HA R I YA DIRECT:

248.928.4224

RE/MAX NEW TREND 4190 TELEGRAPH RD, SUITE 1100 | BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48302 | 248-988-8888 All Star

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

#1 RE/MAX AGENT IN MICHIGAN

*based on RE/MAX LLC report dated 1.14.2015

Bloomfield Hills Lake Front - $2,899,000

Private Island Retreat- $2,899,000

LD

SO

Franklin Village Estate - $2,650,000

Bloomfield Hills Lake Front - $1,399,000

Bloomfield Hills - $1,349,000

Heron Bay - $1,195,000

$999,000 or $7,900/MO - Bloomfield Hills

Royal Oak Skyloft - $319,900

Turtle Lake New Construction from $1.5 million

OVER $40 MILLION SOLD IN 2014

Oakland Twp $1,099,000

Oakland Twp $849,900 or $4,999/MO

Bloomfield Hills $799,900

Over 1.3 Acres in Bloomfield Hills $549,900

CENTER FOR

WEALTH EDUCATION

M MONEY ONEY MA MATTERS AT TTERS THE RI RIGHT GHT W WA WAY AY Get Guidelines on Important T To opics ffrrom a Panel of T To op Experts Helping you ggoo forward with confidence

Wednesday, W ednesday, M March arch 25, 2015 6:00-8:00p m 6:00-8:00pm L ight rrefreshments efreshments Light

➢

➢

➢

Who Should Inherit Y Your our IRA?

Borrowing for Business

Balancing Stocks & Bonds

Dan Serlin Panelist

Jenny Meier Panelist

Sean Metrose Panelist

Q & A and meet with experts after panel

No No charge. charge. Registration Registration required. required. www.tchserves.org ww w ww.tchser ves.org or or 248.644.5832 Presenting Sponsor

Teach Teach Connect Help

380 South Bates, Birmingham, MI 48009

$

1 ,4 9 9 ,0 0 0

|

Birmingham

This gorgeous new construction home offers everything you're looking for in high-end luxury living. This amazing home offers the finest craftsmanship, high-end finishes and architectural details throughout this stately home. This spectacular home has 6459 sq ft of finished living space, 4 beautiful bedroom suites and a 3rd floor offering 2 more additional bedroom suites. You will live the lifestyle of your dreams with every modern amenity located in the Heart of Birmingham close to shopping, schools, walking, on a premier street. A gourmet custom kitchen, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, crown molding all with impeccable quality and detail. Formal dining room, library and fabulous lower level with full kitchen and exceptional living space. Gorgeous and professionally landscaped yard.

BUYing Or SELLing?

West Bloomfield Dramatic Price Reduction $

517,000 Custom Built 5 BR, 3.1 BA 2963 Sq Ft Northville Dramatic Price Reduction $

229,000

Private Prime Lot on .78 Acres Facing Spring Hill Lake

Coming Soon!

Woodlea $1,599,000 | New Construction 5000 Sq Ft Middlebury $399,000 | Custom Built Ranch

My strong work ethic and passion to help my clients find their dream home. My knowledge of the market has contributed to my success.

Choosing an experienced real estate agent to represent you is very important from the initial meeting to the closing. I will help you market, stage and price your home, so if your thinking of buying or selling I would love to give you a free consultation. I will achieve the most off your home with luxury, style and sophistication. multi-million Dollar

Top Producer

Sandra Treboldi 248-672-9669

415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

streboldi@skbk.com sandrasproperties.com

DOWNTOWN03.15

36

Local Religious Leaders: Who’s in the pulpit Clergy members leading others in their religion are individually as diverse as the religions they represent in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

16

GERAK: SOCIAL SCENE • J. MARCH: GOLD CASH GOLD IN CORKTOWN

Publisher David Hohendorf talks about the life experiences that helped shape his view and the views expressed each month in his column appearing in Downtown.

INCOMING

18

Our readers' opinions on issues facing the Birmingham/Bloomfield communities or their reaction to content in past issues of Downtown.

THE LAST

CRIME LOCATOR

22

A recap of select categories of crime occurring in the past month in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills, presented in map format.

MUNICIPAL

95

Update on township/city meeting with DTE on tree clearing policy; long-range planning in Birmingham; economic development liquor license; financial advisory panel named in Bloomfield Township; Birmingham police stats; plus more.

BUSINESS MATTERS

133

Dogtopia; Boutique Blu; Artspace; Julia Kontogruni; Radio Shack; Milieu; Fifi & Coco's Gallery and Design; Bridget and Stacie; Bella Belli Maternity; 4-Seasons Golf.

AT THE TABLE

137

The verdict on Gold Cash Gold in the Corktown district of Detroit: No smoke and mirrors or bells and whistles, just real people, making honest food with integral practices and an appreciation for their craft. So says reviewer J. March.

FARMERS IN OAKLAND SCARCITY OF LAND, RISING VALUES, OTHER CHALLENGES DEAD MALLS: WHY SOME CENTERS MAKE IT AND SOME DON'T LEADERS OF FAITH: WHO'S IN THE PULPITS AT HOUSES OF WORSHIP ENDNOTE: DON'T NARROW WEST MAPLE FOR NEW BIKE LANES

THE COVER The Trellis Bridge over the Rouge River at Cranbrook Schools, designed by Dan Hoffman in 1991; constructed in 1993. Downtown photo: G. Lynn Barnett.

TailoREd

NaPlES, floRida

lifESTylES

SaNdy MaloNE 239.218.7164 Committed to informing and connecting your tailored lifestyle with our local & global real estate market.

Bring Your Highest Expections™ Check out www.NaplesToBonitaSpringsRealEstate.com to browse all of our properties, see all available listings, and get yourself up to date with what's hot in Naples and beyond.

Referrals Welcome - Brokers Protected

27 Oakland's last farmers While there are still many farms left in Oakland County, it is a far cry from what is was years ago as development and other issues face farmers.

57 The dead malls While the metro area still boasts some successful shopping malls, malls in general have serious challenges that threaten their survival.

115

Mike Ballerini

COMMUNITY HOUSE

139

William Seklar, President of The Community House, writes about the upcoming fundraising gala and the Pillars of Vibrancy honorees being recognized this year.

SOCIAL LIGHTS

141

Society reporter Sally Gerak provides the latest news from the society and non-profit circuit as she covers recent major events.

ENDNOTE

150

Our views on the proposed reworking of West Maple in Birmingham to add bike lanes, and the failure of Oakland County to put restaurant inspections online for benefit of consumers.

FACES

35 55 93 115 117 131

Gary Shapiro

Diane Cook

Henry Jackson

Mike Ballerini

Rick Hartsell David Colman

.....

Live Again

Improvement in Clear Nails In As Little As 1 Treatment Procedure Takes

Less Than 10 Minutes Per Foot

PinPointe P inP nte

TM T M

F O O T L A S E R

TM T M

offered by

www.cynosure.com ww w

PinPointe

Physicians and Surgeons of the Foot

Nail Fungus Treatment ™

Birmingham FootCare Specialists

birminghamfootcarespecialists.com

CALL

248-594-3338

PUBLISHER David Hohendorf NEWS EDITOR Lisa Brody NEWS STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Allison Batdorff | Rachel Bechard | Hillary Brody Kevin Elliott | Sally Gerak | Austen Hohendorf Sarah Kovan | J. Marsh | Kathleen Meisner | Bill Seklar PHOTOGRAPHY/CONTRIBUTORS Jean Lannen | Laurie Tennent Laurie Tennent Studio VIDEO PRODUCTION/CONTRIBUTOR Garrett Hohendorf Giant Slayer ADVERTISTING MANAGER Jill Cesarz ADVERTISING SALES Heather Marquis GRAPHICS/DESIGN G. Lynn Barnett WEBSITE/CONTRIBUTOR Chris Grammer OFFICE 124 W. Maple Birmingham MI 48009 248.792.6464 DISTRIBUTION/SUBSCRIPTIONS Mailed monthly at no charge to most homes in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills. Additional free copies distributed at high foot-traffic locations in downtown Birmingham.

For those not receiving a free mail copy, paid subscriptions are available for a $12 annual charge. To secure a paid subscription, go to our website (downtownpublications.com) and click on “subscriptions” in the top index and place your order online or scan the QR Code here.

INCOMING/READER FEEDBACK We welcome feedback on both our publication and general issues of concern in the Birmingham/Bloomfield community. The traditional “letters to the editor” in Downtown are published in our Incoming section and can include written letters or electronic communication.

Opinions can be sent via email to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 W. Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009 WEBSITE downtownpublications.com

FACEBOOK facebook.com/downtownpublications TWITTER twitter.com/downtownpubs

Member of Downtown Publications DOWNTOWN | WESTEND | THE GUIDE

™

THE U LT I M AT E CA R E NT H US I A S T DE S TI N ATI O N ™ • PRIVATE GARAGE COMMUNITY ON WOODWARD AVE. • 1.5 MILE PERFORMANCE TRACK • MOTORSPORTS CLUB AND DRIVING EXPERIENCE

• RESTAURANTS, RETAIL AND YEAR ROUND EVENTS

P RIVAT E G A R A G E S R E M AI NI NG I N PH AS E 1 (AS OF 2 / 9/15) U N IT N U MBER( S)

BUIL DING

I NTE RI O R DI M E NSI O NS

SQUAR E F EET

S A L ES P R I C E

29-32

Sebring

31'-5" W x 38'-0" D

1,193

$240,000

37, 39-40

Talladega

31'-5" W x 38'-0" D

1,193

$240,000

41

Talladega

32'-0" W x 38'-0" D

1,217

$250,000

52-55

Nurburgring

15'-4" W x 38'-0" D

586

$110,000

62-63

Goodwood

31'-4" W x 38'-0" D

1,194

$230,000

68-71, 73-78

Goodwood

15'-4" W x 38'-0" D

586

$110,000

PHASE 1 = 80 TOTAL PRIVATE GARAGES

PHASE 1 70% SOLD OUT

Visit www.m1concourse.com for More Information Contact Brad at 248.594.6803 to Schedule an Appointment

FROM THE PUBLISHER

T

he Sunday edition of the New York Times hit my porch sometime between 5 and 6 a.m. as I was starting to write my column for this edition of Downtown.

I find the early morning hours a more productive time to write, with my wife and our dog still asleep and the normal distractions of the day – phone calls, emails and texts from my sons who live in New York, advertisers or news sources non-existent.

Each month I grapple with a variety of topics for my column – ongoing notations and related research all dutifully bookmarked in my laptop.

Some months I write about topics related specifically to what we may be doing/planning at Downtown Publications. More often than not I use this space to comment on what I observe in the local world of government and politics, having followed all of this since the late 1960's.

This month I decided to share some personal information about myself, which hopefully provides some insight about things that have shaped my world views, I am sure much to the chagrin of some critics who in past months have called, e-mailed or written – sometimes politely and sometimes not – to charge that I am some “radical”, and/or Downtown is a “left-wing rag.”

Personally, I was raised by two strong Catholic parents, both of whom passed away when I was in my early 20's, with six brothers and sisters, first in Detroit and later in the then-farmland that would become Sterling Heights. We moved there when my father's GM/Fisher Body job was relocated to the GM Tech Center in Warren. One of our favorite after-school past-times was cutting from our sparsely-populated subdivision through the migrantworker farms to reach the Clinton River, which in those days was still clean enough in which to swim.

My mother was a most devout Catholic who desperately hoped that I, as the oldest son, would some day enter the priesthood, which is why starting in second grade she required me daily to read aloud and discuss a set number of pages of St. Thomas Aquinas Summa Theologiae, before I could join with neighborhood kids in after school play. And, yes, I did my stint as an altar boy and mastered the Latin in which all rituals Catholic were then performed.

It goes without saying that the three oldest children attended Catholic elementary school in Detroit. Once we hit the suburbs when I was in fifth grade, we moved into the pubic school system, although as I reached high school, I pitched my parents to join my older sister Susan in Catholic school in Utica, paying the tuition myself from a variety of jobs, including a few summers working a

Belgian farm on M-59 in the summer months and fall weekends.

I spent about six years in college, which I underwrote myself with scholarships and full-time employment, eventually graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in English with considerable studies in philosophy. On occasion I freelanced movie and art reviews for the student newspaper, the State News, and helped launch a shortlived literary magazine.

My baptism in the world of politics included growing up watching the civil rights marches in the South on television each night with my parents, both Republicans as I recall it now. My sophomore year in college is when the anti-war movement surrounding the Vietnam War was beginning to gain steam and I spent a few years working as a counselor at the East Lansing Draft Information Center. Watergate was also in the headlines on a daily basis.

Post college, I considered myself a Republican, morphing like many others in the past 20 years to more of an Independent as both traditional political parties became more entrenched with far right or far left platform positions that I could not blindly support. I remain a fiscal conservative but lean liberal when it comes to social issues.

I have long been a student of government, with a strong understanding of how local, county and state officials should – but don't always – function. I am a believer in our form of representative democracy, although I have been serving in the journalism field long enough to know that, like any system, it is not perfect, which is why I think it important to use the space in our publications to lay bare the details on a variety of topics so readers can make their own determination of how well the government is doing.

As to my own column, on occasion I can be highly critical of those in power, which in this county and state often means the Republicans. But that is part of the process of keeping the government and politicians honest.

Leftist? Hardly. Concerned about the direction we are heading on a variety of issues? You bet.

So if you are looking for a publication that avoids controversy and gives you the “lite” version of what is happening, turn to the other publications circulating in the local area. If you seek an added voice in the public discourse, continue returning to Downtown and this space each month.

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@downtownpublications.com

families regardl L L A r o f t ess o or p p u f inc s n om tio i u e.

T Use wh whichever ichever path reduces reduces costs the the most. most.

T Tuition uition Suppo Support rt

orr o

B BASED ASED ON NEED

Families F amilies

earning earn ing

UP T TO O

$220 $220,000 ,000

T Tuition uition Gr Grant ant F FOR OR EVER EVERYONE YONE

open to to

1100% 10 0% of families

rregardless eg e ga ardl dless e s of of income inco ome me

ARE ELIGIBLE

only app apply ly on ce once TUITION SUPPORT SUPPOR RT IS LOCKED

&

N NEVER EVER PAY PA P AY MORE MORE

If the Grant the Tuition Tuition G rant amount am ount exceeds exceeds the Tuition Support, th eT uition Suppor t,

F FOR OR TUITION TUITION THAN PAID P AID IN GRADE 1

TO OPT IN T O THE TUITION GRANT GR ANT

FOR THE

&

decreases tuition decr eases year each y ear

Gran Grantt grows grows with your your child child

DUR ATION DURATION OF CHILD’S EDUCA ATION* EDUCATION*

TOTAL OTAL BASED ON $36,000 T BEGINNING IN GRADE 1

* if 10% +/- change, award will be re-evaluated.

Subject to tuition increases (capped at 3% annually).

HILLEL IS AFF AFFORDABLE. ORDABLE. W We’ll e’ll mak make e it wor work k for for you. you. www www.hillelday.org .hillelday.org

For more information or to tour the school, contact Amy Schlussel at aschlussel@hillelday.org or 248-539-1484

INCOMING Well done Faces I just wanted to thank Kevin Elliott for composing such a thoughtful and well written article (Faces/February). I was so proud to read it, and I have gotten so many nice e-mails and calls.

Thanks again. Well done.

Marc Schwartz Birmingham

We welcome your opinion on issues facing the Birmingham/Bloomfield communities.

Forest Grill review My husband and I were stunned to read your publication's review of the Forest Grill and especially the remarks about Chef Janutol (Downtown/February).

We enjoy traveling and the opportunity it provides us for fine dining. We just returned from back to back trips to Seattle and NYC (Manhattan) where we enjoyed world class dining at Daniel Boulud and Jean-Georges Vonerichten restaurants. We came straight from the airport to Forest Grill and had a superb meal after which we commented that the menu and presentation was so good that Janutol would soon be discovered and move to greener pastures.

We have always frequented Forest Grill and found it good, but not of the calibre it has achieved under Chef Janutol. Like Thomas Keller in Napa Valley, he skillfully incorporates seasonal ingredients and cutting edge cuisine. The menu is creative and innovative under his direction.

We enjoy many Birmingham restaurants, but none are as consistent nor in a class with Forest Grill under Chef Janutol. We enjoy eating at Forest Grill regularly and "uneven" is so far from our experience as to be incredulous.

Specializing In Hard To Fit Sizes ––––– Gift Certificates Available

Celebrating a woman's beauty for 67 years

Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 West Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009.

While we don’t have a specific word limitation, we reserve the right to edit for length.

Hoping you will print this point of view based on more experience than J.Marsh has of Forest Grill and Chef Janutol.

Jim and Judy Bisignano Birmingham

Don’t narrow road In the coming months, Birmingham will spend thousands of dollars in taxpayer money to study the city plan to narrow W. Maple Road from 4 to 2 traffic lanes and install bike lanes/other multimodal changes. The process has begun despite over 90 percent of surrounding Birmingham residents, churches and businesses being opposed to the plan for this road when it is repaved in 2016.

At the end of this study process, the multimodal board will tell us that the “experts” (who are nonresidents) believe these changes are viable and should be implemented— repeating the insanity of the library bond process. The question is not can these changes be made, but

WE BUY WATCHES

265 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, MI 48009

Rolex • Patek Philippe • Cartier Panerai • Audemars Piguet • Tudor A. Lange • IWC • Breitling • TAG Heuer Omega • Hamilton • Longines & Others

248.642.2555 www.harps-lingerie.com

BATTERIES • BANDS REPAIRS • APPRAISALS

Monday thru Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

248.540.4646

(No appointment necessary)

DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM SINCE 1989 227 S. OLD WOODWARD AVE.

Like us on Facebook 18

SPEAK OUT

DOWNTOWN

03.15

580580 E. Long Lake Rd, Bloomfield Hills ~ $6,800,000.

E. Long Lake Rd,City City of of Bloomfield Hills ~ $6,800,000.

Thirteen acres 1,100 feet lake frontage on on Vhay Set back 350’ from Long LakeLake Rd. Meander Thirteen acres withwith 1,100 feet ofof lake frontage VhayLake.

Lake.

Set back 350’ from Long Rd. Meander 580 E. Long Lake Rd, City of Bloomfield Hills ~ $6,800,000. down a towering evergreen lined driveway and over the bridge.

Build the dream estate that suits your down a towering evergreen lined Lake driveway andof over the bridge.

Build the dream estate that suits your 580 E. Long Rd, City Bloomfield Hills ~ $6,800,000. lifestyle.

Outstanding investment for future development ininthe Bloomfield school district.

Thirteen acres withinvestment 1,100 feet of lake frontage on Vhay Lake.

Set back 350’ Hills from Long Lake Rd. Meander lifestyle.

Outstanding for future development the Bloomfield Hills school district.

Thirteen acres with 1,100 feet of lake frontage on Vhay Lake. Set back 350’ from Long Lake Rd. Meander down a towering evergreen lined driveway and over the bridge. Build the dream estate that suits your down a towering evergreen lined for driveway over the bridge.

Build the dream estate district. that suits your lifestyle.

Outstanding investment futureand development in the Bloomfield Hills school lifestyle. Outstanding investment for future development in the Bloomfield Hills school district.

26900 Crestwood Dr, Franklin Village ~ $1,990,000.

To be built masterpiece designed by Alexander V. Bogaerts. Situated on 1.5 acres of seclusion. 5,500 26900 Crestwood Dr, suite, Franklin Village ~ $1,990,000.

Dr, Village ~ $1,990,000. square feet, 5 br,26900 5.226900 ba, Crestwood first floor master all bedroom suites, alder wood paneled library, Crestwood Dr, Franklin Franklin Village ~ $1,990,000. travertine & white oak floors, walkout lower level, 4 car heated garage and Birmingham schools.

To be built masterpiece designed by Alexander V. Bogaerts.

Situated on 1.5 acres of seclusion.

5,500 To be To built masterpiece designed bybyAlexander V. Bogaerts.Situated Situated 1.5 acres of seclusion. be built masterpiece designed Alexander V. Bogaerts. on on 1.5 acres of paneled seclusion.

5,500 5,500 square feet, 5 br, 5.2 ba, first floor master suite, all bedroom suites, alder wood library, square feet, feet, 5 br,5 5.2 ba, ba, first floor suite, allbedroom bedroom suites, alder wood paneled library, square br, oak 5.2 first floormaster master suite,4all suites, alder wood paneled library, travertine & white floors, walkout lower level, car heated garage and Birmingham schools. travertine & white oakoak floors, walkout lower 4car carheated heated garage Birmingham schools. travertine & white floors, walkout lowerlevel, level, 4 garage andand Birmingham schools.

Jeff & Matt Barker Jeff& & Matt Matt Barker Jeff Barker Top 1% of Realtors Nationally Voted Best Realtor Top 1% 1% of Realtors Realtors Nationally Top of Nationally BYRealtors Hour Top 1%Voted of Nationally BestDetroit Realtor Voted Best Realtor Over 70 Sold in 2014

BY Homes Hour Detroit Voted BestDetroit Realtor BY Hour OverBY 70 Hour HomesDetroit Sold in in 2014 2014 Over 70 Homes Sold

Over 70 Homes Sold in 2014

1475 Tottenham Road,

1 acre in Bloomfield Village 5 br,Tottenham 3.3 ba, 4,731 Road, sqft 1475 1475 Tottenham Road, Birmingham Schools 1 acre in Bloomfield Village 1 acre in3.3 Bloomfield $1,325,000 5 br, ba, 4,731 Village sqft 5Birmingham br, 3.3 ba, 4,731 sqft Schools Birmingham Schools $1,325,000 1475 Tottenham Road, $1,325,000

1587 Heronwood Court,

24-hr gated Heron Woods 4 br, 4.2 ba, 4,742 Court, sqft 1587 Heronwood 1587 Heronwood Court, Bloomfield Hills Schools 24-hr gated Heron Woods 24-hr Heron $775,000 4 br,gated 4.2 ba, 4,742Woods sqft 4 br, 4.2 ba, 4,742 sqft Bloomfield Hills Schools Bloomfield Hills Schools 248.425.6000 $775,000 1587 Heronwood Court, $775,000

24-hr gated Heron Woods www.jeffbarkerhomes.com | jeff@jeffbarkerhomes.com 1 acre in Bloomfield Village 248.425.6000 4 br, 4.2 ba, 4,742 sqft Hills | 48302 5 br,Max 3.3 ba, 4,731 sqft Broock Realtors | 4130 248.425.6000 Telegraph Road | Bloomfield www.jeffbarkerhomes.com | jeff@jeffbarkerhomes.com Bloomfield Hills Schools Birmingham Schools www.jeffbarkerhomes.com | jeff@jeffbarkerhomes.com $775,000 $1,325,000 Max Broock Realtors | 4130 Telegraph Road | Bloomfield Hills | 48302

Max Broock Realtors | 4130 Telegraph Road | Bloomfield Hills | 48302

248.425.6000 www.jeffbarkerhomes.com | jeff@jeffbarkerhomes.com Max Broock Realtors | 4130 Telegraph Road | Bloomfield Hills | 48302

LEGACY JEWELRY IS ANTIQUE JEWELRY

Elegant. Beauty. Artistry.

Always In Style.

Trending Since the 18th Century.

When It Comes to Antique and Vintage Jewelry, One Word Says It All: Legacy Building/Maintaining Relationships One Deal At A Time - NeAl BlAz

700 N. Old Woodward, Ste. 200 Birmingham, MI 48009

248.723.9975 Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Mondays by Special Appointment www.legacyestatejewelry.com mrlegacyjewelry@gmail.com

BUY • SELL • TRADE • LOANS

Big Beaver

ard dw

o Wo

ard dw

o Wo

Old

N

e.

Av

Maple Rd.

ANTIQUE, VINTAGE AND ESTATE LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED SECOND GENERATION NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY; PRIVATE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

should these changes be made and, according to an overwhelming majority of Birmingham residents, the answer is no.

The city went through this same process in 2012 when E. Maple Road was being repaved and the same, expensive studies were conducted under the “Complete Streets” Plan.

After the money was spent, the residents surrounding E. Maple Road circulated petitions and obtained 231 signatures against the plan. Based on these petitions and protests at commission meetings, the city acquiesced to the homeowners’ conclusion that the disadvantages of narrowing the road and adding bike lanes far outweighed the multimodal benefits.

W. Maple Road has approximately the same 12,000 vehicle-per-day traffic volume as E. Maple Road, a similar mix of homes and businesses, and a similar usage pattern by SMART buses/commercial/refuse trucks. This isn’t rocket science.

In 2014, the five neighborhoods surrounding W. Maple Road circulated petitions both for and against the multimodal changes planned for the road and also conducted e-mail surveys. Among those residents who chose to sign either petition, 233 residents or 92 percent signed the “opposed” petition. The average (mean) sample size for all neighborhoods was 70 percent, reflecting a statisticallyvalid survey. One of the five neighborhoods also surveyed interest in the planned bike lanes and the results showed that 92 percent of its residents who ride a bicycle would not use the bike lanes if built due to safety concerns about biking on a busy artery. The results of this survey were close to the city’s 2012

survey where 94 percent of bicyclists said they would not use the bike lanes if built on East Maple Road.

All three churches on W. Maple Road have written letters to the commissioners opposing the city plan, along with opposition letters from five businesses and two professional/charitable organizations. Not one business or organization has sent a supporting letter. The city has received 31 letters from homeowners opposed to the plan and three letters in support of the plan.

If opinions about W. Maple Road were evenly divided, then the commissioners would be correct in pursuing expensive studies and using their position to weigh the benefits and disadvantages of each viewpoint. But it is not even close.

An overwhelming majority of residents do not want the traffic congestion, side road cut-through traffic, dangerous bike lanes, loss of the Lake Park traffic light and loss of an emergency evacuation route that narrowing W. Maple will create. If someone desires multimodal features, let them use Lincoln or Oak Streets a half mile away. And leave W. Maple Road the way it was originally designed as an efficient mover of high-volume traffic in and out of the city for all residents.

In the city commission election year of 2015, residents are carefully watching how their tax money is being spent. They also want to see if the lessons learned about E. Maple Road in 2012 and the library bond issue in 2014 make a difference to their elected officials regarding what they decide about W. Maple in 2015.

Let’s see if it does.

Jim Mirro Birmingham

• Free covered parking • Couples services • Wet room

David W. Potts J.D., PLLC*

DIVORCE?

• Free wi-fi • Online gift certificates • Private parties

You have questions...we have answers!

Facials | Waxing | Body Treatments | Massage Cupping | Mani Pedi | Men’s Services

www.davepottsjd.com Remember, call Dave Potts….. before your spouse does.

www.beachhouse-dayspa.com 34645 Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009

(248) 594-4999

248.220.4485

divorce@davepottsjd.com downtownpublications.com

DOWNTOWN

21

CRIME LOCATOR

NORTH

Map key

Sexual assault

Assault

Murder

Robbery

Breaking/entering

Larceny

Larceny from vehicle

Vehicle theft

Vandalism

Drug offenses

Arson

These are the crimes reported under select categories by police officials in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills through February 13th, 2015.

Placement of codes is approximate.

DG SKBK

Real Rea Re eal al Es Est Estate sta tat ate te All Star

SOLD

DING N E P E L A S

SOLD

DG

DAN GUTFREUND REAL

E STAT E

SP EC IA LIST

SKBK

Largest Inventory of Gloves, Bats, Pants, Equipment in Town!

NOW IN PROGRESS

SALE SPRING TRAINING ALL BASEBALL/SOFTBALL BATS & GLOVES

UP TO 20% OFF

FREE

GL BREAOVE K-IN

AT OUR NEW LOCATION (STARTING EARLY MARCH)

SOUTH ADAMS SQUARE 623 S. Adams, Birmingham 248.646.4466 NEW LOCATION, BUT THE TRADITION CONTINUES Still the largest selection of qualitycollege merchandise for men, women, youth and infants.

Still the best place for sports equipment.

Your “Sports Headquarters” for over 60 Years

TheVarsityShop.com

THE LAST OAKLAND FARMERS CROPLAND SCARCE, INCREASING IN VALUE; LEARNING TO DO MORE WITH LESS

BY KEVIN ELLIOTT

lark Cook wakes before the dawn every day and heads to the barn at his north Oakland County farm to milk more than four dozen cows. By 9 a.m., he collects more than 400 gallons for processing. It’s a long, laborintensive process, and one that he and his family has done for three generations.

“Twice a day, every day. There are no days off. If you’re sick, someone has to be here to milk the cows,” Cook said about the inherent challenges of dairy farming. “It’s a pretty old-fashioned system. We have machines, but we still have to kneel down underneath the cow. It’s about as close to using a bucket as you can get. It’s a hard occupation to be involved in, unless you enjoy it.”

C

Link WacHLer Designs Frogs • Dogs • Diamonds

Michigan’s Most ANNOUNCES A RELOCATION SALE FEBRUARY 7 TO MARCH 7 SOME OF THE ARTISTS IN THE SALE INCLUDE:

DAVID HOCKNEY, ROMARE BEARDEN, JIM DINE, ROBERT HUGHIE LEE-SMITH, VICTOR VASARELY, LARRY RIVERS, PATRICK HERON, RAPHAEL SOYER PLUS A FABULOUS COLLECTION OF AFRICAN ARTIFACTS, PRE-COLUMBIAN

Internationally Awarded Jewelry Designer For over four decades

Link's specialty has been creating unique, individual, custom designed jewelry. His concierge design service now allows convenience for his clients, giving personalized attention while meeting them in the comfort of their homes or offices.

ART AND A SELECTION OF RUGS AND FINE ART BOOKS.

LOIS PINCUS COHN | ARTSPACE II 303 EAST MAPLE | BIRMINGHAM 248 258 1540 | artspace2@mindspring.com

Please contact Link for your free design consultation.

L i n k Wa c h L e r 248.882.2031

link@linkwachler.com linkwachler.com

HOURS: TUESDAY-SATURDAY 11:00-6:00 | THURSDAY UNTIL 7:30

original hand-carved designs

M e m be r o f A m e r i c a n G e m T r a d e A s s o c i at i o n

28

DOWNTOWN

03.15

Started in 1933 by Cook’s grandfather, the Ortonville farm was once among more than 30 dairy farms in Oakland County. Today, Cook’s Farm Dairy, 2950 E. Seymour Lake Rad, is the last remaining dairy in the county. Like most of the large farms remaining in the county, Cook has had to adapt to urbanization and other influences over the years to keep the operation going. For dairy farmers like Cook, the cost of sending their milk out for processing became too much.

“We got to the point that we had to get more cows,” Cook said. “If you do that, you need more land, and all the land was going into subdivisions, so we decided to put in the processing plant.”

While Cook was attending Michigan State University in the 1980s, a class project required him create a business plan, which he subsequently adopted at the family’s farm. In 1982, the dairy installed its own milk processing plant and started selling milk directly to retailers and customers. At the time, many dairy farmers may have questioned the decision to process their own milk. As it turned out, the plant was the thing that saved the farm and allows it to be successful today.

“We would milk the cows, and the semi would come and take it to a processing plant. They would process it and send it out to stores, so we pretty much cut out the middle man,” Cook said.

“Now we are moo-to-you.”

Cook sold his first gallon of milk processed at the plant in 1982. Two years later, the farm added ice cream to its offerings. Today the dairy produces about 35,000 gallons of ice cream each year, available in nearly 30 different flavors available at Spartan retailers in the area, as well as at the farm directly. The farm also produces a variety of cheeses during the winter.

In addition to dairy products, the farm owns about 200 acres of crop land, and rents another 200 acres which allows the farm to be selfsustaining by producing all of its own feed. In the fall, the farm offers pumpkins and hay rides, with tours available throughout the year.

The dairy is one of just a handful of large Oakland County farms that are operating today, as cropland is scarce and increasing in value. In nearly all cases, the family farms in Oakland County remain today because they have been handed down through generations.

“There are houses all the way around the farm,” Cook said. “We are kind of the last ones hanging on.

“You wouldn’t be able to go out and start it.

You don’t make as much as people think. It’s a modest income, and more of a tradition and family value. The ice cream has been good to us and that’s what keeps us going. If we didn’t have the processing plant, we would have been out of business a long time ago.”

In 2012, Oakland County was home to a total 537 farms, making up 31,722 acres of farmland with an average size of 59 acres, according to the USDA’s 2012 Census of Agriculture. By comparison, the USDA’s 1969 census recorded 863 farms in the county, totaling 101,820 acres of

farmland or about 18.4 percent of the total land in the county. The average size of a farm in 1969 in Oakland County was 118 acres.

Of the more than 500 farms in Oakland County in 2012, four were made up of 1,000 or more acres; seven have between 500 and 999 acres; and 21 are between 499 and 180 acres.

Matt Scramlin, who serves as president of the Oakland County Farm Bureau, said while the size of the average farm in the county is getting smaller, farmers are adapting and learning to do more with less.

“Some of our greenhouse growers can work on much smaller acres than I can do, and still make almost the same,” Scramlin, a fourth generation farmer in Holly. “It’s changing, but we have to adapt for that. Many of us who have had standalone farms have had to open it up to the public, but many farmers may not be that open to that many people strolling on the farm every day.

Many farmers feel like they are on an island, and don’t always interact with others, but here in Oakland County, we have to.

“I remember when (the Cooks) put in the processing plant at the dairy, and everyone thought he was crazy, and that it wouldn’t work.

In nearly all cases, the family farms in Oakland County remain today because they have been handed down through generations.

Now he’s the only one left because of that.”

Scramlin said the ground quality in Oakland County also presents its own challenges.

“We are sitting on some of the largest gravel stream here, while Monroe has been able to hold off (selling farmland) because they have really good farm ground. Here in Oakland County where the ground quality isn’t as high, it was easier to sell out and move to other places.”

Michigan really had three great tracts for farming, he said. Those include the thumb area in Saginaw, the west side of the state for the state’s fruit belt, and Detroit and Monroe.

“Now Detroit is under concrete,” he said.

“That’s how Garden City got its name. Urban farmers in Detroit probably aren’t using the same ground anymore.”

Scramlin worked for the Michigan Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau in Washington, D.C., before returning to the Holly area and the family business, which includes Scramlin Southdowns, where the family produce sheep. He also works with his cousin to grow hay and straw at Scramlin Feeds, also in Holly. His uncle, Marvin Scramlin, also operates Centennial Farms, which has been in the family for more than 100 years.

“The biggest difference for our family is that until 1986, my dad and uncle Marvin milked cows full time, and did a lot of cash crop farming, like

corn, soybean and wheat,” he said. “Some was sold in 1986, and then we started the feed, which is primarily horse feed.”

Matt Scramlin’s father, LC Scramlin, said he and his brother took over their parent’s dairy and worked on the Centennial Farm growing up.

“My brother (Marvin) lives on the family farm, where we were all raised,” he said. “I started a second building about a mile-and-a-half away. We took over in 1970 when I got out of Michigan State University, and for the next 16 years we milked cows. Dairy farming was good to our family and had been for years. In the 1980s, the milk market became saturated, and we started the feed store. We got rid of the dairy farms in 1986, and farmed about 1,700 acres. My nephew and son make a living farming. There’s not too many anymore. There are a lot of horticulture and greenhouse people.”

LC Scramlin said it’s exciting to have another generation continue the family’s farming tradition.

“The farmers here have adapted,” he said.

“Cook’s is probably the only dairy left. A lot have taken on niche things. The Mitchell’s do a greenhouse and tours in the fall for children, and things like that. Glenn (Mitchell) does taxes at this time of year. You’ll find a good share of people that do agriculture in this county have adapted to the amount of land available, but they still find a way to be relevant.”

For example, Scramlin said, there are new farmers such as Katie Flickinger, who owns and operates Garden Hoard, which propagates heirloom seeds for fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs on small acreages of land in the Commerce and Walled Lake area.

“It’s like a whole different world to me,” Scramlin said. “I didn’t even realize something like that was available, and I have pretty good roots in agriculture.”

Catherine Genovese, who operates Candy Cane Christmas Tree Farm with her husband, Frank, started their 30-acre Oxford farm in 1977.

The farm grows about 18 acres of various evergreen trees, and was the first tree farm in the state to install a drip-irrigation system. In 2003, they started offering living Christmas trees, which are potted trees standing just under 6-feet tall.

“The farmer we bought it from had an egg operation and grew his own corn to feed the chickens. He sold the eggs locally and had been there since the 1930s,” Catherine Genovese said.

“Working in the city, we had a keen interest in not living in a subdivision. We wanted to live on some land, and eventually, for it to be productive and do something good with the land. Tree farming, for us, was a good fit. We’ve been at it now for a long time, and have a very popular farm now and are very proud.”

Both Frank and Catherine Genovese are board members with the Oakland County Farm Bureau, as is their son, Michael, who serves as the bureau’s Young Farmer Chair.

“Even when we started, Oakland County had already changed quite a bit from the large farming operations,” Catherine Genovese said.

Since 1978

(248) 647-2228 Kelletthomes.com

Shopping around for car insurance?

Auto- Owners Insurance offers broad, flexible protection for your car and you! Choose from a variety of programs designed to fit your needs. We also have many discounts available such as multi-policy, multi-car and good student discount.

Call or visit us today!

Chad Whistler NMLS ID 140091

GODDARD-TALMAY AGENCY Call or visit us today!

347 N. Pontiac Trail • Walled Lake, MI 48390

Toni Thwaites NMLS ID 291301

Troy Bergman NMLS ID 140061

THE BIRMINGHAM GROUP:

248-624-1531

AGENCY NAME

Call us today for a free preapproval or mortgage analysis!

248.283.8500

@cm 222*222*2222 website

30

Let us help you get home - worry free.

275 S. Old Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009 birmingham@johnadamsmortgage.com Company NMLS ID 140012

DOWNTOWN

03.15

“Farming in Oakland County is a little different than other counties. I think you’re going to see a lot of young people that are very interested in starting a new farming endeavor, but because of the cost of land and limited supply of parcels of land, I think you’re going to find a smaller, more concentrated growing operation. Not large crops, but niche crops, like certain vegetables or organic vegetables for certain plants. They might do farmers markets, rather than selling far and wide.

But sometimes it takes more work for the small guy who does a lot by hand, rather than the large guy who uses a tractor for 100 acres of crops.”

Matt Scramlin also said that the acreage of a farm doesn’t necessarily represent the amount of revenue a farm will produce. Many of the people working in agriculture in Oakland County aren’t doing what many people would consider traditional farming, but they are making a living off the land, regardless.

“Most don’t think of a greenhouse grower as a farmer, but we do,” he said. “They are still growing things. You can’t tell how big a farm is by it’s acreage. I’ve seen 5-acres of tomatoes that do as much as 100 acres of corn. So, here, we do some things that aren’t as much land based, but still have profitability.”

Glenn Mitchell, vice president of the Oakland County Farm Bureau, is the owner and operator of Mitchell Farm in Holly. In addition to working the the family farm that was established in 1837, Mitchell and his wife, Candy, utilize eight greenhouses on the farm for plants, flowers and vegetables sold directly to the public.

“The greenhouse was to adapt to the urban environment,” Mitchell said.

Because much of the land in the area was already taken, expanding on the 340-acre farm would have been difficult. Today, about 200 acres of the land is farmed for corn, soybean and wheat, with about five acres dedicated to pumpkins in the fall.

“The greenhouses aren’t something the family had done before,” he said. “We introduced them about 25 years ago.”

However, even the greenhouses may be impacted by the economy, as many people cut back on purchasing special items, or don’t want to drive far from home, opting to purchase flowers and plants from local big box stores. Yet the urbanization of the county has been the biggest motivator of change over the years.

“At one time, before I was born, my family was really into raising sheep,” he said. “With the railroad in Holly, they would herd the sheep right through the middle of town. However, urbanization also impacted the way that happened.”

As herding sheep through the middle of town became impractical, another threat to the sheep began to spring up: dogs were getting into the field and killing the sheep. At the time, the farmers weren’t aware that dogs would chase the sheep until they finally expired. The result was a bit of a mystery at first, he said, as they would come across the dead animals in the field and not know what had killed them.

“Apparently, dogs enjoy chasing sheep, and they would basically run them to death,” he said.

“That was the final straw.”

Many years later, the family began offering tomatoes and sweet corn for sale at the farm, without taking the crops to farmers markets throughout the area, the endeavor didn’t prove to be fruitful.

“It’s still a good idea for a lot of people, but you have to take it to farmer’s markets, not just selling it on the farm,” he said.

While farmers in more rural areas may rely on farmers markets to sell some crops, urbanization has helped to bring customers to them, such as Long’s Family Farm, in Commerce Township.

Long’s, which sits on about 120 acres of land inside Commerce Township, has an apple orchard that is about 40 acres in size, as well as an additional 80 acres across the street from the cider mill, on E. Commerce Road. The cider mill is a popular attraction throughout the fall each year.

In recent years, Rob Long added family attractions to the property, such as a children’s bounce house, corn maze, hay rides and other actives. The farm also allows customers to pick their own pumpkins.

Urbanization has made some operations difficult or may even draw complaints from neighboring residents moving into the area.

The farm produces asparagus that’s sold by the pound on site at a small red shed adjacent to the asparagus field near Bogie Lake Road. Sweet corn is sold pre-bagged by the half or full dozen, which they say is picked fresh each morning, along with tomatoes and garden vegetables, apples and pumpkins.

For other farmers, urbanization of Oakland County has made some operations difficult or may even draw complaints from neighboring residents moving into the area.

“People don’t like the smell of the farm, or having tractors on the road,” Mitchell said.

With so much traffic in some places, he said it would be nearly impossible or extremely dangerous to operate farm equipment. As the economy improves, people typically start buying more land, and farms are one of the places that developers turn. For some farmers, he said, it may be difficult for them to pass on the high prices being offered for farmland.

Genovese said many of the farmers working smaller farms in Oakland County must work second jobs in order to make ends meet, or often have one person working full time and a spouse who works a different, full-time job.

“There are just a few that aren’t working a fulltime job,” she said. “We work full-time on the farm now that we are retired. For 20 years we

were putting into the farm before we got a penny out of it.”

Matt Scramlin, who’s mother was a school teacher in Holly, said having a farming family with one of the spouses working in a different field is a common theme for farmers.

“That’s a common thing throughout agriculture,” he said. “Most farmers that are actually farming — one of the spouses has a fulltime job. My mother was a teacher in Holly. There are a lot of farmers’ wives who are teachers. It behooves them to work off the farm for health insurance. Farmers and school teachers pretty much go together.”

Scott Ruggles, a fourth generation farmer who operates Ruggles Farm Market in White Lake Township, said the farm has diversified its offerings over the years to adapt to the changing environment of the county. Like several other remaining farms in the area, Ruggles’ family had roots in dairy farming. However, the family later transitioned to beef cattle and eventually cash crops. A farm stand was opened two decades ago, and the farm has since expanded from about 300 acres to more than 1,000 today.

“I’ve been involved in farming my whole life,” he said. “After high school, I went to Michigan State University and got a degree in Agriculture and Business Management in 2007. Shortly after that, we started boarding horses. We removed that and added a second farm market to kind of try to diversify ourselves.”

The farm now has over 1,000 acres of corn, soybean, wheat, as well as about 75 acres of specialty crops, including several types of fruits and vegetables that are sold at farm stands.

Ruggles farm also sells mulch and landscaping materials. Expanding the farm, he said, was a unique opportunity for the area, which was made available in part due to the recession and economic downturn.

“Most of the land here is spoken for, but there was a good amount of vacant land that was sitting, and the recession kind of helped with that, so it was available to us,” he said.

Ruggles is also a bit unique, as he is one of the younger farmers to own large acreage in the county.

“There’s not too many (young farmers),” he said. “It’s a hard way of life, or a lot harder than a lot of other options. You have to love it, or have an advantage to stay in it. It’s rare that (a farm) is handed down, and they stay in it. And it’s almost impossible to get into it from scratch. The majority of farmers are up in age.”

Back on the dairy farm, Clark Cook echoed Ruggle’s sentiment.

“I’m 54 years old, but I also have a lot of miles on me,” Cook said, who has two children in college and one in high school. “I don’t know if anyone will come back and take over the farm.

We are always looking for young people that want to work in livestock to come and partner with us here. Right now, (my children) all have different interests. We are going to go as long as we can, and as hard as we can until we see what’s going on.”

Lara J. Forte Loan Officer NMLS # 1169665 T: 248-912-9031 C: 248-284-5178

John & Bridget Apap Fine Homes Specialists Cell 248.225.9858 japap@skbk.com

41820 Six Mile Road Northville MI 48168

LForte@mbmortgage.com

415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

1375 Scenic Court Bloomfield Hills $2,350,000 Magnificent Bloomfield Hills private wooded Estate located on almost two acres. This exquisite home features over 14,000 sq ft of living space including indoor two lane bowling alley and swimming pool. This well designed soft contemporary is unparalleled in craftsman and designed appointments. Features include four large bedrooms, 5.1 baths, gourmet kitchen with premium cabinets, glass countertops, high end stainless steel appliances, a spectacular living room with grand marble fireplace, an unbelievable master suite with his/hers walk-in closets and sitting room overlooking indoor pool. Finished lower level with kitchen, exercise room, fireplace, sauna and great storage, professionally landscaped yard with treed deck overlooking a backyard paradise.

John & Bridget Apap Fine Homes Specialists Cell 248.225.9858 japap@skbk.com 415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

Featured Listings

345 Martell Drive

328 Barden Road

Bloomfield Hills | $1,499,000

Bloomfield Hills | $1,399,000

3798 Darlington Road

465 Lone Pine Court

Bloomfield Twp. | $1,499,000

Bloomfield Hills | $1,197,500

2600 Indian Mound

1875 Winthrop

Bloomfield Village | $799,900

Birmingham | $799,000

n

tio

uc str

n

w Ne

Co

Lynn Wiand

John & Bridget Apap

Senior Mortgage Lender NMLS ID 39420

Fine Homes Specialists Cell 248.225.9858 japap@skbk.com 415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

lwiand@talmerbank.com Office 248-244-4805 Cell 248.228.4805

2301 W. Big Beaver Rd, Suite 525 Troy, MI 48084

Hunter Roberts Homes Extraordinary Homes

Winthrop

Winthrop

New Construction

New Construction

New Construction

Quarton Lake - $1,295,000 - 3,600 sf, 4 bedrooms 5.5 baths, finished lower level

Quarton Lake - $1,295,000 - 3,600 sf, 4 bedrooms 5.5 baths, finished lower level

Bloomfield Village - $1,600,000 - 4,200 sf, 4 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, 3 car garage, finished lower level

Indian Mound

N Glenhurst

Suffield

New Construction

New Construction Quarton Lake - $2,395,000 - 5,400 sf, 5 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, 3 car garage, finished lower level.

New Construction Bloomfield Village - $1,895,000 - 5,100 sf, 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 3 car garage, finished lower level

Quarton Lake - $2,595,000 - 5,800 sf, 5 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, 4 car garage, finished lower level, oversized lot

Covington Place

Call us for a Complimentary Market Analysis

325 Glengarry

680 Fairfax

1455 Quarton

Bloomfield Village $719,000

Birmingham $699,000

Birmingham $649,900

3731 Darlington

4556 Cloverdale

2108 Park Ridge

Bloomfield $499,000

Orion Township $465,000

Bloomfield $367,500

FACES

Gary Shapiro irmingham resident Gary Shapiro is the head of one of the nation's largest trade associations, a best selling author and has been named by Washington Life magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in Washington D.C. As president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association, Shapiro regularly travels the globe, giving keynote lectures to industry leaders and decision makers. But it is one of his accomplishments here at home for which he may be the most proud.

"I've never missed a weekend with my wife in 11 years," said Shapiro, who travels back and forth to his office in Arlington, Virginia to Birmingham each week.

As head of the CEA, Shapiro oversees a staff of 150 employees and thousands of industry volunteers. He has testified before Congress on tech and business issues more than 20 times, and authored two books, "The Comeback: How Innovation Will Restore the American Dream," published in 2011, and a New York Times bestseller, "Ninja Innovation: The Ten Killer Strategies of the World's Most Successful Businesses," published in 2013.

In his role with the CEA, Shapiro represents nearly every tech company, from Apple to Zenith, in Washington for public policy, assists in setting standards and research, and produces the world's largest trade show, the International CES. Among his achievements, Shapiro is credited with leading the industry in its transition to HDTV. "That was a 15-year battle in my life, but it was the most successful product introduction in history," he said.

Prior to joining the CEA, a position he said came out of "sheer randomness," Shapiro was an associate at the law firm of Squire Sanders, and worked on Capitol Hill as an assistant to a member of Congress. It was at Squire Sanders that the New York native began following a 1981

B

decision by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in California that made video cassette recording devices illegal – a fight he would spend several years battling as vice president, and now president, of the Home Recording Rights Coalition.

"Every week we would meet, and it turned out to be a phenomenally allstar cast of like 20 lawyers and lobbyists in a room up against the old established motion picture industry," he said. Among those in the room, he said, were future Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown, co-founder and coCEO of The Carlyle Group David Rubenstein, and a cast of other "fairly famous" people."

"I ended up running the meetings every week, at the ripe old age of 27," Shapiro, now 58, said. "I was on the Today Show debating and testifying before Congress. It was very early in my career that I got a lot of exposure, not only testifying, but debating and going on live television."

Today, Shapiro said emerging technology, such as driverless cars and 3D printing, will help keep the United States the most innovative country in the world, but will disrupt business along the way. How to maintain that innovation was the theme of his 2011 book, which he described as a sort of primer to members of Congress.

Shapiro moved to Birmingham, following his wife, Susan Manlinowski, a noted retina surgeon.

"I'm 58-years old, and seven years ago my wife and I were surprised when she found out she was pregnant," said Shapiro, who has since had another child. "Being an older parent is very different, and we had to contemplate that. So, I know for most of my son's life, I will not be around.

So, what kind of world is he inheriting?"

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Jean Lannen

WHO’S IN THE PULPIT PROFILES OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS AT SOME LOCAL HOUSES OF WORSHIP

BY LISA BRODY

hroughout the Birmingham and Bloomfield area, there are about 30 houses of worship of various faiths and denominations, reflecting the diverse population living in the communities. Some are small, intimate parishes; others are large, grand cathedral-like houses of worship which draw members from all over the metro area. There are Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists and Protestants, Jews and Muslims, Mormons and Presbyterians. In an interfaith region, the houses of worship and their leading clergy, demonstrate both a passion for their religion and the community at large.

Clergy members, those who have felt a calling to lead others in their religion and have been ordained in that religion to perform rituals and sacred functions, are individually as diverse as the religions they represent in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area. Of the five largest houses of worship, one is Catholic, and others are Lutheran, Presbyterian, Jewish and Methodist. They lead the faithful through times of hardship and celebration, in crisis and commemoration.

These are the clergy leaders of the largest houses of worship in the area.

T

Downtown photo: Laurie Tennent

Pastor Bob Sheldon, Kirk In the Hills 1340 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills 48302 | 248.626.2515 With 2,300 member families, Pastor Bob Sheldon acknowledges the regal Kirk In the Hills is down several hundred members in the last decade.

“Kirk In the Hills has the same issues as every church in this area. It’s dependent on the auto industry, and when the Big Three imploded, we lost 400, 500 members to the downturn – and a lot of money went with it,” he said. “But don’t ever think ‘poor us’ – because at our corner is Pontiac.”

Kirk In the Hills was built in 1947 on 40-acres on Island Lake, around the Tudor-style mansion of Col. Edwin George, and patterned after the 13th century gothic Melrose Abbey in Scotland. It features vertical lines, flying buttresses, pointed arches and soaring spaces, on a green expanse on Long Lake Road on one side, where summer services are often held, and the lake on the other.

Pastor Sheldon has a warm smile, encouraging everyone he meets to “call me Bob.” He has been at “The Kirk” for only two-and-a-half months, following the retirement of Reverend Dr. Norman Pritchard in November 2014, after almost 19 years. Sheldon said he is a professional interim pastor, and has come to The Kirk to ease them into their next phase as a leading Presbyterian church in the area.

“I travel around and serve our larger (Presbyterian) congregations. It usually occurs when a pastor retires. I come in usually for two years and get the place ready for the new guy,” he explained. “When you have someone for a long time, places and people get in habits. By having me, it helps them get ready to accept a new pastor who will stay hopefully until retirement.”

Sheldon said the role of interim pastor is one he enjoys and is a career path that actually found him.

“My first church in the 1980s, one in North Carolina, was in transition. I was there for six-and-a-half years. It was an older congregation and it was about to be engulfed by younger people. They about doubled in population (while I was there),” he said. “I found I really enjoyed figuring out all the visioning and strategizing on where to go and how to get there. I’m very orderly and organized. And I love people. I never met a stranger. I was born talking. I never feel like I’m in a new place.”

Since that first church, Sheldon has worked in eight different churches across the country, from Colorado to Williamsburg, Virginia. He assists each church he is at in the process and procedure of choosing their new pastor, but intentionally stays at arms length from being involved with the selection process itself.

Kirk In the Hills, he said, has been a surprising stop for him. “It’s very beautiful, imposing, gothic, this classic cathedralesque church, and people assume we’re all wealthy and snooty. Those days are gone, if they ever existed.

It’s so warm and embracing. It’s one of the most caring places I’ve ever been. It’s the kind of place I’ll be sad to leave, but know I’ll have done everything to get them ready for the next pastor.”

One item about the church has both surprised him and provided enjoyment. It is the extensive art collection the church holds. “When this area, and the church, was the center of wealth, we accumulated a great deal of art and tapestries,” he said. “We offer free tours every morning with docents.”

He encourages the public to visit and enjoy the congregation’s art. And of course, to stop by and say hello.

Pastor Bob Sheldon

Reverends Gary and Laurie Haller, First United Methodist Church 1589 W. Maple Road, Birmingham 48009 | 248.644.2040 First United Methodist Church is actually older than Birmingham itself; its first meetings were held at Willits Tavern in 1821, in what was then known as Piety Hill. Worshipers met in barns and homes, and a Methodist circuit rider who journeyed into town by horseback visited occasionally. The first church was built at the corner of Merrill and Bates, where Baldwin Library now sits, when the church had 37 members. How far they have come, today with 3,200 members. The congregation has been in its current building since 1952, and has undergone renovations and expansions since.

Revs. Gary and Laurie Haller have been with First United Methodist Church since July 2013, when they were appointed. Previously, they spent 20 years in Grand Rapids, the first 13 as co-pastors at First United Methodist in Grand Rapids’ historic downtown. After 13 years, Laurie was appointed district superintendent in the church, and was regional supervisor of the Grand Rapids area, overseeing 70 churches in the area.

They found their time in Grand Rapids very rewarding and full of growth as pastors. “It was a time of dynamic growth for us. It was faltering when we went there, and it revived over our time there,” Rev. Gary said. “Our membership numbers and our budget increased. About every three years, there was some building renewal project.

Our staff grew so much. We had the opportunity to purchase the building across the street, and it provided low cost space to place other non-profits. It was a center of our ministry.”

After 20 years, Rev. Laurie said, “It was time to move on for both of us. Our bishop contacted us and asked us to consider moving to Birmingham First United Methodist. We were ready, and looking to work together again.”

The couple, who have three children, are adept at alternating their church duties, including preaching and administrative duties.

“We’ve identified our different areas of expertise and passions, and it’s worked out very well,” Rev. Gary said.

“The church is much too large for us to do everything together,” Rev. Laurie said.

They both feel passionate about the community, the church and their work at First United Methodist. “We found a congregation that has a passion for making a difference in the world,” Rev. Laurie said.

They cite as strengths of the congregation the worship, music, children and youth ministries, missions and outreach, including a trip to the Holy Land (Israel) from which the two pastors recently returned. “We were amazed at the mission scopes,” Rev. Gary said. “There are about 27 or 28 mission groups, throughout Detroit and around the world. There’s a team in Costa Rica right now where we have both a church and a school established.”

They are both impressed and proud of their church’s member’s passion for helping others. Congregants are active with Cass Community Social Services and in Detroit’s Brightmoor area, as well as in areas of Pontiac.

“There’s an art and soul ministry, which has been active with the Central United Methodist Church near Commerce

Reverend Gary Haller

Reverend Laurie Haller

endicott Lake 255 Lakewood BLoomfieLd hiLLs Spectacular setting and home on Endicott Lake. New kitchen with stained walnut cabinets, large island, breakfast bar & quartz counters. All 4 BRs are suites with updated baths. Finished walk-out lower level includes 2nd kitchen, two rec room spaces, extra BR suite and two full baths. Three car garage, inground pool and picturesque views. $2,390,000

quarton Lake 660 Lakeside Birmingham Wonderful home overlooking Quarton Lake. 5 BRs, 3 full baths - all updated. Finished basement with large rec room. 2 car rear entry garage. Lots of charm and character. A great home and lot -- offers many options in one of Birmingham's best locations. Walk to town. $1,099,900

chris Pero Associate Broker

248.797.0784 cell 275 S OLD WOODWARD BIRMINGHAM

cgpero@yahoo.com

over $100 million closed since 2012

137 dourdan BLoomfieLd hiLLs Home to be built. An exclusive development of million dollar plus homes. 5BRs, 3.5 baths, 1st floor master, 3 car garage. $1,199,000

1340 Puritan Birmingham Move in ready brick colonial on a great street in Quarton Lake Estates. 4BR, 2.1 Baths. Updated kitchen and baths.

First floor laundry. Finished basement. $799,900

1558 weBster Birmingham Beautiful new construction home almost complete by HM Homes. 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths. 2 car attached garage. Great lot. Quality finishes throughout. $799,900

602 riverside Birmingham Fabulous lot backing to woods. Private community in heart of Birmingham. Design your dream home. Lot Price. $699,900

575 Berwyn Birmingham 3 bedroom brick ranch on nice corner lot. 2 car attached side entry garage. Great neighborhood with a lot of development-value in the land as well. $399,900

755 cooLidge Birmingham Pride of ownership shown in this 3 br, 2.1 bath brick bungalow in Pembrook Manor. 2 car detached garage w/newer door.

Inground sprinklers. New driveway 2014. $229,900

Park,” Rev. Laurie said. “There are so many different groups, and so many different ways of helping people.”

“It’s not the frozen chosen in the pews,” Rev. Gary pointed out. “They get out and help people. We also have very active youth groups, which our associate pastors work with. Our Friday Night Lights attracts 400 to 700 middle and high school kids, all staffed by church volunteers. They do a remarkable job. Once they experience it, they never forget it. We have youth from other churches, or no church.”

They both emphasized, no matter what their program or worship service, “Our doors are open to all.”

Reverend Stephen Woodfin, Our Shepherd Lutheran Church 2225 E. 14 Mile Road, Birmingham 48009 | 248.646.6100 Rev. Stephen Woodfin has spent almost his entire life at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church. Affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, the church, on 14 Mile Road four blocks east of Woodward, has been part of its neighborhood since it was first organized in 1950, and has grown as the Birmingham neighborhood grew.

“In 1949, we were the neighborhood. They began by connecting with the neighborhood,” Rev. Woodfin said.

“The neighborhood has been changing and we want to be the neighborhood’s walkable church. They come in already because of our child care (of 150 children), and our Octoberfest festival, which is a big, family-oriented event for the area. We want to help meet the needs of the community.”

While Rev. Woodfin grew up attending Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, he did not grow yearning to be the reverend at the church, nor any church. After going to high school at Cranbrook, he attended the General Motors Institute (now Kettering University) and worked as an engineer for 24 years in the automotive industry. He married and fathered four children.

“But all that time, I knew God was calling,” he said.

Rev. Woodfin said that in 2008, it had become clear to him that the ministry was the path for him. “There was a culmination of events at church that cemented the decision,” he said.

Among the events was that the St. Louis Synod allowed male pastors to serve as pastors in their home churches, which differed from their previous path.

“My whole lifestyle changed,” he said. “Once I was accepted into the program, I became a vicar full time. I gave up my automotive career.”

His wife has been supportive, and he makes it clear it has been a mutual decision. “We both had some anxiety, but knew it was what we were supposed to be doing. I know that this is right. I know that this is what God wants me to do.”

A member of Our Shepherd Lutheran since he was 8 years old, “I went to school there, I was confirmed, I’ve been there all through my education and my adult life,” Rev. Woodfin said. “I love to spend time with people there.

A lot of people want to talk about the life of church there. For me, it’s a great thing.”

Besides offering a neighborhood day care facility, the church has an elementary and middle school, for K-8 grades, with about 225 students. He enjoys that his youngest child is a student.

“I’m there every morning. I love being in the hallways, interacting with both the students and the parents,” he said. The church also offers children, teen, and young adult programming, including for those who attend college locally. “We’re all about kids.”

The church also provides programming throughout the day and evening for adults, offering everything from parenting classes to events for seniors.

The mission of Our Shepherd Lutheran is openly sharing their love of Christ. “We are a community of Christians who gather around God’s Word and sacraments. In response to Christ’s love we reach out and care for all people, encouraging them to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Our desire as a church is to assist you and your family in your growth, whether it is spiritual, emotional, physical or relational.”

Rev. Woodfin said he and Our Shepherd “are very blessed because our culture is one of graciousness and warmth. People feel very welcomed. It’s what has been fostered as long as we’ve been around. It’s what we continue to share.”

Rabbi Mark Miller, Temple Beth El 7400 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills 48301 | 248.851.1100 Rabbi Mark Miller is celebrating his first anniversary as senior rabbi at Temple Beth El, the first Jewish congregation in the state of Michigan, initially established as an Orthodox synagogue by 60 Jews in 1850. By 1861, changes had been introduced at the temple, reflecting the spirit of reform occurring in the United States and among some Jewish congregations, and members of Temple Beth El saw the need to modernize and revitalize their faith, adopting the tenants of the new Reform Judaism. Not everyone liked the changes, but those who stayed over the decades have seen the flourishing of a vital Reform Jewish congregation, which has moved around the metro Detroit area as its population migrated. It eventually built its current temple in 1973 on Telegraph at 14 Mile Road in Bloomfield Township, designed by Minoru Yamasaki as a modern interpretation representing the meeting of tents of the ancient Israelites.

As it has over the years, American Jewry is encountering changing forces and demographics. Rabbi Miller acknowledges the changes, but asserts they are part of a continuing evolution of American, and Detroit, Jewry.

“The reality is there are massive forces taking place today in American Jewish society,” he said. “The way we identify as Jews, the way we practice, connections to Judaism. What’s happening in the local community is a reflection of the national picture. What creates interest for me is I’ve always taken interest in what has taken place over 4,000 years. There are big trends that have taken place – what has brought us to America; that started the temple; changes from 40 years ago; changes today.

“We have always adapted wherever the Jewish community has been. The different reality, of people’s dreams, is where there’s the difference. Judaism can provide great meaning. We have to find the connection. It’s up to us.”

Rabbi Miller grew up in the Denver area “in a fairly typical Reform Jewish” family, attending religious school at

Reverend Stephen Woodfin

Rabbi Mark Miller

Jumbo Loans.

Jumbo Service.

Let the

Gentlem

Take Ca en Move rs re of Yo ur Move !

248-639-4748

www.changingplacesmovers.com

• Loan Amounts to $1,500,000

Lic #: L-21897

• Competitive rates

No one stacks up to

• In-house underwriting with excellent turnaround times • Portfolio Lending available

We’re the one store you can trust to have the exact battery and light bulb you need, right when you need it.

All topped off by helpful experts.

• A Private Banking atmosphere for your customers

Greatwarranty stocking Lifetime stuffers for on most cell phone the holidays! batteries

34164 Woodward Ave. Birmingham 248-644-0666 (East side of Woodward, N. of Lincoln, under the flag) Mon-Fri 8:30 - 9, Sat 9 - 8, Sun 11 - 6

Senior Mortgage Lender

Lynn Wiand

NMLS #394920 (248) 244-6828 (248) 228-4805 lwiand@talmerbank.com www.talmerbank.com

800.456.1500 | www.talmerbank.com

$

4.99

DT

Watch Battery & Installation

Limit 2. Reg. Price $6.99.

Some makes, models and styles may be excluded. Offer valid on in-stock products at participating locations.

Not valid with other offers or business pricing. Some exclusions may apply.

Must present coupon in-store; not valid for online purchases. No cash value. See store for complete details. VP017 ©

42

www.batteriesplus.com

DOWNTOWN

Any 10% Off In-stock Item DT

Limit 1. Offer valid on in-stock products at participating locations. Not valid with other offers or business pricing.

Some exclusions may apply.

Must present coupon in-store; not valid for online purchases.

No cash value. See store for complete details. VP041

2014 DURACELL, a division of the Gillette Company, Bethel, CT 06801. DURACELL is a registered trademark of the Gillette Company, used under license.All rights reserved.

03.15

his temple and participating in its youth group. “The biggest connection for my family was Israel,” he recalled. “For my father, who grew up in Minneapolis in the 1930s and ‘40s and experienced anti-Semitism, 1967 (the Six-Day War in Israel) was when everything changed. There was a surge of pride. I even had a bar mitzvah at the Western Wall in Israel.”

Rabbi Miller attended Northwestern University, planning on getting a PhD, but had a transformational experience after graduating when he did a hiking and work/study program in Sefad, in northern Israel. “I didn’t necessarily become more observant, but I had a different level of commitment,” he said.

Upon his return, he became a camp director for a reform camp in Colorado. “I planned to be there a couple of years, and ended up running Jewish camps for 11 years. I fell in love with it. While doing that, my path became clear. I wanted the whole experience. I wanted to be involved in people’s lives,” he said. “I wanted to take the passion of working with people at camp and forward the experience to Jewish life.”

He became ordained as a reform rabbi in 2007, and served in Houston until arriving at Temple Beth El on March 1, 2014.

“I was attracted because of its remarkable history, but some of the realities, the facts on the ground, leadership is ready to chart a new direction and build a new future that matches the achievements of the past,” Rabbi Miller said.

The temple is undergoing a lot of changes, with a current membership of just under 1,200 members, hiring a new executive director, new director of education, new program director, new communications director, and is looking at hiring a new youth director.

They’re focused now on people and less on programming, Rabbi Miller said. “We’re very much committed to going outside of our four walls, having a Shabbat (sabbath) in someone’s home, into Detroit for social justice work.

People make up the temple.”

Monsignor Anthony Tocco, St. Hugo of the Hills Catholic Church 2215 Opdyke Road, Bloomfield Hills 48304 | 248.644.5460 “This year is a special year,” Father Anthony Tocco notes. “I’m celebrating 50 years as a priest, and 30 years with St. Hugo’s. It was in 1985 that Cardinal Szoka asked me to come here. I was at St. Margaret of Scotland in St. Clair Shores, which was also a wonderful parish.”

St. Hugo of the Hills, with 3,100 families as members, is the largest Catholic church in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area, along with St. Regis and Holy Name. St. Hugo also has a K-8 school on its campus for 540 students.

“It’s a big school, and I enjoy working with the kids. I celebrate mass with the older students on Wednesdays, and the younger ones on Thursdays,” he said. “I spend a lot of time on my homilies. I engage with them in my dialogue homilies. These kids are really smart. It’s really obvious a Catholic education is getting through to them.

“But the most important thing I do is celebrate the liturgy on weekends.”

Set on a pastoral, tree-lined street, hidden away from the commerce of Woodward Avenue, St. Hugo’s offers physical beauty as well as theological care. Father Tocco has written, “Buildings can be beautiful and grounds restful. But, a life-giving parish cannot be known for the beauty of its structures alone. A parish must be known for a direction the community of believers has taken. Above all, a parish should be recognized for the Gospel challenges her people willingly accepts...challenges to be less prejudiced, more loving, more dedicated to justice, more interested in peace, more generous to those in need and more aware of her responsibilities to the whole of society and to the whole of the church.”

He notes he is proud of the physical beauty of St. Hugo’s, and proud to call his community to worship in such a beautiful church. “But I am most proud of the way our people continue to serve the Gospel...when I see so many volunteers in action, generous and giving, unselfish and concerned for others, reaching out to so many who are in need and becoming directly involved in addressing the problems of people who live on the margins of society.”

Father Tocco said he knew he wanted to be a priest when he was in second grade, since he made his first communion. He spent his high school years, as well as four years of theology school, in the seminary, followed by a master’s degree in guidance and counseling, which he noted has been very valuable over the years.

“We do more weddings here than any other parish in the Archdiocese. We’re constantly counseling young people. It’s really critical for those getting married. The one time to bring people back into the church is the time of their marriage,” he said. “If they have a good experience with us, the chances are they will come back back and be a part of the church.”

The other sacramental events – baptism, communion, confessions, weddings, sick calls and funerals – “that is when faith really matters. You can really touch a person and bring them back to the faith in very spiritual times,” he noted.

Father Tocco continues to find joy and a passion in the priesthood. Outstanding events in a 50-year career include when he was the site director in 1987 “when the Holy Father (Pope John Paul II) came for his visit. I had to find five locations, build and then break them down in 24 hours.”

Another highlight was when he was in charge of the renovation of the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Detroit.

“The floor is so intricate, with 30 different kinds of marble in the sanctuary. No one thought we could match the marble. Now, no one can tell where the old floor ends and the new begins.”

A special honor was receiving an award to study at the Pastoral Institute in Rome for three months in the autumn of 1984 with 35 other American priests. “It was with the best teachers. It was a renewed theology, and there were lots of outings every weekend. I never thought I’d have that opportunity. And the last week we were there, we had a private meeting with Pope John Paul II. It was pretty exciting.”

Back in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area, he is proud of, and enjoys, having founded the Great Lakes Chamber Music with former clergy leaders at Kirk In the Hills and Temple Beth El. “It’s about the music. It’s the language we all share,” Father Tocco said. “It’s great that music has brought us together and we’re all great friends.”

Monsignor Anthony Tocco

Julie & Frank Flynn 248.835.4222 JFlynn@HallandHunter.com

CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

248.835.4150 FFlynn@HallandHunter.com

NEW LISTING

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP 4375 Echo Road | $749,000 5 Bedrooms 6 Full, 2 Half Baths 8,264 Total Sq. Ft. MLS# 215012585

Sophisticated custom-built ranch on tranquil 3/4 acre parcel offers 5000+ square feet of exceptional living space. Two separate wings with supplementary family/guest/au pair space. Great architecture and high-end materials throughout. Features include gourmet kitchen, expansive 1st floor master suite with private den, plus walkout lower level with family room, kitchen, exercise room, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, play space and excellent storage. Enjoy an abundance of natural light and beautiful views. 5 decks to relax or entertain on overlooking peaceful wooded grounds for privacy and play. Convenient heated 4+ car garage with storage bay. Echo Park at its best!

NEW LISTING

BEVERLY HILLS VILLAGE 21520 Corsaut Lane | $525,000 4 Bedrooms 2 Full, 1 Half Baths 3,169 Square Feet MLS# 215012556

Enjoy this lovely, spacious, updated 3000+ square foot Colonial situated on a beautiful .64 acre parcel. Updates include newer windows, roof, pool equipment and door walls. Spacious custom kitchen with granite, newer stainless steel appliances and breakfast room with access to large deck overlooking wooded landscape, play space and built-in pool. This ready-to-move-into home also features 2 fireplaces, a first floor den, main floor laundry and award-winning Birmingham schools.

For more information, visit HallandHunter.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

Pam Stoler, CRS, GRI Associate Broker

248.840.0044 PStoler@HallandHunter.com

CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS 35 Hidden Ridge | $2,350,000 3 Bedrooms 6 Full, 3 Half Baths 11,008 Total Sq. Ft. MLS# 214107981

Set the stage for a grand entrance into this beautiful home with its towering 2-story foyer featuring marble floors and extensive millwork.

Entertain in the comfort of the spacious dining room. Light-filled great room with soaring ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. The wood-paneled library boasts a gas fireplace, herringbone wood floor and built-ins. Kitchen with Downsview cabinetry opens to 2-story Florida room. Master suite with dual baths with steam showers, walk-in closets and gas fireplace. Finished walkout lower level offers a sauna, full bar and family room. Entertain outdoors by the private in-ground pool. Whole-house generator. 4-car garage.

For more information, visit PamStoler.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

Mark L. Bess

Sal Impastato

Realtor

Realtor

248.425.3778

248.763.2223

MBess@ HallandHunter.com

SImpastato@ HallandHunter.com

NEW LISTING

TROY 4800 Beach Road | $499,000 8 Bedrooms 5 Full Baths 4,445 Square Feet MLS# 215013673

A rare opportunity to own this landmark turn-of-the-century, 8-bedroom home nestled on over an acre. This stately home with a sprawling floor plan boasts a grand entry hall with elegant sweeping staircase, large living and dining rooms and expansive flagstone terrace for entertaining. Large windows and multiple sunrooms provide views to the abundant yard and fill the interior with sunlight. The 1st floor master suite features a large sitting room with fireplace, dressing room, dual baths and walk-in closets. An additional bedroom suite with sun room, charming library with fireplace and bookcases, kitchen and breakfast room with fireplace are also found on the main floor.

BIRMINGHAM 1759 Henrietta Street | $399,000 3 Bedrooms 2 Full, 1 Half Baths 1,560 Square Feet MLS# 214123527

Walk to town from this charming Dutch Colonial on oversized lot. Foyer with open staircase and marble floors leads to living room with fireplace. Cozy library perfect for home office. All-new kitchen adjoins family room with access to deck. Extra deep 2-car garage.

BIRMINGHAM 1034 Northlawn Boulevard | $349,000 3 Bedrooms 1 Full, 1 Half Baths 1,715 Square Feet MLS# 215003083

One of the best values in the area in this solid brick Colonial with hardwood floors throughout. Large living room with natural fireplace opens to dining room.

Eat-in kitchen. Vaulted family room leads to deck and private yard. Finished lower level rec room.

For more information, visit HallandHunter.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

Amy Zimmer & Tiffany Glime 248.469.6430 CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

AZimmer@HallandHunter.com

248.930.5656 TGlime@HallandHunter.com

NEW LISTING

BIRMINGHAM | $799,000 1331 Cedar Drive | 1331Cedar.epropertysites.com 4 Bedrooms 3 Full, 2 Half Baths 2,818 Square Feet MLS# 215011310

Turn-key newer construction with sophisticated modern influences blocks from downtown. Open floor plan with lots of natural light.

Architectural detailing throughout. Brazilian cherry floors. Great indoor and outdoor living spaces. Custom Berloni kitchen with large concrete island and pennisula. Library/lounge area overlooks family room with floor-to-ceilings windows and industrial staircase. Stunning master suite with 2-way fireplace, 2 walk-in closets, private balcony and spacious bath. 2nd floor laundry. Finished LL has 2nd family room, rec room, office, sauna and full bath. Mud room off attached 3-car garage. Electronic gated drive. Private fenced landscaped yard. A true gem of a home!

BLOOMFIELD HILLS | $419,000 5068 Van Ness Drive | 5068VanNess.epropertysites.com 5 Bedrooms 2 Full, 1 Half Baths 2,429 Square Feet MLS# 215001471

Move right into this impeccable and meticulously maintained colonial on a beautiful elevated setting! Elegant living room with builtin bookcases overlooks large paver patio. Fantastic renovated kitchen and informal dining area (2010) with granite counters and peninsula. Formal dining room. Family room with fireplace and new door to large wood deck (2012). Powder room (2007). 2nd upper full bath (updated 2014). Partially finished lower level with rec room (updated 2014). Additional updates include: roof, siding, tuck pointing, exterior trim (2013), retaining wall and water heater (2014).

For more information, visit Facebook.com/ZimmerGlimeRealEstate 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

Lynn Baker & Deby Gannes 248.379.3000 CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

LBaker@HallandHunter.com

248.379.3003 DGannes@HallandHunter.com

What to Consider when Choosing a Realtor: x Where is the agent(s)’ maximum internet exposure?

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 950 Lake George Road | $3,250,000 44-acre compound Guest Home Horse barn MLS# 214109665

Authentic replica of 200year-old Connecticut Salt Box Colonial with ravine and bridge over Paint Creek.

Too many details to list!

x How long have they been in business? Is this their full-time career? x How large is their Relocation Network?

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 4607 Fawn Hill Court | $1,199,900 Goodison Place backing to woods & Wyngate Golf Club. 1st floor master suite.

Finished walkout LL. Blue stone decks & water feature.

4 Bedrooms 5 Full, 2 Half Baths 7,672 Total Sq. Ft. MLS# 214068444

x How many closed transactions did they have last year? x What is their success rate in selling their own listings? x Will you be able to review marketing materials for your property?

TROY 2884 Vineyards Drive | $949,000 4 Bedrooms 3 Full, 3 Half Baths 6,727 Total Sq. Ft. MLS# 214121017

Bailey's Vineyard sub with Bloomfield Hills Schools.

Sweeping staircase. 2-story great room. 1st floor master suite. Finished walkout LL.

x How often will feedback on showings and market review will be communicated to you? And by whom?

CLARKSTON 7417 Fen Ridge | $628,900 4 Bedrooms 4 Full, 1 Half Baths 4,854 Total Sq. Ft. MLS# 214057298

Private, wooded 1 acre site surrounded by $1M+ homes. 1st floor master with deck. Finished walkout LL. Heated lap pool. Gardens.

We've been the Top Listor of the Year and among Top Producers at Hall & Hunter Realtors for the last decade and named Hour Detroit Magazine’s Real Estate All-Stars – the top 5% of Michigan realtors with the highest sales volumes.

Let us show you how our real estate expertise in the tri-county area can work for you!

For more information, visit LynnandDeby.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

Cindy Obron Kahn Realtor

248.568.7309 Cindy@CindyKahn.com

An Extraordinary Agent...Providing Extraordinary Results

CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS 325 Keswick Road | $2,599,000 6 Bedrooms 4 Full, 3 Half Baths 6,830 Square Feet MLS# 215013132

Exquisite French manor designed by Michael Willoughby with impeccable details and craftsmanship. The gracious foyer with inlaid stone and sweeping large staircase flows to the grand formal dining room. Formal living room features one-of-a-kind carved antique fireplace, stunning plaster barreled ceiling & museum quality lighting. The beautiful gourmet kitchen with natural stone and top-of-line appliances opens to light-filled family room. Stately mahogany paneled library. Walls of French doors in kitchen & family room open to bluestone patios. 1st floor master suite is a true oasis with its luxurious bath, heated marble floors, dual custom closets and large workout room. Stunning landscape by Deborah Silver.

TROY 4209 Ravenwood Court | $899,000 4 Bedrooms 3 Full, 2 Half Baths 4,452 Square Feet MLS# 215011879

Fabulous brick and stone home located in the exclusive Estates of Cambridge. Superb quality and attention to detail throughout, including extensive crown moldings, 2 fireplaces and 9’ ceilings. Lovely 2-story foyer with grand staircase and limestone flooring. Premium kitchen with granite and stainless appliances opens to large, bright family room. Upper level offers wonderfully appointed master suite with luxurious bath & 3 additional bedrooms. Brick paver front walkway, extended slate front porch and beautiful terrace across rear of home, as well as exquisite professional landscaping. A 3-car heated garage, full house generator and central vacuum add to all the wonderful amenities of this home.

TOP PRODUCER 2005-2014

TOP 1% OF REALTORS NATIONALLY

TOP AGENT 2012-13

2011-14

$40 MILLION SOLD IN 2014

Ginny Fisher Realtor

248.593.0518 GFisher@HallandHunter.com

- NEW TO MARKET -

BIRMINGHAM 734 S. Bates Street | $2,200,000 5 Bedrooms 6 Full, 1 Half Baths 4,913 Square Feet MLS# 215001343

French Manor home with dramatic elliptical staircase.

1st floor master. Beautifully detailed lower level. Lovely gated yard & paver patio.

CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS 253 Marblehead Drive $995,000 or for lease at $3900/month 5 Bedrooms 3 Full, 1 Half Baths 4,694 Square Feet MLS# 214121370

Acre+ setting in prestigious Rudgate sub minutes from Cranbrook. Oversized kitchen.

Screened Florida room.

Finished walkout lower level.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS 1772 Heron Ridge Drive | $1,699,000 4 Bedrooms 4 Full, 2 Half Baths 7,385 Total Sq. Ft. MLS# 215005629

Private, gated enclave on gorgeous ravine setting with serene views. Finished walkout LL with possible 5th bedroom. 4-car garage.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP 2562 Sequoia Ct. | $775,000 5 Bedrooms 4 Full, 2 Half Baths 3,848 Square Feet MLS# 214125231

BLOOMFIELD VILLAGE 1379 Dorstone | $1,050,000 4 Bedrooms 4 Full, 1 Half Baths 3,809 Square Feet MLS# 215012667

Beautifully renovated home on 3/4 acre garden setting.

Island kitchen with marble.

1st floor master retreat with dual baths. Expansive patio.

FRANKLIN VILLAGE 27065 Crestwood Drive | $749,900

Private setting deep in sub.

3 Bedrooms Great room opens to patio 3 Full Baths with stone amphitheater-style 2,791 Square Feet seating. Expansive master MLS# 214101479 suite. Finished lower level.

Renovate or build your dream home on 3+ private acres. River at far back, pond & barn. Existing home is solid mid-century modern.

For more information, visit GinnyFisherHomes.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

Nanci J. Rands

Meredith Colburn

Associate Broker

Associate Broker

248.701.9000

248.762.5319

NRands@ HallandHunter.com

MColburn@ HallandHunter.com

CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS 675 Hillcrest Drive | $2,495,000 6 Bedrooms 7 Full, 1 Half Baths 6,758 Square Feet MLS# 214096401

Spectacular estate property on 3.73 lushly landscaped private acres just off Vaughan Road. Refined living and entertaining spaces complete with large pool, spa, tennis court and all-sports court. Gracious entry foyer leads to herringbone wood-floored living and dining rooms. Updated island kitchen is open to spacious informal dining. Exercise room and large sunroom overlook back lawn and pool.

Master suite with cathedral ceiling and updated bath. 1500 sq. ft. guest house offers living room, studio kitchen, laundry, loft bedroom and expansive deck. 3-car garage. Fabulous opportunity!

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP 917 Mitchell Court | $1,599,000 5 Bedrooms 5 Full, 2 Half Baths 7,657 Total Sq. Ft. MLS# 214109827

Phenomenal 2005 brick and stone stunner on a private landscaped site with saltwater pool. Gourmet kitchen. Master suite with Trek deck. All bedrooms have private baths. Walkout lower level is complete with movie theater and fitness room. 4-car garage.

BIRMINGHAM 890 Redding Road | $589,000 3 Bedrooms 2 Full, 1 Half Baths 2,413 Square Feet MLS# 215012151

Charming Cape Cod on an incredible expansive lot, 70’ x 236’. Hardwood floors and inviting living spaces throughout. Master suite with sitting alcove. Finished lower level with rec room & temp-controlled wine cellar.

Heated 4-seasons sun room. Quarton Elementary.

For more information, visit RandsColburn.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

Susan Hill, ABR Realtor

248.225.1399 SHill@HallandHunter.com

I am selling and listing homes in your neighborhood...

Let me help you buy or sell your next home!

BEVERLY HILLS VILLAGE 31388 W. Rutland St. | Sale Pending

SOLD

SOLD

BIRMINGHAM 845 Fairfax St.

SOLD

BLOOMFIELD VILLAGE 1561 Hemsworth Ct.

SOLD

BIRMINGHAM 1723 Cole St.

WEST BLOOMFIELD 7358 Gateway Dr.

1376 Suffield - Birmingham 544 Henrietta - Birmingham 3853 Beechcrest - Rochester Hills 30790 River Crossing - Bingham Farms

BIRMINGHAM 1671 Cole St. | Sale Pending

SOLD

ROYAL OAK 1032 Iroquois Blvd.

SOLD

ROYAL OAK 4502 Tonawanda Ave.

SOLD

BEVERLY HILLS 19501 Wilshire Blvd.

SOLD

BLOOMFIELD TWP. 1196 Rolling Acres Dr.

1667 Picadilly - Troy 730 Hawthorn - Royal Oak 732 Graefield - Birmingham

For more information, visit HallandHunter.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

Sam Kaplunov

Kevin Conway

Realtor

Realtor

248.933.0471

248.330.3324

SKaplunov@ HallandHunter.com

KConway@ HallandHunter.com

SOLD

BIRMINGHAM 477 W. Frank Street | $1,595,000 5 Bedrooms 5 Full, 1 Half Baths 7,385 Total Sq. Ft. MLS# 214113725

BIRMINGHAM 2323 Fairway Drive | $1,225,000

Exquisite walk-to-town 4 Bedrooms home with quality and 4 Full, 1 Half Baths amenities beyond compare.

3,809 Square Feet Designer kitchen. Master with fireplace. Stunning LL. MLS# 215012667

BIRMINGHAM 574 Townsend Street | $999,999

2000-built custom home close 2 Bedrooms to Birmingham CC Golf Course. 3 Full, 1 Half Baths Cook’s kitchen opens to yard 2,353 Square Feet & terrace. Dramatic living MLS# 215006451 room. Attached 3-car garage.

Beautifully remodeled in-town end-unit condo. 4 floors of luxury living. Oversized master with dual-sided fireplace. 3rd floor bonus room. Finished LL.

SOLD

BIRMINGHAM 928 Poppleton Street | $730,000 4 Bedrooms 2 Full, 1 Half Baths 2,910 Square Feet MLS# 215004346

Landmark English cottage in Poppleton Park. Spacious cook’s kitchen with fireplace.

Vaulted living room. Expansive master. 500-bottle wine cellar.

BIRMINGHAM 998 Hazel Street | $699,000 3 Bedrooms 2 Full, 1 Half Baths 2,601 Square Feet MLS# 214127364

Custom new construction with LaFata kitchen. Crown moldings, marble & granite 2nd floor laundry and Pella windows and doors.

BEVERLY HILLS VILLAGE 22719 N. Nottingham Drive | $599,900 4 Bedrooms 2 Full, 1 Half Baths 3,094 Square Feet MLS# 215012871

Spacious and updated colonial in prime location.

Extensive renovations.

Finished LL & fenced yard.

Birmingham schools.

For more information, visit HallandHunter.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

442 South Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, Michigan 48009

248.644.3500

Mona Parlove

Tammy Hernandez

Realtor

Realtor

248.514.0685

248.633.6654

MParlove@HallandHunter.com

THernandez@HallandHunter.com

BIRMINGHAM | $1,199,000

10+ Acres of Vacant Land in Ideal Location!

More info at Rockridgelot.com FARMINGTON HILLS | $1,900,000 Vacant Land 195’ x 622’ x 996’ x 400’ x 703’ MLS# 214069597

Truly rare opportunity! Over 10 acres of private natural beauty sharing 400’ of the Franklin Hills Country Club Golf Course in NE Farmington Hills.

Endless possibilities for this lush, wooded site located close to all the metro Detroit conveniences.

3 Bedrooms 3 Full, 2 Half Baths 4,136 Square Feet MLS# 215008806

Sophisticated Quarton Lake Estates home with 1st floor master suite featuring new bath with heated floors. Gorgeous kitchen. Open spaces ideal for entertaining. Lower level offers personal gym & wine storage. Heated garage.

- New Listing BEVERLY HILLS VILLAGE | $275,000 3 Bedrooms 1 Full, 1 Half Baths 1,378 Square Feet MLS# 215008134

Charming, bright ranch highly desirable area.

Open floor plan with large eat-in kitchen & 13’ x 10’ Florida room. Anderson windows throughout. Full basement. Patio leads to beautiful backyard. Full 2-car detached garage. Birmingham schools.

For more information, visit HallandHunter.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

FACES

Diane Cook hat were to happen if men and women gave in to their animal instincts and abandoned the established rules of civilized society? That is one of the questions that writer and former Bloomfield Township resident Diane Cook explores in her highly acclaimed book, "Man V. Nature."

"I was thinking about the life of an animal, and how we used to be this animal, and worked off different rules and motivators. So what if that was still our life? What if that was kind of the thing that motivated or interrupted our daily lives. What if we had predators, and it wasn't an abstract fear, like it was just part of life," Cook said about the book, released by Harper Collins in October 2014. "Loss and death is so much of the wild existence, and I was interested in bridging the gap between animal instinct and this civilized life.

"So many of the stories are concerned with survival. Some are apocalyptic, and about survival in a very extreme definition, but also smaller types of survival, like ending a relationship or the breakup of a friendship.

There's an interesting web being woven between these animalistic survival modes and this life survival mode that we are in. I think it's partly about that."

Cook, who now lives in Oakland, California, left Bloomfield Township after graduating from the University of Michigan.

"My husband also grew up there, and it's nice to come home to Birmingham, and it feels like home to him," she reflects.

As a teen, she looked forward to one day leaving the area she now travels back to on occasion. She began a career in journalism, which included six years as a producer for National Public Radio's "This American Life."

W

As a writer, Cook said she feels at home with nature, such as the remote spot in the woods where she is currently writing her next book. Still, the presence of technology is never far.

"I used to write longhand, then on computers. Now I go for long walks and I write a lot on my phone when I'm walking," she said.

The method stops her from revising or limiting herself while putting thoughts on paper – or a digital screen. "I try not to revise as I'm going," she said. "It stops you from saying certain things, and you never know what that will lead to."

It was the desire to work without limitations that led Cook to leave the world of journalism and let her imagination run wild.

"I felt kind of trapped sometimes because you always tell the truth, and when you are conflicted that way, other parts of your imagination get kind of bigger because they take up more space," she said of her decision to leave journalism and take up fiction. "We would talk about how a story would be better if this or that would happen enough times that I figured I might as well do it."

Cook left journalism to earn a master's degree from Columbia, where she was a teaching fellow, which eventually led to the collection of stories in her debut book.

"I made a ton of sacrifices and risks to do what I wanted to do, and I didn't know if it would pan out in any way," she said. "I wrote this book, not because I thought it would be this big important book that anyone would care about. I think it's hard to keep that perspective to do what you love for the sake of doing what you love."

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Katherine Rondina

THE DEAD MALLS OF METRO AREA WHY SOME CENTERS MAKE IT AND OTHERS FAIL

BY LISA BRODY

hopping is often much more than merely the exchange of money for goods. For many people, there is the activity of going shopping, the leisurely stroll through a mall or downtown area to browse through store windows, allowing an item to catch their eye, then to casually drop in and maybe purchase it. Others are destination shoppers, heading straight to the store of their choice. Some people come to a shopping center to hang out, to see other people, to be entertained, for its dining destinations, even for exercise.

For decades, shopping has been an experience, and those who create retail environments understand that sense of a mutual adventure.

S

The Somerset Collection in Troy, considered one of the more successful enclosed malls Gepapix | Dreamstime.com

IT'S TIME TO CREATE YOUR VISION Visionary Cabinetry & Design provides a full-service design experience. From conceptual designs to materials selection our experts help you every step of the way. Schedule your design consultation today.

Let’s create your vision.

248.850.7178

429 South Main Street, Clawson

www.visionarycabinetry.com

Shopping, and all of its attendant activities, began in earnest in 1956 in suburban America with the first fully-enclosed mall in the country, Southdale, in suburban Minneapolis. Here in southeastern Michigan, Northland Center, metro Detroit’s first iconic shopping mall located at Northwestern Highway and Greenfield Road in Southfield, was first opened in March 1954, but was not fully enclosed as a mall until 1974.

Between 1956 and 2005, around 1,500 malls were built around the United States, usually in the most prime real estate locations. “In the mid’50s Dwight Eisenhower signed the Interstate Highway Act, and they constructed 54,000 miles of interstate highway. Now, what that did immediately is it provided mobility for the population which, prior to that, had been mainly rural. So they began to move into the suburbs and cities,” said Robin Lewis, author of The New Rules of Retail. “What it afforded was the ability to construct these regional malls, and they just exploded across the country.” egional malls were initially designed and built as a way to spread branches of popular department stores to nondowntown areas, as people were moving to new suburban developments. The J.L. Hudson Company built Northland Center. In the mid-twentieth century, Hudson’s had become the second largest department store after Macy’s. In 1948, architect Victor Gruen convinced the store, which had been reluctant to build branch stores, to take advantage of the suburban growth taking place during the post-World War II building boom to construct a ring of shopping centers surrounding the city of Detroit. Northland was the first to be constructed, followed by Eastland, Southland, and Westland centers. According to Time magazine, referring to malls as “pleasure domes with parking”, Northland cost $30 million to build, and the first year’s gross for the Northland Hudson’s was $88 million.

“When Northland was built in the 1950s, Hudson’s customers were moving to tract homes in subdivisions,” said Jim Bieri of Stokas Bieri Real Estate. “Malls were originally tied up by Dayton-Hudson, and the developers came in later.

For example, Great Lakes Crossing (in Auburn Hills) was tied up by Hudson’s for many years.”

But how times – and shopping habits – have changed. Macy’s, the successor to Hudson’s, announced at the end of 2014, that it will close its Northland store at the end of April 2015. The Target store at Northland closed for good on February 1. With no anchor stores left, a vacancy rate believed to be well over 65 percent, and the mall currently in receivership, it is now what is known as a “dead mall”.

What is a dead mall? It is a shopping mall with a high vacancy rate and low consumer traffic level, that is dated or deteriorating in some way, and without an anchor department store as a tenant.

Northland is hardly the only dead mall in metro Detroit. Also in Oakland County, Summit Place in Waterford Township closed in 2009, with no tenants. The adjacent Sears store closed its doors in December, and the mall was placed on the township’s dangerous building’s list in

December. In January 2015, Waterford officials condemned the mall, located at Telegraph and Elizabeth Lake roads, saying it is not structurally sound and is unsafe. Township officials videotaped areas of the mall during an inspection, which is owned and operated by management company in California, finding water leaks, mildew and animal tracks throughout the deserted building.

Around the country, there are dozens of dead malls ripe for the picking – or redevelopment. Not all of the properties will remain malls; some could be repurposed as mixed-use developments, new “downtown centers”, or become school campuses, hospitals, parks, any number of infill uses.

Since 2006, there has not been a single new fully enclosed mall built in the U.S. According to Natasha Geiling, writing in Smithsonian, “The 2008 recession was a gut-punch to already flailing mall systems. Between 2007 and 2009, 400 of America’s largest 2,000 malls closed.

According to one retail consultant, within the next 15 to 20 years, half of America’s malls could die.”

At the same time, from 2006 to 2013, ecommerce doubled. People are still shopping.

They’re just shopping in different ways. While some are seeking a shopping experience, many are just looking to save money, to get in and get out.

“The reality in the retail business today is that consumers want either experience or convenience,” said Billy Gershenson, vice president of leasing at Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust, whose family originally built Summit Place Mall, as well as Tel-Twelve Mall at Telegraph and Twelve Mile roads in Southfield, which they de-malled and repurposed. “We owned it (Summit Place) and gave it back to the bank.”

Gershenson said the enclosed mall business is very expensive. “Malls are very expensive to operate. Operators can only afford to operate them if sales are very high. High fashion malls like Somerset (Collection in Troy) or Twelve Oaks (in Novi) are doing well because they offer the experience,” he explained. “We go to those malls not just to shop, but to hang out, to go to the restaurants. They’re social gathering spots.

Shopping could be a by-product.”

“Somerset has wonderful security, great lights, good ambiance, but mostly there’s great tenants and great restaurants in a great setting. It’s one of the few malls left without kiosks. It’s a pleasure to shop there in a beautiful space,” said Bieri.

“The malls that are thriving are all affluent.

They are large, and they all look the same, all over the country, with very upscale anchors, like Neiman Marcus, Saks, Macy, Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom. They appeal to an affluent customer.

They have great high-end specialty stores. There are about 400 of those,” said Howard Davidowitz, chairman, Davidowitz & Associates, a national consulting and investment banking firm in New York City. “Then there are the others. They’re terrible and closing. They have mid-level anchors, like Sears, that are weak, with weak mid-level stores.”

At lower end malls – in industry parlance, D & C malls, “sales aren’t robust, so the operator can’t afford to create a really great experience, and then shoppers cease coming,” Gershenson said.

“Then you have dead or dying malls.”

Maria Mainville, director of strategic communications for Taubman, which owns and operates malls throughout the world, including Twelve Oaks and Great Lakes Crossing in Oakland County, concurs. “As part of the ‘promise of the modern mall’, it must be a social center for the community,” she said. “In addition, there are amenities such as Christmas displays, family activities, play areas for children, and special events that shoppers have come to rely upon.

However, as is true of any industry, malls have to remain nimble to assure success in the evolving retail landscape,” adding innovative mall design, technology, free WiFi, applications, and charging stations, to maintain their relevance to varying demographics coming to malls.

“Lousy malls are a lousy place to go,” Davidowitz said. “Who needs it? Shoppers don’t need it. It’s not an experience. All of the increase in wealth has gone to the top 10 percent. It’s why the top malls are doing well. The fancy malls are an experience, with fancy restaurants, fancy features. Add to that online shopping – that’s having a huge effect.”

“What works is great tenants in a great market. What doesn’t is changing demographics,” said Bieri.

“Retail has historically been about what is fresh and new. That’s been embedded into retail,” noted Mark Nickita, an architect and urban planner with Archive DS, as well as a Birmingham city commissioner. “In traditional or strip centers, we’ve have this continuous cycle of older malls being usurped by newer, cooler malls.

If they’re not careful about being on top of things, they’re always in danger of being usurped by the newest, freshest retail concept. It goes way back.

Northland and Eastland were usurped by Fairlane, which was considered futuristic.” ieri asserts that Fairlane has avoided the trap of becoming a dead or dying mall “because of Mr. Taubman’s (A. Alfred Taubman) designs. His designs are pretty remarkable. He lets the tenants be the star, not the architecture. The soffets are neutral, the stores are bright and neutral. The management was always strong.

While it’s no longer a Taubman mall, they knew how to run a shopping center. It’s management that knows what it’s doing, with good security, nice landscaping, that keeps its property up. All shopping centers have good and bad to them. If there’s a bum on an empty street, you notice him.

But if he’s one of 1,000, you don’t.”

Nickita says that some of the retail changes are cyclical, part of the national trend away from malls in general back towards urban destinations areas.

“The interest in the city (of Detroit) is very strong, and in other cities at all levels – residential, commercial, office, fun and games –there’s the continuous rebuilding of neighborhoods in Birmingham, Ferndale and Royal Oak. Urban environments are on the

uptick,” he said. “Some is cyclical. For the last 100 years, certainly the last 50 years or so, neighborhoods and the suburbs were areas of growth. It’s not a fad. It’s a truly deep-seated international trend of people moving to cities.

What had been a turn away from urban environments is now a turn towards urban environments. Mixed-use environments are the way to go. That’s what Birmingham is, all within a couple of blocks of each other, integrated with each other, framed by the pedestrian aspect. The ability to walk between all of these entities is why people can access all of these amenities.”

While Millennials and other demographics are enjoying urban environments, it is not precluding their use of malls, as well. Neither has increased Internet shopping. If anything, e-shopping has actually increased mall traffic, experts say, as a way of verifying purchases, both before or during the purchase process. aubman’s Mainville cited recent AT Kearney research showing that 90 percent of all U.S. retail sales happen within brick-and-mortar stores, and two-thirds of customers purchasing online actually use the physical store before and after the transaction. In the Kearney research, “discovery of products is the only stage along the transactional journey where shoppers prefer online for a select few categories. However, the majority of consumers prefer in-store retail categories, such as apparel and accessories, health and beauty, and furniture. For these categories, in addition to convenience, consumers identify stores as the preferred destination for exploring new products with a broad selection of choices.”

The study also emphasizes that respondents prefer physical stores for product trial and test.

Immediacy, ease and accuracy of testing are all cited as reasons. While a majority choose to purchase in-store, many do then purchase online.

Across all product categories, physical stores are the site for product returns, even if items were purchased online.

Interestingly, Kearney points out, teens are the demographic which prefers physical stores the most, along with seniors.

“More than any other age group, Millennials prefer using multiple retail channels, be they digital or physical. And when they visit a physical location, their preference is for trips designed to accomplish many goals,” the report said. As for teens’ shopping habits, “This is a critical fact for retailers and other branders eager to engage customers early in their lives in hope of building lifelong relationships. Meeting teens where they prefer to shop requires a trip to a physical store.”

Clearly, teens are seeking the experience of being at a mall, just as are the older demographics of seniors, and often, baby boomers. They want to do more than shop at the mall – they want to eat, have fun and socialize, to hang out, creating opportunities for retailers and developers. All of this provides an opportunity for those less-than-ideal mall sites, and dead malls, to renovate and repurpose their properties into new and viable destinations.

“A number of dead malls will be condemned to

T

execution by bulldozer, but not all,” the Smithsonian’s Geiling wrote. “In some communities, a dying mall offers an opportunity for rebirth – the chance to turn a poorly conceived shopping center into something that serves the needs of the community at large. In some cases, dying malls have been turned into office spaces, while others have found second lives as churches, community centers or even hockey rinks. By reimagining the American mall, it seems that some are finally becoming the downtown that Gruen originally envisioned – walkable, mixed use areas that bring a renewed sense of urbanism to a dying suburban landscape.”

Ellen Dunham-Jones, a professor of architecture and urban design at Georgia Institute of Technology and a colleague of Birmingham’s Nickita, is the co-author of “Retrofitting Suburbia”, where she describes that as suburbs get older, there are unintended consequences of suburbanization. As properties go vacant or underperform, especially aging properties, it provides an opportunity to retrofit them into more sustainable locations.

Davidowitz agrees. “We have to start off with what happened to the economy in the last six years. Before the Great Recession, one in every 12 Americans were in poverty. Now, one in six Americans are in poverty. We have doubled the numbers in poverty and lessened the middle class in America. Walmart says that 22 percent of its customers are on food stamps, and they’re seeking cheaper alternatives. Target, TJ Maxx, Walmart, they’re all off the mall, they’re cheaper guys not in malls. Middle class living standards will never improve. The future of malls is many things. They can be industrial parks, hospitals, universities or discount centers. A lot can be done with raw land. It’s a broad heading of alternative uses. They can be very useful, but they’ll be different, because a department store is not going to go there. They’re not coming back. Each community has to figure out how they want to repurpose those collapsed malls.”

What all malls, successful, dying or dead, have in their favor, is location. Every single one was built near a freeway or highway. “Proximity to freeways for access was a prerequisite,” Nickita said. “They’re usually in good locations. It’s why they put them there in the first place. But the old format no longer works. It can be the opportunity to create a walkable area, to get people to walk, dine, live, shop, work. In the end, repositioning of retail happens every so often. It’s happening now because of oversaturation of malls and retail, because of the recession, Millennials and their buying position, aging of boomers, the tech environment. It’s all of those things.”

Tel-Twelve is an example of a successfully repurposed shopping mall. “Repurposing malls is like turning them inside out or tearing parts down,” said Gershenson, who owns Tel-Twelve. It was originally built in 1968 as an enclosed mall with two anchor stores, K-Mart and Montgomery Ward, and a Chatham grocery store in the middle.

A successful mid-level mall, it expanded four times over the decades, adding a Crowley’s department store as a third anchor in 1985, as well as a food court. But market circumstances,

such as closures of Crowley’s, Montgomery Ward and, finally, K-Mart, along with changing demographics, doomed the mall. It was demolished and rebuilt in 2001 as a power center of big box stores, or as Gershenson called them, “best-in-class” stores, such as Meier for grocery, best-in-class electronics with Best Buy, and bestin-class hardware with Lowe’s, along with DSW, Michael’s, PetSmart, and other retailers and restaurants.

This inside-out mall provides shoppers with the other experience they are seeking – convenience. He noted that repurposing malls in this manner is much less costly to operate, “and then different retailers can afford to be there.

That’s what’s happening at a lot of other centers and out parcels right now, like Novi Town Center and Oakland Mall, as well as Tel-Twelve. These types of initiatives are creating a new type of relevance for these kinds of properties. It opens it up to different retailers, and shoppers pull up to the retailers, and go directly in and then leave.

It’s adding a level of convenience they didn’t have before.”

Other successfully repurposed malls include Wonderland Village in Livonia, once a dead mall, which has been reconstructed by the Schostak Company as a new shopping center, reopened in 2007, anchored by Target and the Village of Rochester Hills, an urban streetscape of national and local retailers which replaced the former enclosed Meadowbrook Mall, both owned by Robert B. Aikens & Associates.

“They’re essentially malls without a top,” said Nickita. ershenson said this form of repurposing lets both the developer and the retailer operate on a lower cost structure versus going into an enclosed mall, which has attendant high costs. While both classic enclosed malls and repurposed open air centers have “extra charges”, such as maintenance costs, taxes, insurance, in these new centers, “it’s a tenth of the costs, and the base is less in an open air center because the construction costs are less, too.”

“The Northlands, the Eastlands of the world, lots of strip centers too, they have to figure out what they’re going to do,” said leasing expert John Gottesman of The Gottesman Group. “It becomes a land play. Who’s going to buy Northland? If you can take it out for $7 million and bulldoze it, you then need $100 million to redo it. It’s 150 to 170 acres in the suburbs. It becomes a land play. If you knock it down and rebuild it with residential, commercial and retail, it can work. From a pure retail point of view, you can’t fill 200 million square feet of retail with low end stores and two anchors. No one will finance it today. It’s too risky. And there’s no anchors.”

“Once you lose those anchors, you’re dead,” Gershenson said. “Once you no longer have department stores, you’re done as a mall. We repurposed Tel-Twelve with best-in-class retail as an outdoor mall. It’s very exciting what’s happening. It gives the community new opportunities. There’s nothing worse than looking at a dead mall.”

G

MARKET OFFERINGS MARCH 2015

French Interior by J.Trotter

skbk.com

248.644.7000

otheby’s leverages Innovation, Experience and Global Impact like no other local S brokerage can offer. Since our conversion to Sotheby’s 8 years ago SKBK has realized steady growth in our market share throughout the area.

SKBK has marketed and sold significantly more homes over $1.5 million than our competitors. As the price increases so does our market share – we have sold three times more homes over$3 million than our closest competitor. In 2014 we also sold the two most expensive homes in recorded Michigan history – both over $11 million.

Luxury real estate is just not local anymore – homes must be marketed to include the global consumer. Nearly half of all the visits to the Sotheby’s International website are from outside the US. Here are a few key points about our marketing – our results demonstrate the success of this approach.

Global Media – Sotheby’s 2015 global media plan will generate One Billion impressions through hand-selected media powerhouses whose innovation, experience and international impact help drive awareness for the extraordinary properties our network represents – these include the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and Architectural Digest to name a few.

Global Reach – Innovation, Experience, International Exposure: With over 14,000 sales associates in approximately 740 offices and 52 countries and territories, our network members utilize all that is current to present a home in a unique way.

SothebysRealty.com – attracts more consumers to search, view and inquire than any other luxury real estate website. Millions of viewers immerse themselves in our collection of millions of vibrant, quality-controlled property photographs.

Last year sothebysrealty.com invites: • 18,000,000 visits • 100,000,000 page views • 29,000,000 property detail pages viewed • 16 focused minutes per visit • 45% visits from outside US SIR Mobile – Linking Your Home to Mobile Users With a Click, Tap or Swipe: SIR Mobile is the only luxury real estate mobile app that works anywhere and searches globally.

Go To the Android or Apple App store to download.

SIR Mobile allows consumers to view properties on their smart phone or tablet based on GPS location, address, city or zip code. When a user is ready to see a property, the “call” feature connects them directly to a Sotheby’s International Realty sales associate. Currently more than 50% of all internet searches are conducted from a mobile device. With more and more internet searches being done from a mobile device, we are likely targeting a younger demographic. What this means to you is increased exposure for your sellers and the listings you represent.

Aerial photography – we provide aerial videos of every home we market over $500,000 – scan the adjacent QR code to see a sample video.

Thank you again –

Douglas H. Hardy, MD Chairman

Scan QR code to see a sample video of our Aerial photography

Market Share | By Dollars SKBK MarKetS More Homes Over $1.5 Million 25.75%

8.60%

7.78% 5.79% 3.65%

SKBK Sotheby’s International

Max Broock Birmingham

Hall & Hunter Birmingham

Higbie Maxon Agney

Cranbrook Realtors

2.89%

2.84%

2.70%

2.67%

2.50%

Max Broock Bloomfield

Shain Park Realtors

Berkshire HWWB

RE/MAX New Trend

CB Weir Manuel Birmingham

*Current Active Listings provided by Realcomp II Ltd. 8.1.14

SKBK SellS More Homes Over $1.5 Million 21.48%

13.70%

13.05% 10.68%

5.87%

5.37% 3.77%

SKBK Sotheby’s International

Max Broock Birmingham

Hall & Hunter Birmingham

CB Weir Manuel Birmingham

Max Broock Bloomfield

Shain Park Realtors

Berkshire HWWB

3.19%

Cranbrook Realtors

2.50%

Keller Williams Troy

1.90% RE/MAX New Trend

*Year to Date Sales provided by Realcomp II Ltd. 8.1.14

skbk.com

248.644.7000

skbk.com

248.644.7000

Sotheby’s - Global Exposure The Sotheby’s International Realty® brand’s global media plan is designed to deliver more than 1 billion media impressions, solidifying our brand as the voice of luxury real estate. Our plan includes impactful, exclusive and first-to-market partnerships with an increased strategic focus on mobile and editorial content with some of the most preeminent media reaching all corners of the globe.

Our goal is to present the properties represented by our worldwide network to a broad audience of potential buyers who value and seek the unique.

1 billion media impressions

skbk.com

248.644.7000

Sotheby’s - Global Exposure THE NEW YORK TIMES

Our 2015 advertising program with The

New York Times is a continuation of years prior and is structured to fetch nearly 300 million media impressions through branding and listing exposure elements, utilizing local ownership advertising opportunities and fixed positioning on various New York Times channels. This long-term plan features exclusivity and dominance in both print and digital marketing opportunities, designed to attract a diverse worldwide audience to more than

and maximize our reach

40 million unique

NYT monthly readers.

skbk.com

248.644.7000

Sotheby’s - Global Exposure THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

Our continuous collaboration with

The Wall Street Journal offers an array of opportunities to showcase the homes represented by our network to the global audience that turns to this media icon for their daily source of insights into both micro and macro financial and economic landscapes. Designed to deliver 170 million impressions, this marketing strategy is comprised of a worldwide, multi-faceted program providing our brand with and dominance

Wall

Network

exclusivity throughout The Street Journal’s Digital

websites.

skbk.com

248.644.7000

Sotheby’s - Global Exposure ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST Every day, Architectural Digest inspires millions of affluent home enthusiasts to redesign and refresh their lives through a multi-platform presence that includes print and digital connections. Our alignment with AD will deliver an anticipated 14 million media impressions and encompasses an integrated online partnership through a commanding presence on architecturaldigest.com. Recently redesigned and re-engineered, architecturaldigest.com ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST Ever y da Architectur

MRWTMVIW QMPPMSRW SJ E YIRX LSQI IRXLYWMEWXW

attracts toonredesign average moretheir than consuming about 10 and refresh lives900,000 through a munique ulti-platf monthly m presencevisitors, that includes print and digital connections.

Our alignment with AD will deliver an anticipated 8 million media impressions and encompasses an pages per visit the environment to uniquely showcase the Recentl homes we integr ated and onlineispar tnerperfect ship through a commanding presence on architectur y redesigned and re-engineered, architecturaldigest.com attracts on a erage more than 900,000 unique represent. monthly visitor consuming about 10 pages per visit and is the perfect environment to uniquely showcase the homes we represent.

skbk.com

248.644.7000

Oakland Township $1,990,000

Wood Lake Frontage $2,599,000

Custom designed one owner home in gated exclusive community in Oakland Township. Pond Vallee's wooded boulevard stageHills. for one A private entrance retreat insets the an cityenchanting of Bloomfield Thisof Oakland County's most luxurious residential communities. Georgian Colonial sits on private over two acre wooded site. built Crown moldings throughout, extensive hardwood custom estate features dramatic stone entrance with floors, two stairways. Open floor plan, gracious foyer. Lower level was custom designed featuring large wood barawith sinksetting and appliances, slate floors, wine hill top and panoramic views of theroom, lake. stone fireplace, theater, massage room, craft room. 6.5 car garage. Perfect home for today's buyer! Four bedrooms with 4.2 baths. 215005320

Wood Lake Frontage $1,990,000 A private retreat in Bloomfield Hills! This custom built estate features dramatic stone entrance with a hill top setting and panoramic views of the lake. Featured in Style Magazine for superior quality and unique design. Kitchen featured on cover of Kitchen Design Magazine. Fabulous! Four bedrooms with 3.2 baths. 215008347

Ronni Keating

Equal Housing Opportunity

DOWNTOWN

skbk.com

downtownpublications.com 47

248.644.7000

Birmingham $2,399,000

Birmingham $1,399,000

MOVE IN BY SPRING! Stunning New Construction built by Great Lakes Custom Builders on one of the most sought after streets in Quarton Lake Estates. Quality craftsmanship throughout, exquisite millwork and attention to detail in this six bedroom, 6.2 bath home. With over 7500 sq ft of living space situated on a large lot, great open floor plan, spectacular culinary kitchen with a large island and hardwood flooring throughout. Exceptional master suite with luxurious bath and fabulous dual closets. Finished lower level with a media room, guest bedroom, workout area and full bath. 215001759

Custom Built Birmingham home by Town Building Company. This extraordinary home to be built in this fabulous location. Incomparable materials and workmanship. Exciting open floor plan, high ceilings, custom woodwork and cabinetry, incredible attention to detail, solid core doors and hardwood floors.

Granite kitchen, stainless appliances and an outstanding master retreat. Additional third story with bedroom, bath and loft space. Front covered porch, spacious yard and extra wide lot. Three car attached garage. Great opportunity to make all your selections for the home of your dreams and move in by Spring. Live in Birmingham with all the conveniences at your fingertips!

Five bedrooms with 4.2 baths. 215001773

Birmingham $1,225,000

Royal Oak $575,000

Steps to Downtown Birmingham! The best lot in-town! Exceptional Tudor style home. Situated on 80x196 lot. Charming brick and sandstone exterior. This home is ready for renovation. Hardwood floors throughout, charming details and character, wood moldings, baseboards, large family room, natural fireplace. Open floor plan. Unfinished 890 square foot third floor would make a fabulous master suite. Four bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 215010190

This Custom home built by Town Building Company in 2003 has just over 2800 square feet with five bedrooms and four full bathrooms. This home comes complete with hardwood flooring, gourmet granite kitchen with stainless steel appliances, third floor finished bedroom and sitting area, finished lower level with theater room, bar, workout room and full bath. Just steps from downtown Main Street, this home will not last long.

Dan Gutfreund

skbk.com

248.644.7000

Equal Housing Opportunity

Lower Long Lake Frontage $3,250,000 Exquisite residence located on one of Oakland County’s most prestigious lakes and perfectly placed for fabulous views and complete privacy. The grand interior is highlighted by extraordinary workmanship and utilizes many precious stone, marble and wood materials. The floor plan features magnificent rooms on the main floor including a beautiful paneled library, 2-story foyer and spacious kitchen with a large breakfast nook and expansive island. On the second floor there are five bedroom suites including the luxurious master suite with fireplace. There are multiple maintenance-free decks and terraces overlooking the lake, pool and manicured grounds. A finished walkout lower level boasts a family room, granite entertaining bar, private wine room, second office space, sixth bedroom suite, exercise room, steam shower and dry sauna.

214127843

Birmingham $1,095,000

Bloomfield Hills $579,900

Sophisticated 4000 square foot site condo nestled on spacious grounds featuring beautiful lawn and lush gardens. Gorgeous marble and wood island kitchen has informal dining area. Master suite with luxurious bath. First floor laundry.

Fabulous updates in 2011. Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 214122892

The City of Bloomfield Hills hosts this truly up to date home set on large well groomed site with wooded back drop. A brand new kitchen, three updated baths both large living room with 32' family room. Included is a three car garage.

Finished walkout lower level and wonderful privacy. Immediate occupancy.

Five bedrooms with three baths. 214114342

Mike Cotter

Equal Housing Opportunity

Paula Law

Lake Angelus Frontage $2,975,000 Fabulous Lake Angelus Estate on 8+ acres. Custom built with over 10,000 square feet of living space. Spectacular views of pristine Lake Angelus from every room. Eleven foot ceilings, hardwood floors, custom cabinetry and custom granite throughout. Mature trees, orchard and gardens. One of four vintage boathouses with full plumbing and electrical (one bedroom apartment) a truly unique property reminiscent of the older estates on the East Coast. Five bedrooms with 4.2 baths. 215003891

Wolf Lake Frontage $1,499,000

Lake Angelus Frontage $1,499,900

Fabulous French Country Estate on 52 acres on private all sports spring fed 20 acre lake over 35' deep. Views from every room with beautiful sunsets. Gourmet kitchen with top end appliances overlooking your own private lake and wildlife.

Custom built with all upper end appointments throughout. Extensive use of hardwoods throughout. Your own private self-contained retreat just 20 minutes north of Auburn Hills. Four car garage. Four bedrooms with 5.3 baths. 214033216

Beautiful Custom Built and Designed Lake Angelus Lakefront built to entertain.

Breathtaking views from all the floor to ceiling windows. Fabulous new gourmet kitchen, four fireplaces and vaulted ceilings throughout. Large master suite overlooking the lake. Expansive deck and gazebo. Walk-out lower level with professional walk up bar seats ten. Sauna and open air Gunite lounge pool with waterfall. Too much to list. Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 214092489

Lee Embrey

skbk.com

248.644.7000

Equal Housing Opportunity

Bloomfield $1,399,000 This 1.25 acre private estate with tranquil surroundings includes a pool and tennis court. A magnificent five bedroom Tudor loaded with charm and character located in the most prestigious part of Bloomfield Village. Gorgeous French doors, coved arched entrance, a beautiful paneled living room with limestone fireplace, extensive built-ins and large solarium. Hardwood floors throughout, a magnificent paneled library with detailed crown moldings, limestone fireplace and a grand staircase leading to second level. Gorgeous master bath with heated onyx and black granite floors, double vanity and sunken chromatherapy tub with colored lights. A third level with great potential to add square footage. Four car garage includes additional walk-up storage and the grand circular drive was replaced with commercial grade asphalt in 2013.

New irrigation system in 2013. 214125691

Bloomfield $1,200,000

Birmingham $989,000

Magnificent landmark Bloomfield Village Colonial located on the well sought after West Glengarry Circle. This spectacular estate features the finest craftsmanship and detail with five bedrooms, three full baths and two half. Large kitchen with breakfast area surrounded by French doors, granite counters, Wood-Mode cabinets. Crown moldings, hardwood floors and three fireplaces. The upper level has three suites with walk-in closets. Finished lower level, professionally landscaped yard with brick paver patio and beautiful stone work. 214125604

A magnificent five bedroom, four full and one half bath brick Colonial located on one of Quarton Lakes finest streets. This exquisite Birmingham gem features a gourmet kitchen with premium cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite counters and overlooks a spacious family room with cathedral ceiling and grand fireplace. The master suite features an updated bath with his/her vanities, walk-in closet. The craftsmanship and detail is unparalleled with all the built-ins, grounds professionally landscaped with stamped concrete patio and built-in sound system inside and out. 215010563

John & Bridget Apap

skbk.com Equal Housing Opportunity

248.644.7000

Birmingham $3,599,000 Spectacular East Coast traditional custom luxury home designed by Alex Bogaearts features four bedrooms, 5.3 bath and showcases the finest quality finishes and craftsmanship with stunning panoramic views of Quarton Lake. The exceptional home features cooks kitchen with gorgeous custom cabinetry, to of the line appliances and marble and quartz surfaces throughout. This timeless and classically finished home features an impressive two story grand foyer with barrel ceiling and magnificent staircase, warm hardwood flooring throughout, handcrafted millwork, paneled library, generous rooms and fabulous floor plan. Large master suite features fireplace, custom closets, spacious and luxurious master bath with exquisite finishes. Finished lower level for added living and entertaining space with climate controlled wine room and full bar, powder room plus additional fifth bedroom with full bath. Custom loggia with fireplace perfect for relaxing.

Birmingham $959,000 Gorgeous New Construction by Great Lakes Custom Builder. Spectacular floor plan with beautifully appointed white kitchen opens to light filled great room and breakfast room. Grand foyer opens to formal dining room and library with French doors. Spacious private master suite with fireplace and built-ins, dual walk-in closets and a luxurious master bath with soaking tub and walk-in shower. Convenient second floor laundry, generous closet spaces and hardwood flooring throughout. Huge finished basement boasts additional living space and bar, full bath and bonus room with egress window and closet. Attention to detail, quality craftsmanship and high end finishes will please the most discerning buyer. Landscaping, patio and fenced yard. Four bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 215011886

Christine Drinkwater

skbk.com

248.644.7000

Equal Housing Opportunity

LIFE HAPPENS. HA HAVE AVE A VE A PLAN. P You're Y ou're making a lar large ge in investment. vestment. W Why hy not in invest vest in something tto o pr protect otect it?

A ONE-YEAR ONE-YEAR American Home Shield® Home Pr Protection otection Plan is included with the pur purchase chase of this home home..

AHS® helps pr provide ovide aff affordable ordable pr protection otection agains againstt the c cost ost of rrepairs epairs or rreplacements eplacements tto o man many y of y your our major home ssystem ystem components c omponents and applianc appliances. es.

AVERAGE REP PAIR AIR A AND REPLACEMENT COST† NOT NOT ALL ITEMS MA MAY Y BE C COVERED OVERED IN C CORE ORE C COVERAGE OVERAGE PLAN

Air Conditioning w/Ductwork

Repair: $390 Replacement: $2,885

Repair: $306 Replacement: $2,141

Water Heater

Main Electrical Panel

ON ON ON

Repair: $92 Replacement: $761

ON

Heating w/Ductwork

Repair: $311 Replacement: $605

Dishwasher

Built-in Microwave

Repair: $127 Replacement: $515

Repair: $97 Replacement: $429

Ranges/ Ovens/ /Cooktops

Garbage Disposal

D-B-GONE FOO

Repair: $47 Replacement: $182

Repair: $114 Replacement: $782

For For more more inf information, ormation, please call 800 735 735 466 4663 3 or visit ahshome ahshome.com. .com. † As reported reported in the national national surv survey ey A S Study tudy o off Homeo Homeowners’ Appliance System Service e Experienc Experiences, es, Decision Analy Analyst st (20 (2011 3) and rreprinted wners’ Applianc e and Home S Sy ystem Servic eprinted ohibited. R ememberr, a with their written written permis permission. sion. Further rreproduction eproduction is e expressly xpressly pr prohibited.

Remember, an AHS Home Protection rotection P Plan lan c covers overs the the repair repair or or replacement nA HS H ome P replacement e ssystem ystem or appliance. of many many system system and applianc appliance e br breakdowns, eakdowns, but not nec necessarily essarily the entir entire appliance. Please refer refer tto oy your our contract contract for for details. tions including rrepairs epairs or rreplacements eplacements of covered Home protection protection plans ar are e subject tto oe exclusions xclusions and limita limitations covered home system system components components and erms, rrates ates and c overage, please visit w appliances. appliances. For For more more inf information ormation or ques questions tions rre: e: c contract ontract tterms, coverage, www.ahshome.com ww.ahshome.com or call 1 800 7 735 35 4663.

4663. ©2014 ©201 4 American Home Shield C Corporation orporation and its lic licensed ensed subsidiaries. All rights rreserved. eserved.

131308

Delivering over 1 Billion impressions worldwide

Sotheby’s International Realty® 2015 MaRketIng Plan JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

INTEGRATED PARTNERSHIPS NYTimes.com Gallery Unit NYTimes.com Great Homes Slideshow Sponsorship NYTimes.com Mobile Carousel Unit NYTimes.com Gateway Unit WSJ.com Exclusive Social Connect WSJ.com Exclusive Real Estate Sponsorship WSJ.com iPad Mansion Exclusive Sponsorship WSJ.com Custom Partner Video WSJDN.com Global Network Video MansionGlobal.com Lifestyle Search Ownership MansionGlobal.com Exclusive Video Ownership MansionGlobal.com Homepage Featured Properties MansionGlobal.com Mobile App Sponsorship MansionGlobal.com Cover Takeover FT Distinctive Living Co-branded print ads FT.com Distinctive Living Co-branded Banners FT.com Distinctive Living Sponsorship FT.com Distinctive Living Homepage Carousel FT.com Distinctive Living Email Promotion FT.com Property Display Units FT Property Print Promotion FT.com Property Enewsletter Content FT.com Property Editorial Articles FT.com Hompeage Roadblock FT.com Launch Listings Sponsorship Bloomberg.com Editorial Units & Articles Bloomberg.com Social Connect Bloomberg.com High Net & Luxury Consumer Individual Audience Targeting AD.com Blogvertorial Sponsorship AD.com e-Newsletter Sponsorship AD.com Exclusive Sponsorship of Celebrity Homes for Sale AD.com Exclusive Sponsorship of Estates for Sale AD.com Homepage Roadblock Dwell.com Custom Sponsored Posts Dwell.com #ModernMondays Twitter Inte gration Dwell.com Homepage Parallax Unit with Video Dwell.com Real Estate Partner Exclusivity SEARCH ENGINE MARKETING SEARCH ENGINE MAKETING Google Yahoo!

Bing.com Yandex YouTube eGallery SIR Touch Galle ry INTERNATIONAL SIGNIFICANT SALES BRAND PUBLIC RELATIONS

skbk.com

248.644.7000

Delivering Over millionimpressions impressionsworldwide worldwide Delivering over800 1 Billion Sotheby’s International Realty® ®

Sotheby’s International Realty 2015Plan MaRketIng Plan 2014 MaRketIng JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

ONLINE PROPERTY ADVERTISING New York Times Wall Street Journal Mansion Global Dwell James Edition PropGo Luxury Financial Times MOBILE ADVERTISING New York Times Bloomberg Architectural Digest Mansion Global PropGoLuxury Tatler SOCIAL MEDIA Wall Street Journal Social Connect Bloomberg Social Connect Dwell Financial Times BRAND MARKETING New York Times Wall Street Journal Mansion Global Bloomberg Architectural Digest Dwell Financial Times Financial Times China James Edition PropGoLuxury PRINT PROPERTY ADVERTISING Wall Street Journal Sotheby’s Art & Home Sotheby’s Preferred Sotheby’s New York Auction Preview New York Times Home Section Robb Report Collection Robb Report Home & Style Country Life International New York Times INYT Wrap Luxury Properties Magazine Financial Times Globe & Mail Boston Magazine Ocean Home RESIDE Regional Spring Issue Bloomberg Markets The Sunday Times

skbk.com

248.644.7000

Rochester Hills $1,395,000 Magnificent and Grand Estate located in gated Oak Pointe Subdivision, this home exudes superb master craftsmanship with customized updates on three levels of luxurious living space. Newly added brick pavers for outside entertaining. Open floor plan, kitchen exudes warmth and style with cozy hearth fireplace, granite, and opens to spectacular view of nature's best. Five fireplaces throughout, spectacular master suite with his/her walk-in closets, Jacuzzi, skylights. Finished lower level walk-out with fireplace, entertainer’s bar, game room area, fitness area and extensive room for storage. Five bedrooms with 5.2 baths. 214048750

Oakland Township $959,900

Rochester $893,500

Majestic Estate loaded with distinction and eminence! Spectacular view overlooking Wellwood Park. Two-story foyer and curved floating staircase.

Expansive kitchen views the rolling hills of the park and opens to two-story family room. Loft overlooks family room with four bedrooms upstairs and optional fifth in lower level, Jack-n-Jill set up along with full suite. Immense master suite with jetted tub. Finished lower level walk-out with wine cellar, full kitchen, bar, recreation room, work-out area. Four car garage. Moceri built with attention to detail - unsurpassed! Four bedrooms with 4.2 baths. 214098793

Custom open floor plan. Two story Cape Cod, inspired by Designhaus Architecture, 9' first floor ceilings, HAAS cabinetry, distinctive archways and crown moldings throughout. Fabulous kitchen with high-end appliances. Master suite with fireplace, Quartz countertops, Grohe/Kohler fixtures. Exterior is combination of brick, stone and Hardi-Shake siding, fenced in backyard along with Timbertech side porch. Two high efficiency furnaces, Marvin-clad windows throughout, security system and 2.5 car garage prepped for heat. Close to Crittenton Hospital, downtown Rochester. Four bedrooms with 4.2 baths. 215007316

Susan Johnson

skbk.com

248.644.7000

Equal Housing Opportunity

Rochester $1,750,000 Motivated Seller. Unique 16+ acre Oakland Township property, in Rochester school district, five minutes from downtown Rochester. This spectacular property is ready to build or develop a private retreat and/or recreation area of your own design. A perfect time to see the newly cleared area of property that shows the boundless areas for home sites and views of pond, dam and creek running through the property during the fall months. The property has privacy as well, two ponds, Stoney Creek (bisects property), rolling hills, meadows, woods and borders Stoney Creek Park on two sides. Home on property is considered a tear down, but is livable Wildlife and nature at its fullest! 214115543

St Clair River Frontage $825,900

Square Lake Frontage $399,000

Spectacular setting on St. Clair River with 170 feet. of frontage with boardwalk, docking facilities, boat hoist and beautiful views of freighters, Canada and waterway.

Four bedroom, 2.5 bath home with large glass enclosed front porch overlooks the river. Formal living room, dining room, chart room or study, family room off of kitchen and first floor laundry. All Pella windows and doorways. Carriage house with full kitchen, bath, bedroom, and living room. Beautiful circular driveway from the road to home. Only 45 minutes from Metro Detroit and surrounding suburbs.

Between Marine City and St. Clair with access to shopping and x-ways. 214099330

Beautifully renovated and all new construction 2007 waterfront home in Lake Orion. Private non-sports lake with electric motors allowed. This home has polished concrete floors on first level with radiant heat. Kitchen has cherry cabinets, stainless steel appliances and walk-in pantry. There is a bedroom suite on first floor. First floor and second floor laundry rooms. Second level has all hardwood floors. Large master suite with sitting room and balcony off of second level. Bonus room above garage unfinished. Metal roof and James Hardie Fiber cement exterior siding. Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 214093439

Donna Barlow

Equal Housing Opportunity

skbk.com

248.644.7000

Orchard Lake Frontage $3,500,000 Recently reduced. One of a kind stunning lake front home with almost 9000 square feet of living space. Bosco Built 2000 French County Estate inspired with impeccable details and craftsmanship of the finest quality. Private Orchard Lake front with 125 feet of sandy frontage on 1 acre with private sanctuary. Incredible kitchen with Pennsylvania Dutch Built Custom Cabinets. Bolivian Rosewood Flooring. Sumptuous master suite with marbled master bath overlooking the lake. Beautifully crafted grand stairway with custom made iron banisters. Custom trim and moldings throughout. Limestone exterior with slate roof, copper eves and limestone terrace. Walkout lower level is perfect for relaxing and entertaining with a full kitchen, spa/lap pool room. Four bedrooms with 5.2 baths. 215002352 Presented by Michelle Yurich

Lake St. Helen Frontage $1,795,000 A wonderful private log cabin retreat situated on a crystal clear spring fed all sports lake surrounded by state land, never to be built upon. Wake to serene sunrises and sensational sunsets. Home features wonderful open entertaining areas, each with stunning lake views. Great detail and thought have been put into every room of this home from the Hickory flooring to the entire Cedar interior and decor. Two stone fireplaces. Rustic bar and billiard area. Front room used as library could be additional bedroom. Master suite features 10x18 closet and luxurious bath. Every bedroom with private bath. Detached garage with clock tower accommodates 6+ cars. So close to many of Michigan's finest golf resorts! Additional 82 acres offered separately, replete with 6 heated, custom hunting blinds. 2140656670 Presented by Jennifer Valenti

skbk.com Equal Housing Opportunity

248.644.7000

Superior Township $2,200,000 Three acre private estate with attention to detail and a floor plan that is perfect for formal entertaining or daily family life. Home offers privacy and water frontage minutes away from Ann Arbor and the Metro Detroit area. A wall of windows grants access to one of two elevated patios and overlooks the beautiful water front setting. Solid Cherry floors, granite counters, custom cherry cabinets, Viking range in alcove, butlers pantry with wine refrigerator, walk-in pantry and stone fireplace accent this light filled part of the home. Spacious owners suite with custom built-in cabinetry and private bath, finished walk out lower level with radiant heat, three bay heated garage, beautiful solarium office with stone flooring, three story floating staircase and third floor apartment. Five bedrooms with 5.1 baths. 214101918 Presented by Chris Johnson and Bill Tracy

Northville Township $1,699,000 Motivated Seller! Majestic all brick home designed with the best use of Limestone, Hardwoods, Mahogany and Granite. Two first floor master suites, elevator, heated floors, three laundry rooms, skylights, dual stair case, sound system eight foot doors, 12 car garage and heated driveway. Open foyer and great room with soaring ceiling. Gourmet kitchen includes granite countertops, Thermador range, sub-zero fridge, island with additional sink, French door to brick terrace. Large first floor master bedroom has granite vanities, his/hers walk-in closets, large tub, steam shower and private brick terrace. First floor in-law/guest suite. Five extra large bedroom suites with private bath and walk-in closet. Finished walkout lower level including nine foot ceiling, full limestone and granite kitchen, wet bar, family room with wood burning fireplace exercise room, billiards room, bedroom suite. Doorwalls to brick patio. Very private and secluded back yard. 214079593 Presented by Felicia Scappaticci and Bonnie Zemanski

skbk.com Equal Housing Opportunity

248.644.7000

Bloomfield $1,900,000 Wabeek Forest, soft contemporary/transitional home with over 6000 square feet of living space, not including the finished, walk-out lower level. Home constructed with steel beams. Home is elegantly graced with several curved walls. Superb quality throughout with extensive use of granite and marble. Soaring, two story ceiling in foyer and living room. Newer hardwood floors in living room, dining room and family room. Exciting four-story suspended staircase leading to observation tower. Large, updated kitchen with Grecian marble backsplash is open directly to family room with custom circular window and cozy fireplace setting. Vacation year round with indoor, heated swimming pool (30x10). Master suite with two walk-in closets. Master bath with spa like tub and outstanding large, marble shower. Enjoy the serene privacy of this wooded lot from screened in porch, custom brick patio or numerous decks. This home is a must see! 215004894 Presented by Kay Hartwell

Bloomfield $1,200,000 Beautiful custom built site condo with high end appointments and quality built in. Open floor plan with high ceilings and expansive windows. Every room bursts with sunlight including the lower level. Custom designed with extensive use of stone, hardwood floors, Iron staircase and more. First floor master bedroom with his and hers walk-in closets. 2780 square feet. Walk-out lower level with high ceilings and windows, family room, exercise room, two bedrooms and full bath. Brick paver driveway.

Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 215000805 Presented by Dana Labes

skbk.com Equal Housing Opportunity

248.644.7000

Birmingham $1,499,000 This gorgeous new construction home offers everything you're looking for in high end luxury living. This amazing home offers the finest craftsmanship, high-end finishes and architectural details throughout this stately home. This spectacular home has 6459 square feet of finished living space, four beautiful bedroom suites and a third floor offering two more additional bedroom suites. You will live the lifestyle of your dreams with every modern amenity located in the Heart of Birmingham close to shopping, schools, walking, on a premier street. A gourmet custom kitchen, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, crown molding all with impeccable quality and detail. Formal dining room, library and fabulous lower level with full kitchen and exceptional living space. Gorgeous and professionally landscaped yard. Everything you would expect and more from this "Magnificent Designer Home". 214123662 Presented by Sandra Treboldi

Milford $1,199,000 Unsurpassed architectural details exemplify the quality and taste of this extraordinary Estate on more than three lush acres overlooking private trails to Kensington Park.

Meticulous attention to details, custom-milled wood work and only the finest materials used throughout. Brazilian Cherry floors, Marble, stacked moldings and pillars.

Breathtaking grand entry with stunning chandeliers and floor to ceiling windows. Open and bright handcrafted gourmet kitchen, Thermador appliances and sub-zero refrigerator. First floor master suite is a retreat with dressing rooms, a stunning marble bathroom, Jacuzzi tub, oversized shower with rain shower and body sprays. Beautiful circular staircase with custom wrought iron leading to loft and four large suite bedrooms. The walk out lower level boasts 4000 square feet and includes full Cherry kitchen, spacious family room, sixth bedroom, exercise room. A perfect In-law quarters. 214061976 Presented by Michelle Payne

skbk.com Equal Housing Opportunity

248.644.7000

Adams Township $1,200,000 Relish in the serenity of this magnificent country estate on twenty gloriously manicured acres with water views out of every window. Appreciate the peace and quiet of a secluded country setting, just twenty minutes from surrounding cities. Incredible in all Michigan seasons, with summer fishing and boating on several lakes nearby, hunting in the beautiful fall colors, and skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. Watch wild life out your window. Stunning open floor plan includes 7000 square feet of living space, ultimate gourmet kitchen, 30 foot ceilings, 12 foot logs, custom railings and appointments. First floor master suite is spa-like retreat. Lower level walk-out has media room, wet bar and wine cellar. Built to last by the builder for himself with three story elevator, handicapped accessible, 50 year steel roof and energy efficient ICF 5-star R-60 throughout, making it easy to heat and cool. Additional acreage available. 214117057 Presented by Laurie Glass

Northville $999,900 Incredible opportunity to own a sprawling 11+ acre Northville Country Estate that has been lovingly maintained by it's original owners. Features include; a beautiful Ranch style home with a 44 x 26 raised covered patio that overlooks the property, finished walk-out lower level with fireplace, wet bar, indoor pool and spa, a gorgeous three story barn with horse stalls and industrial workshop, four acres of fenced paddocks and a 50 x 100 pole barn. Five bedrooms with 3.2 baths. 214020842

Presented by Mia Bardy and Felicia Scappaticci

skbk.com Equal Housing Opportunity

248.644.7000

Bloomfield Hills $1,080,000 Extraordinary. Showcasing a 2009 award winning Architect Rob Clark, conservatory or dining room opening to a cooking terrace with built-in stainless grill, a fire pit and pergola covered hot tub terrace all on a wooded ravine setting. Interiors timeless designer kitchen/keeping room, library with cherry built-ins, master with his/her closets and the most gorgeous powder room. Exudes quality details. Three bedrooms with 3.2 baths. 215011751 Presented by Susan Lozano

Birmingham $925,000 Far from predictable and ordinary, an acre of land including a built-in pool and cabana, beautifully situated in the estate section of Birmingham. You will be amazed by the lush grounds and stunning setting this completely renovated house has to offer. Master suite will delight you, as will the oversized living room with limestone fireplace and French doors leading to a veranda overlooking the pool. Charm and character. Also for lease $5,000/monthly. Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 215004840

Presented by Kathy Manoogian

skbk.com Equal Housing Opportunity

248.644.7000

Grass Lake Township $999,500 Wonderful retreat only 20 minutes West of Ann Arbor with unlimited potential, 98.5 acres of mixed hardwoods, rolling hills, farmland along with two barns with horse stables and fencing. Home is nestled on the property with panoramic views of two large ponds stocked for fishing. Enjoy over 8500 square feet of livable space with an open floor plan, perfect for entertaining. This home has everything from an indoor pool, spa and sauna to an indoor shooting range and wine cellar. Great investment opportunity as acreage could be divided for residential or commercial. 214112515 Presented by Brian Dimmer

Bloomfield $975,000

Birmingham $899,900

Exquisite 2014 total renovation on two acre wooded lot in Bloomfield Hills.

Extensive use of wood, granite, limestone along with magnificent trim detail.

Beautifully updated kitchen with Viking appliances and sunlit breakfast room.

Lovely living room with French doors opening to paver patio and lush grounds.

Second floor master suite with new closet, private balcony and state of the art master bath. Two new air conditioning units, furnaces, Pella windows. Finished lower level. Move right into this incredible home.

Five bedrooms with 3.2 baths. 215006259 Presented by Heather Salesin

Stunning newer custom-built colonial close to Pierce Elementary, Barnum Park and Downtown Birmingham. Custom windows, doors, molding and hardwood floors.

Spectacular chef 's kitchen opens into family room. Library with French doors and built-ins. Master suite features spacious bedroom with tray ceiling and built-ins, huge walk-in closet, sophisticated master bath and en-suite laundry. Three full baths upstairs. Lower level features full bath, workout room with daylight window and large bonus room. Beautiful covered back porch to patio. Fenced backyard. Two car garage.

214079868 Presented by Maureen Francis and Dmitry Koublitsky

skbk.com Equal Housing Opportunity

248.644.7000

West Bloomfield $849,900 Stunning property with all amenities of resort living and access to all sports Pine Lake! This contemporary ranch house offers an amazing open floor plan. High ceilings, huge window, floor to ceiling offering you a panoramic view of the astonishing back yard from every window. Chef 's kitchen with two cooking areas beautiful wood and stainless steel cabinets, granite counters, a huge island, professional appliances and cozy breakfast area. Huge master suite with extra high ceilings, large spa like bathroom and two walk-in closets. The professional landscaped grounds are showcasing a beautiful salt water pool, koi pond with waterfalls, hot tub and a very large gazebo with built-in Tuscan pizza oven and Argentinian grill. Amazing living space in the finished walk out basement, home theater room, sauna. First floor laundry, great closet space and three car garage. Four bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 214056631 Presented by Silvia Stan

Bloomfield $699,000

Lake Michigan Frontage $695,000

Updated village Colonial, on a huge corner tree lined lot. This four bedroom, 2.1 bath home is approximately 3000 square feet, updated, designer decorated and beautifully landscaped! Enjoy a large and sun filled white kitchen with granite and Jenn Air appliances with a breakfast nook overlooking a manicured yard. Open floor plan with hardwood floors flowing into den, living room and dining room. Master suite with make-up area and updated bath with granite.

Finished basement with laundry. Updated mechanicals, newer windows and a whole house gas-fed generator. 214114551 Presented by Mike Sbrocca

Great opportunity to build your dream home or getaway on this magnificent Lake Michigan frontage. Over three acres filled with red pines. Breathtaking views of the lake with 150 feet of frontage. Beautiful soft sandy beach with a gentle slope to the water. Close to golf and shopping. 214099036

skbk.com Equal Housing Opportunity

Presented by Audrey Faust

248.644.7000

Washington Township $649,000 A beautify country estate set on a sprawling 2.5 acres, professionally landscaped. Four bedrooms and four baths, an additional 1000 square feet separate in-law suite. Main floor boasts an open floor plan concept, with newly installed carpet in the great room and a gourmet kitchen that is great for entertaining! A walk up basement that leads you to the garage with a side door exit. Basement is scheduled to be finished for an additional 1800 total finished square feet. 1500 square feet composite, maintenance free deck that was added in 2009; or watch the sunset from your wrap around covered front porch! A short drive to downtown Rochester coupled with the country, up North feeling makes this the perfect home! 214092004 Presented by Liz Bandstra

Gross Pointe Park $600,000

Bloomfield Hills $550,000

1927 Jacobean Revival home offers an mixture of classic architecture and modern amenities. Family/living room with hardwood flooring, large natural fireplace with oak mantle and tile surround. The sun room has the original tile floor and dual original leaded glass doors. Arched leaded glass doors welcome you to the dining room and joins the kitchen via butler’s pantry and breakfast room. Kitchen has high end stainless appliances and restored original cabinetry. Five bedrooms with direct access to bath. Maid’s quarters with private bath, bedroom, private entrance and back stairway to the kitchen. 215005305 Presented by Chris Johnson

This is an amazing opportunity in Bloomfield Hills on quiet cul-de-sac with just under an acre lot. Remodeled and appointed with the best amenities. Thoughtful design for entertaining in the kitchen, living room, family room and outdoor living spaces. Three bedrooms on the main level and fourth guest suite on the lower level. Hardwood floors throughout most. This stunning home offers the best of all worlds-close proximity to Oakland Hills Country Club, Downtown Birmingham, shopping and schools, complete with private backyard retreat.

215009991 Presented by Wendi Miller

skbk.com Equal Housing Opportunity

248.644.7000

Bloomfield $499,000 Your opportunity to live in Bloomfield Village in this beautifully updated home. Situated on just under half acre, this home has been updated from top to bottom. New slate entryway. Glistening hardwood floors throughout. Gorgeous, inviting natural fireplace updated with new stone and tile from mantel to hearth. New iron stair railings, new interior 3-panel solid core doors, new hardware, new crown, shoe and toe moldings throughout, new recessed lighting and window treatments. Sparkling kitchen with stainless appliances including a new refrigerator. All of this, plus “Village Living� within the coveted Quarton Elementary, Derby Middle and Seaholm High School trifecta.

Four bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 214115036 Presented by Lorraine Yalman

Birmingham $450,000

Bloomfield Hills $410,000

Expect to be impressed from the minute you enter the front door. This 2012 new construction home, in the up and coming Birmingham Rail District, is everything you have been looking for, and at a very affordable price. Designer perfect decor. Hardwood floors throughout. Second floor laundry room. Open concept kitchen and great room. Walk to Downtown Birmingham Restaurants, Shops, and Theater. Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 214127800

Well located condominium nestled deep in the community on a charming cul-de-sac. Large master suite with large bath, wardrobes and walk-in closet.

Comfortable library, additional bedroom and full bath. Ample kitchen with eating area, laundry room adjacent to kitchen. The space throughout is light filled with many door walls to a very private deck. Living room and dining room complete this charming unit. Two bedrooms with two baths. 214117236

Presented by Kathy Manoogian

Presented by Betty Pince

skbk.com Equal Housing Opportunity

248.644.7000

Dryden $349,900 Gorgeous 6.24 acre property backing to woods. Everyday living in a up North setting complete with breathtaking views of wildlife from every window. Large kitchen opens to huge great room with vaulted ceilings. First floor master with jetted tub and separate shower. Three full baths completely renovated. Very large bonus room soundproofed and wired for surround-sound for that perfect media room. Generous 40x60 heated pole barn to store all your toys with loft area and 13 foot doors.

Composite decking off kitchen leads to pool. Organizers in all closets. Darling second floor craft/wrapping room. 9'ceilings in basement. Wired for whole house generator, new furnace and air conditioning in 2010. Three bedrooms with three baths. 215004280 Presented by Mary Gleeson-Meade

Ferndale $349,000

Royal Oak $207,500

Style and luxury meets funky Ferndale in this gorgeous penthouse loft. Watch concerts from your balcony facing 9 Mile. This loft was completely renovated in December of 2014. Brand new hardwood floors, European style cabinets, marble countertops, and stainless steel appliances. One covered, secure parking space included. Southern facing windows from the floor to the ceiling provides ample natural light all day long. The bathroom features a vessel sink, Italian vanity, and custom tile. Master bathroom includes dual vanity and tub/shower. Washer and dryer in the unit. 215001703 Presented by Michelle Landry

Newly renovated. Socialize on the patio in the private fully fenced yard or walk around the corner to hang out at the gorgeous tree lined park. Sleek and stylish new kitchen fully opens to living room. The all stainless back splash and over island range hood are just a few of the modern details that give this home it’s unique appeal. The wood floors throughout have been newly restored to their original glory. Four comfortable bedrooms, a loft area upstairs, and a full bath on each level. Newer roof, double hung windows, copper plumbing, furnace, air conditioning, hot water tank and more. 215010991 Presented by Beth Watson

skbk.com Equal Housing Opportunity

248.644.7000

near or far

A Full Service Relocation Department with Distinguished Connections Helping our clients navigate the world of real estate is what sets us apart.

We are unmatched in our ability to connect buyers and sellers globally.

As a primary real estate brokerage for Cartus Relocation, a global leader in the relocation industry, SKBK Sotheby's International Realty participates in servicing relocation buyers coming into our area and sellers moving out of the area every day.

This is our world.

Because a home’s appeal extends far beyond what is near.

EXPERIENCE A WORLD OF CONNECTIONS With 740 offices in 52 counties, we are all encompassing. From the enchanting beauty of France to the age-old country that is Thailand.

Our locations may be abounding, but our unique-ness remains perfectly constant.

Susan Bailey susan.bailey@sothebysrealty.com f nf s@s bsc800.458.7356 m m 1mt14 14 46 415 S. Old8Woodward Ave. RoBirmingham, o d r r i Michigan i ha ga 48009 M i hi hai ag

. 0 04 00

m

LIKE NO OTHER YOUR HOME COULD HAVE COUNTLESS VISITORS this month, without your ever needing to open the door. To showcase your home on sothebysrealty.com, is to gain additional exposure on over 16 highly regarded websites around the globe. From the online digital network that is wsj.com, to the international luxury resource jameslist.com, introduce your home to those near and those far.

Because the more introductions, the more possibilities

This isis our our world. world.

This With views like these, you need not look further.

We appreciate the opportunity to impart the many reasons why SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty is like no other and hope that you will consider joining us in the pursuit of excellence to help carry on the ordinyary livesn . w y vision p of artfully euniting extraortrdinary homes with extram

e

n

t i

n

t

s

l

y p a

me

ra

h

ce

h l i

t nt e o n

iv s

FACES

Henry Jackson he Detroit Symphony Orchestra does a fantastic job of sparking musical interest in children from a young age, and 10-year-old Henry Jackson is living proof.

Henry, a fourth-grader at Conant Elementary School in Bloomfield Hills, was tagging along with his mother and older sister's Girl Scout Brownie troop to a children's concert and instrument petting zoo at the DSO. It was there his fascination with the violin started.

"He heard Mozart, and he kept humming it and playing air violin around the house," said Henry's mother, Pauline Jackson.

"My grandmother said 'maybe we should get him a violin,' and they did," Henry said.

Pauline took her then three-year-old son to the Suzuki Royal Oak Institute of Music to learn how to play the instrument. Last year, Henry was one of 13 young violinists to play in the International Youth Orchestra of the Americas, Level 1. The orchestra is made up of youngsters from North and Latin America, ages 9 and 10, who have reached a high level of ability.

"I started playing a little before I was four-yearsold," Henry said. "It was hard. At first, before I started playing, I would clap the rhythm along to 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star', and didn't play for a month or two. I spent a couple months learning to hold the violin and the bow, and clapping out rhythms that my teacher would play. The hard part was probably not being able to play it right."

Henry eventually got it right, and submitted an audition tape to play in the orchestra. For the audition, Henry played Vivaldi's 'Concerto in A Minor 3rd Movement'.

"They picked a piece that anyone in my age range could try out for, and play it with the piano," Henry said. "So we sent the video in, and they decided."

After practicing for several months, Henry traveled to Minneapolis for four days of rehearsals and a final concert at the city's convention center.

"It was really fun," Henry said. "We had very long rehearsals, but my teacher, Mr. Drake, was really good, and super funny, so that made the rehearsals very entertaining."

"It was four days long, and it was hours of rehearsing every day," Pauline said. "They didn't tell him right away how much work they would be doing because it seemed it would be overwhelming. But the conductor was so skilled that the kids were interested in rehearsing and engaged."

Henry, who will be eligible to try out again for the concert in 2016, said he plans to audition and hopes to participate again. The event and other concerts that he attends for his own listening enjoyment serve as a sense of motivation for more practicing.

"I usually practice for about a half-hour a day," Henry said. "Sometimes, I go to hear a professional violinist play, and then I'll play for like two hours after."

"He's taking more responsibility for his practicing," Pauline said. "He's good about getting it in on most days, but if he hears Joshua Bell or another professional play, it spurs him to play a lot.

Or if he goes to a summer institute, he can be very self-motivated."

T

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Laurie Tennent

O

utstanding Contemporary on the Shores of Lower Long Lake

Luxury abounds throughout this stunning 2005 Tobocman contemporary on nearly 2 acres overlooking Lower Long Lake. A generous foyer opens to the expansive great room accented by rich hardwood flooring, wall-inset gas fireplace, domed sky lights and floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking views. The gourmet granite kitchen, with access to a sweeping outdoor terrace, opens to the family room with handsome built-in cabinetry and fireplace.

The luxurious first-floor master suite, with lavish travertine master bath and two custom walk-in closets, offers both pond and lake views. A glass tile-enclosed indoor pool highlights the walkout lower level with large rec area and full kitchen. Entry and lower level laundry facilities. 230 feet of lake frontage. Attached 3-car garage.

Meredith Colburn 248.762.5319

Cindy Kahn 248.568.7309

MColburn@ HallandHunter.com

Cindy@ CindyKahn.com

442 S. Old Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009

MUNICIPAL City commissioners hear future plans

By Lisa Brody

Birmingham city commissioners held their 2015 long-range planning meeting on Saturday, January 31, and heard department heads provide them with committee updates and plans for where they would like to proceed in the upcoming year.

A significant part of the meeting centered on future parking development planning, presented by Birmingham engineer Paul O’Meara and planning director Jana Ecker.

The city’s ad hoc parking advisory committee had developed the document which offers the city options for parking in different areas of Birmingham. Parking in the downtown area has outgrown its capacity and the parking advisory committee was set up in 2014 to look at various ways to meet the needs of the growing business market, as well as shoppers coming in and out of downtown. The committee also looked at various options for the city’s Triangle District, as public parking is needed in order for the district to revitalize and grow.

“The parking demand has started to grow to the point where we cannot meet it for offices and those who want passes,” O’Meara told commissioners. He said they took counts of cars in the five parking garages in Birmingham in October and November 2014, at peak times between noon and 2 p.m. “We have short-term development needs and opportunities to develop for the long term on the southeastern parts of downtown,” noting the Peabody parking structure already is experiencing shortages.

Birmingham has five parking garages at pivotal points in the downtown area to accommodate shoppers, diners and office workers.

They are the Pierce Street structure; Park Street structure; Old Woodward structure; Peabody Street structure; and the Chester Street parking structure. The Auto Parking System constructed the five current structures from 1966 to 1989.

For the southeastern portion of downtown, an option the committee recommended is to expand the Pierce Street structure, for a cost of downtownpublications.com

Kidd Gallery bought and reopened

By Lisa Brody

he Robert Kidd Gallery has been purchased and reopened by a gallery owner from Hawaii who became intrigued by the gallery during a visit to Birmingham a few months ago, and upon discovering it was being closed as the original owners had died, decided to reestablish the gallery as well as expand its offerings.

Gerard Marti, along with his partner Jennifer Vinklarek, bought The Robert Kidd Gallery, and have reopened it, as well as expanded its hours and artists. “A few months ago I was in Birmingham for the first time, and I saw the gallery. I thought it was a beautiful space, and heard about how Ray (Fleming) and Robert had passed away, without any children, and their families were going to close the gallery, and I thought it was a shame,” Marti said. “I’m in the gallery business in Hawaii and California, and we decided to keep it open.”

The Robert Kidd Gallery, at 107 Townsend Street, was founded in 1976

by Kidd and Fleming, both graduates of the Cranbrook Academy of Art. The gallery, with over 5,000 square feet of exhibition space, always offered a wide array of abstract and realist paintings, sculpture and drawings. Exhibits over the years included works by Milton Avery, Harry Bertoia, John Chamberlain, Sam Gilliam, Larry Rivers, Hans Hoffman, Helen Frankenthaler, Alexander Calder, Deborah Butterfield, Franz Kline and Richard Diebenkorn.

Marti said the gallery will preserve the same vibrancy and goodwill that its founders established 40 years ago, and will continue to keep the artists they have shown throughout the years. In addition, they will be bringing in new artists, “some of which will be a surprise,” he said. “I specialize in artwork by famous people, such as Stephen Tyler, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ronnie Wood and others.”

He also has plans to show black and white and fine art photography, as well as host shows and events. Hours have been expanded to 9 p.m. weekdays, and 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Sundays are available by appointment.

Ben Kiehl, long time gallery director, remains with the Kidd Gallery, and Marti and Vinklarek are going back and forth to the west coast. “I moved here part-time to work with the gallery,” said Marti.

T

$9.5 million. “There is a future demand for 427 additional spaces in the south end of downtown,” O’Meara said. “We have the potential to add two floors of parking to the structure, with 280 spaces added.”

He noted that building it up would make it the same height as the nearby Townsend Hotel. Upon questioning, he said it is the only garage with the potential to have extras floors added to it.

A long-term option the committee examined is extending Bates Street and expanding the N. Old Woodward structure by utilizing the adjacent surface parking lot. Besides providing for more parking, the committee looked at four different options where the site could be edged with apartments or townhouses facing the adjacent Rouge River and around an expanded parking structure. Retail

could edge the development, particularly on Willits. An ideal way, the committee felt, would be to partner with a developer in a public/private partnership, with the city retaining the parking deck expansion area and providing parking to the developer for residential space, and retaining the remainder for public parking.

Four different options were presented at the meeting, where net gains of parking ranged from 48 spaces to 242 spaces. Similarly, costs for the project, which ranged in size and variations, spanned from $6.85 million to almost $20 million.

“There are plenty of options,” Ecker said. “The committee felt it was important to recommend to you something with the north end of town. The committee did not recommend a plan, but did feel it should be explored further.”

“There are a lot of variances in

DOWNTOWN

redesign that can occur. It can be deceiving,” said commissioner Mark Nickita. “The devil is in the details.”

“We’re talking about numbers here, not design,” noted mayor Stuart Sherman. “We’re trying to get the issues out and the discussion going. It’s a broad brush.”

O’Meara and Ecker said the city’s Triangle District, between Maple, Adams, Woodward, and Lincoln, already has a significant parking deficit, and they are recommending that for parking, the north side of Maple be included in a future assessment district. The approximate costs for a parking structure in the northern portion of the Triangle District is $14 million, including land acquisition costs.

“The northwest corner is an option, ideally integrated into a mixed use building,” Ecker said. “Its design and use would be different than how we’ve done it in the downtown area.”

There is a need for about 400 parking spaces in the northern area of the Triangle District, with the southern portion of the district needing at least 700 parking spaces.

“There’s a higher concentration of retail and commercial there,” she said. The approximate cost for a structure in that area, including land acquisition, is approximately $21 million, leaving Birmingham with future parking need totals of between $51.4 million and $64.1 million.

While it was acknowledged that the parking system self-funds some of its needs, there is a demand for new money as well. Some funding mechanisms that will be sought out will be public/private partnerships, and another will be purchasing land, as well as selling paved land that may be purchased and not needed.

City attorney Tim Currier said they will need to seek approval from residents of a charter amendment to sell any properties purchased after a certain date solely for the purpose of acquiring for parking, “for flexibility of the city commission to assemble property for a parking structure, so we don’t get caught with property that we can’t use and have to dispose of in the future.”

There was also discussion about establishing a corridor improvement authority, if properties are 95

reate your dream home in 2015

HOME ADDITIONS WHOLE HOUSE RENOVATIONS KITCHEN & BATH REMODELING NEW CONSTRUCTION

BASEMENT AND LOWER LEVELS EXTERIOR MAKEOVERS OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES WINDOW AND DOOR REPLACEMENT

DESIGN/BUILD SPECIALIST

248.655.5580 • 1206 N. LAFAYETTE • ROYAL OAK, MI 48067 • VIEW OUR PORTFOLIO AT WWW.KASTLERCONSTRUCTION.COM

redeveloped, to capture taxes that could be placed in a separate fund and used for parking initiatives. By setting 2014 as a base year, as property values have stabilized, Ecker said, between 2015 and 2040, the city could conservatively capture about $39 million.

“This is a primary mechanism that wouldn’t cost the taxpayers anything,” she said.

Other topics discussed at the meeting were construction projects for the next few years in downtown Birmingham. In 2015, the area around the gates of the Chester Street structure will be redesigned and moved inside the garage, and Martin Street will become a two-way street from Southfield Road to Pierce Street, O’Meara said. An adjacent corner of Maple and Chester will be reconstructed. In addition, Hamilton Alley will be replaced with new sewers and concrete.

In 2016, Hamilton and Park streets will undergo complete reconstruction, with new sewer, water, concrete, sidewalk, lighting and streets.

The following year, 2017, will include the complete rebuilding of Maple Road between Bates and Woodward. O’Meara said federal money will be obtained, and sewer, water mains, sidewalks, streetlights and pavement will be replaced. In 2018, Old Woodward will receive the same treatment from Willits to Brown, including two traffic signals. In 2019, Old Woodward will be completed down to Landon.

City manager Joe Valentine noted, “These projects will cut through the core of the downtown. Now is the time to start the dialogue on how it will impact the retailers, businesses and residents.”

Nickita concurred. “Three-quarters of our main streets in downtown will be rebuilt in the next few years.

That’s very disruptive. We have to be sure we design them as a unit.”

Next O’Meara introduced a concept to cut operational costs at the parking garages, which are now fully automated. He recommended changing local command from the Chester garage to a remote command center in Austin, TX, with two-way cameras installed in the garage, for a savings to the city of $101,933 annually. downtownpublications.com

Crime down in Birmingham, police say he Birmingham Police Department released its 2014 annual report on January 12, showing a fiscally sound department with a stable number of police officers in a year with a reduction in all kinds of crime.

In 2014, the department responded to 17,678 calls for service, a decline of 3.78 percent from 2013, when there were 18,372 calls. In 2008, the department handled over 20,100 calls.

Birmingham Police Chief Don Studt wrote in the report that as in 2013, there were no homicides in the city. There were two incidents of criminal sexual conduct, compared to three incidents in 2013. There were 26 burglaries, down from 32 in 2013, and 156 larcenies, rather than the 187 that year. In 2012, there were 237 larcenies.

“The number (of burglaries) is, frankly, astounding particularly in light of the fact that there are over 10,000 residential, commercial and industrial properties listed in the city,” said Studt.

Adult arrests overall were down last year from the previous year, 524 from 586 arrests, while 28 juveniles were arrested, compared to 33 in 2013. There were 57 incidents of vandalism, while in 2013 there were 58. There were two less vehicle thefts, 13 rather than 15. Both years police arrested 110 people for driving while impaired.

Studt wrote in the report that the retirement in 2014 of the city’s K-9 officer “prompted us to analyze the program and we have concluded not to fund this operation.”

The department has expanded its reach in cooperative efforts with other departments by supplying one officer to the multi-jurisdictional special investigative unit, comprised of officers from Auburn Hills, Bloomfield Township and Troy.

The department spent $185,000 in drug forfeiture funds to enhance the video camera system in 2014, adding high definition digital cameras, 32 more cameras, and an improved wireless network integrating the cameras in the parks and city.

T

The Austin company would track all reasons for calls, would provide instant access and allow for processing of lost and unreadable tickets to ensure maximum revenue capture, he said. There are start up costs, but great savings, he said.

“This is technology that is transforming the parking industry. I am going to be asking for $175,000 in the upcoming budget to begin implementing this,” he said.

Birmingham Fire Chief Mike Metz told commissioners the department has been budgeting for a new Chesterfield fire station for several years.

“This year, it will be 60 years old,” he said. “Next year, we will be finalizing its plans and building it in 2016.”

It will need to be larger than the current house as fire trucks are much bigger than they were in 1955 when the current station was built.

Metz said he expects costs to be about $200 a square foot, not including demolition, generator, LEED certification and furniture.

They are currently working to

determine where on the large lot at the corner of Chesterfield and Maple a new station will be placed.

He noted that in 2014, 52 percent of runs were medical and only 2 percent were fire. After discussions with commissioners, it was determined to relocate personnel to the Adams Square station for the duration of construction rather than renting temporary housing because all ambulances come out of Adams Square.

The last presentation was from Doug Koschik, director of the Baldwin Public Library. “In the aftermath of last year’s library proposal (which lost a public bond vote in May), the library board wanted to due something,” he said.

“There is value in improving the library experience and getting people to return. Libraries have become laboratories for innovation, learning commons, quiet and reflective spaces, especially here, where the demographics skew towards seniors.”

He acknowledged they are looking to a future no one knows, but

DOWNTOWN

the library board wants to do an interior renovation of the adult services department, which is inside the Birkerts addition. “We’ll do the others after this is done,” he said.

“It’s been largely untouched for 30 years. We’d also do the entrance and some parts of the original 1927 building.”

Some of the proposed library improvements included updating technology, wired and wireless; improving layouts, lighting, acoustics, and signage; adding more study and collaborative spaces; and providing new adult services.

“We need to make it more attractive, coordinating the design, lighting, colors. We also need to make it ADA-compliant,” he said.

Koschik said they want to move the computer lab to the main floor as many people don’t realize it’s in the lower level, and be a place for people to create videos, crafts, music, robotics and provide and 3-D printers. “We have to have flexible space because things will change,” he said. “The quiet space will center on the 1927 building in the Grand Hall.”

He said they had begun a request for proposal for designs and asked commissioners if it was okay to proceed.

“Our timeline is such that we would like to issue the RFP in February, select an architect in April; between April and August develop a plan; and in August present the plan to the public; and come to the commission in October, with implementation in 2016. The library is willing to pay for an architect, but we estimate the cost of the project as $1.5 million to $1.75 million. We have some money saved from unrestricted gifts, and could maybe fund $500,000. We’re asking you if you think we could increase the library millage above the current 1.1 mills to raise $200,000 per year, or perhaps obtain a temporary loan from the city to allow the project to be completed, coupled with an increased millage, to not do the project in stages.”

Sherman replied that this meeting was just informatory and there would be no discussions or answers.

97

Birmingham hOmES SOLD

BLOOmFiELD twp hOmES SOLD

MUNICIPAL The Woodward plan for redo okayed

By Lisa Brody

Real estate developer Jeff Surnow received unanimous approval from the Birmingham Historic District Commission on Wednesday, February 4, for exterior renovation of the David Wachler building at 100 S. Old Woodward, which Surnow plans to completely renovate and call The Woodward. “I’m so excited,� Surnow said. “I’m excited for us, but also for the city, because we’re giving them a diamond.�

Surnow, who purchased and renovated the former Birmingham Post Office and Birmingham Schools Administrative building, both in downtown Birmingham, purchased the building at 100 S. Old Woodward in June 2014.

He initially debated taking the building down and rebuilding a fivestory mixed use building, or adding

on additional floors, but after much research and analysis, has decided to keep the footprint of the building the same, with retail on the first floor and business/commercial on the second.

Surnow said he will now begin creating plans and will move forward to begin full renovation of the building. He said he does not need any further board or commission approvals prior to getting permits.

Drawings created by architect Kevin Biddison of Birmingham show a renovation of the current two-story building, lightened by removing all of the black window glass, and architecturally defining it through the use of organic materials as well as creating grand entrances at both the Old Woodward and Maple sides of the building, as well as punching up the Pierce Street side. “I’m jazzed. I’ve got a vision of how this building should look,�

Surnow said. “This is such a significant piece of real estate. If I

EXPERIENCE

OF PASSION & EXPERTISE

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM AT

248.669.3500 A+ Rating with BBB

3081 Haggerty, Suite 1, Walled Lake, MI 48390

www.newmyer.com Some restrictions apply

•BATHS •KITCHENS •ADDITIONS•WINE •WINDOWS •WINE CELLARS •DOORS made•Cabinetry in Michigan •KITCHENS •ADDITIONS •WINDOWS CELLARS •DOORS •Cabinetry made in•Cabinetry Michigan •KITCHENS •ADDITIONS •WINDOWS •WINE CELLARS •DOORS made in Michigan downtownpublications.com

DOWNTOWN

101

Quarton Lake Frontage

Quarton Lake Views

Imagine owning your very own private, new construction, luxury resort, nestled on the only remaining lot in Quarton Lake with views of the waterfall, lake, park & river. Beyond the electric gated entrance with camera and alarm system, sits this exceptional private estate. Generous open floor plan. Stunning great room perfect for entertaining shares a dual sided fireplace with elegant study. Cooks kitchen with top of the line stainless steel appliances, rich exotic wood cabinetry, walk-in pantry and command center. Master suite features a fireplace and its own private patio, spacious spa like master bath with freestanding tub, walk-in shower and beautiful custom closet/dressing areas. Approximately 8000 sq ft of finished living space, walkout lower level with climate controlled wine room, full bar area and spa/sauna. Handcrafted mill work, impeccable materials and gorgeous architectural details throughout.

Ready Fall 2015. 215012288

Great Lakes Custom Builder presents a spectacular East Coast Traditional Custom Luxury Home designed by Alex Bogaearts features four bedrooms, 5.3 baths with stunning panoramic views of Quarton Lake.This exceptional home features a warm and inviting cooks kitchen with gorgeous custom cabinetry, top of the line appliances marble/quartz surfaces throughout. This timeless and classically finished home features an impressive two story grand foyer with barrel ceiling and magnificent staircase, warm hardwood flooring throughout, handcrafted mill work, paneled library, generous rooms and fabulous floor plan for entertaining and living. Large master suite with fireplace, custom closets, spacious and luxurious master bath with exquisite finishes. Finished lower level with climate controlled wine room, full bar, powder room plus additional 5th bedroom with full bath. Ready Summer 2015.

215012434

Birmingham $1,699,000 Fabulous New Construction 4100 Sq Ft, 4 BR, 4.2 BA 3 Car Attached Garage

Birmingham $1,549,000 Exquisite Details and Craftsmanship 4433 Sq Ft, 4 BR, 4.2 BA 2 Car Attached Garage

Birmingham $959,000 Gorgeous New Construction 2850 Sq Ft, 4 BR, 4.1 BA 2 Car Detached Garage

Royal Oak $670,000 Stunning Craftsman 2 Story 3190 Sq Ft, 4 BR, 3.1 BA 2 Car Attached Garage t

ac

Rochester Hills $234,000 Generous Open Floor Plan 1466 Sq Ft, 3 BR, 1.1 BA 2 Car Attached Garage

All Star

o

r de

U

n

C

Troy $489,000 Inviting and Spacious 3290 Sq Ft, 4 BR, 2.1 BA 2 Car Attached Garage

Marketing a home requires unique skills, knowledge and resources that SKBK Sotheby's International Realty offers its clients. I would welcome the opportunity to offer you a confidential marketing analysis.

Christine Drinkwater

Associate Broker

r nt

415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

248-283-8315 cdrinkwater@skbk.com

renovate it, we need to do something exciting. I like things that are different. I want it to be a very 21st century building, with classic lines you won’t get tired of looking at, and I won’t get tired of owning.

“What office tenants like are floorto-ceiling glass,” he noted. The current office entrance, on Maple just east of Pierce street, is currently innocuous, and Surnow said he intends to make a grand entrance in the same location, with glass and a thin canopy above. Designs show a fluid-formed metal which will rust naturally, adding both design and color to the building as well as emphasis to the entranceway. The Old Woodward entranceway’s design has a strong black stone canopy which rises above the entrance, creating a statement of elegance and grandeur.

Financial advisory panel appointed

By Lisa Brody

The Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees reviewed 20 applicants for its new financial sustainability committee and appointed three members of the public, as well as trustee Brian Kepes, on Monday, February 9.

After a lengthy discussion and three rounds of voting, trustees approved the appointments of David Petoskey, Joe Moynihan and Sean Smyth as committee members.

At their January 12 meeting, trustees approved the formation of a financial sustainability committee comprised of the township supervisor, treasurer, finance director,

a trustee and three members of the community with financial knowledge in order to provide advisement to the board of trustees on the township’s defined benefit pension plan as well as other financial issues.

Supervisor Leo Savoie first broached the topic of an advisory board at a September 2014 study session, after concerns arose among trustees over fees paid to Gregory J. Schwartz & Company, the investment advisor the township used on an $80-million bond issue in 2013. The issue of the fees, and whether township treasurer Dan Devine and the investment advisory firm took the time to make sure township board members understood the nuances of the fees for the recommended investments, was then followed up in December 2014 with the information that the township’s defined benefit pension plan, held and monitored by Prudential Retirement, had not only been underperforming and consistently meeting its benchmarks, but was in fact forcing the township to raid the equity account held by Schwartz to fund its benefits.

From that study session, information provided by Devine to the trustees revealed that Prudential needed approximately $20 million over its projections, in 2014 to fund the township’s account.

The creation of the financial sustainability committee is designed to assist the treasurer and trustees in making better informed financial decisions, but it will only be an advisory committee.

Applicants to the committee had

Bloomfield Hills updates, streamlines sign ordinance Bloomfield Hills City Commissioners unanimously approved an update of the city’s sign ordinance on Tuesday, February 10.

Updating and streamlining the requirements and restrictions mandated in the city had been a priority for city manager Jay Cravens, as well as the city’s master plan had called for an update.

“I had concerns about it before because it had a nine-page table of restrictions and requirements.

It detailed sizes, what kinds of signs, colors,

to be residents and over 18. The township was interested in qualified candidates who were investment advisement advisors, pension attorneys, and actuaries with specific experience in public sector finances.

“Every one is so impressive, with the quality of the individual and the willingness to work with the township, it’s too bad we can’t set up a committee as a roundtable just to meet with them once a month,” said supervisor Leo Savoie.

Early in the discussion, two candidates were disqualified, one because he was not a township resident; the other because his resume and application was submitted late.

“We came up with certain criteria at the last meeting,” said trustee Corinne Khederian. “One was timeliness; the other was residency, and I don’t think they should be considered.”

The first round of voting came up with seven candidates for three positions, and led to subsequent discussions amongst trustees, as treasurer Dan Devine objected to Moynihan’s inclusion based upon previous interactions he had with him.

“There is one individual in the list of seven that would raise a conflict of interest or impropriety,” said Devine.

“There is a situation going back to December of 2013, where there was a conversation with me, this individual, and then I brought in Leo, and this individual was aggressive.

And I said he could only get information on our investments

everything in those nine pages, plus, there were a couple pages of footnotes,” Cravens said. “My background, being an urban planner, you don’t put regulations in footnotes. I felt it was time to update and streamline it.”

Presented at a public hearing at the February 10 meeting, each section in the new two-page ordinance document has a title which clearly spells out which signs need a permit and which are excluded.

Still prohibited in the city are billboards of any kind, signs on roofs, certain lighting, search lights, “snipe” signs, which might be attached to phone poles advertising items, or “bandit” signs, quick

through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). I personally felt physically threatened by him. He has not been forthcoming about his relationship with Gregory Schwartz & Company. He said he was just a concerned citizen when he had a conflict of interest. He was a competitor and he lost out on a contract and it’s sour grapes. He just wrote a letter to the editor to Downtown Publications (February 2015) showing a serious bias against me. We need people who are objective and going to come in here and have a fresh perspective, and I don’t think this person, who would be aggressive against me. He didn’t have the qualification to be an actuary. I’ve checked.”

Khederian countered, “I would say all of these people we are considering are competitors to Schwartz. Anyone in this I would consider qualified.”

“It’s the way the person presented himself,” Devine objected.

“If someone asked me if you bid against someone and you lost out, I’d consider that life,” said Khederian.

“I was at that meeting, and I did not feel threatened,” Savoie said. “He spoke very forcefully. As for sour grapes, someone in the business said, you win some, you lose some.

He (Moynihan) is a very talented individual in the business world. He is very strong-minded and convicted.”

Kepes, who said he had met with Moynihan in the past year over his concerns regarding the township’s investments, said, “He is very passionate. He is looking at it for

temporary signs in roads alerting drivers.

According to the new ordinance, some temporary signs, such as real estate signs and political signs, do not require permits, nor do ‘no trespassing’ and ‘no soliciting’ signs.

The city still requires signs to be in black and gold, but the new ordinance defines the shades so there is less confusion.

It also prohibits oversized flags, and only allows flags which are proportionate to the size of its pole.

“We combined a lot of uses. It’s now two pages.

The people who use it will see the difference,” Cravens said.

Maureen Conwell 248.787.4612 La Positano was voted the Best idea ShowHouse at the Ultimate Homearama in Oakland Township. The 7,165 sq. ft. modern Italian Villa boasts 7 awesome outdoor rooms, a spectacular Great Hall, organic greenhouse and more.

La Positano is priced at $2.8 million.

MLS 214101165 Inquire about $200,000 corporate lease-back option.

Vito Terracciano 248.835.4796

Only 10 heavily-wooded sites are available for custom estate building by Arteva Homes.

Homesites range from 1.01 acres up to 2.70 acres. The gated community features a 120’ long bridge overlooking Vhay Lake and a natural wildlife preservation area. Barton Hills represents the last remaining sites of their kind in the City of Bloomfield Hills.

Homes priced from $2.5 million.

A select number of sites are available for custom building by Arteva Homes in Oakland Township.

A professionally attended gatehouse enhances the privacy of this pristine 100-acre sanctuary with its woodlands, ponds and waterfalls.

Brian Szliter 248.835.4796

Award-winning idea ShowHouse is available for sale! Over 7,000 sq. ft. of absolute luxury including finished lower level with indoor sports court. Professional grade kitchen with Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances. Open daily for viewing.

Mike Mason 248.762.5180

The Sinclair is priced at $1.8 million.

MLS 215003570 Inquire about $200,000 corporate lease-back option.

Call us today if you’re in the market for buying or selling a home.

Discover The Fine Art of Home Services

Homes priced from $1,850,000.

MLS 214124982 The developer is extending an exclusive landscape credit up to $125,000 for a limited time.

Unbelievable value in Rochester Hills! Located off Avon Rd., between Rochester and John R Rds. New community showcasing Arteva Homes’ amazing Yacht Series plans. Premium daylight and walkout lots available.

Genna Weidman 586.713.4320

Homes priced from the low $400,000’s.

MLS 215003572

248.731.0048 arterrarealty.com 439 S. Main Street, Suite 102, Rochester, MI 48307

immediacy, and I think those are good things.”

“I told him to cease trying to harm Schwartz’ relationship with the township,” Devine said. “I told Schwartz and Prudential that Moynihan had to FOIA for any information. It will not be a productive committee if Moynihan is on it.”

“I hear what you are saying Dan, but I’m not comfortable with what you are saying and the board making the decision on it. Leo was in that meeting and did not feel you were threatened. I’m very uncomfortable with the way you are describing this person I have never met. We’re opening up to a lawsuit,” said Khederian.

Savoie noted, “When I read that resume, that’s exactly what I’m looking for with the situation we’re in right now.”

“It’s one of the strongest resumes,” trustee Neal Barnett said.

downtownpublications.com

“Passion is what we’re looking for. I want people to disagree. I want people to be passionate.”

Devine made a motion to disqualify Moynihan, but it failed, 25, for lack of support, with only himself and David Buckley supporting it.

Trustees voted to approve David Petoskey, 7-0; Moynihan, 5-2, with Devine and Buckley voting against; and Sean Smyth, 7-0.

Trustees unanimously voted to appoint Kepes as the designated trustee on the committee.

After the meeting, Devine confirmed to Downtown Publications that he had provided both Schwartz and Prudential with all of the submitted applications for their review, prior to the board of trustees meeting.

“I was just following the resolution, in order to treat the vendors fairly. I was looking for full disclosure. I wouldn’t want them to

work with the vendors if there was a conflict of interest, where if somebody was employed by one of the vendors or shared clients with one of the vendors,” Devine said. “I thought it was part of due diligence.

There was nothing confidential there.”

The first meeting of the financial stability committee will take place at Bloomfield Township Hall on Monday, February 24.

Senior living facility given liquor permit All Seasons of Birmingham, a new senior living facility under construction on E. Maple, received approval for an economic development liquor license from the Birmingham City Commission on Monday, February 9, following consideration of a special land use permit and final site plan.

The four-story mixed use senior

DOWNTOWN

living facility, located at 111 Elm Street at E. Maple, is currently under construction and is slated to open in either June or July of this year. The facility will offer 131 units as a maintenance free rental alternative for seniors. The full service building will have many accessory uses for residents, including a banking center, cleaners and room for a restaurant and bar.

Birmingham planner Matt Baka informed commissioners that All Seasons came before the planning board and received recommendation for approval of an economic development license on December 10. Baka said All Seasons was not proposing any changes to the building, but seeking an economic development license in order to serve alcoholic beverages to residents and their guests before and during dinner.

He explained that the main criteria for an economic development license, which was established in the city’s code, is whether the

105

RENEE LOSSIA ACHO EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN AGENT AND AN EXPERT

The Truth is in the Numbers:

• Over $40 Million in Birmingham & Bloomfield Sales Annually 2012, 2013 & 2014 • $25 Million Pending and Sold YTD 2015 • $300 Million Area Sales Since 2005 • Birmingham’s Top Selling Agent 2013 & 2014 • Wall Street Journal / Real Trends Top Agent 2011, 2012, 2013 • Hour Detroit Magazine Real Estate All-Star 2011, 2012, 2013

The Strength of 3: Renee and her team work collaboratively as consultants to market, sell or find the perfect home by assessing and tailoring a plan specific to each client’s goal. The strength of each member ties the process together seamlessly from initial contact to closing. The results speak for themselves... so do her clients: “Renee is a magician, and she and her assistant Carrie were fantastic. Renee sold our house and saved the deal when it almost fell through. Next, she found the perfect condo for us and performed her magic again. In the face of multiple offers, her expertise and advice allowed us to secure our new home. We have complete faith and trust in Renee and her team.”

Amanda Fisher Renee Lossia Acho Top Producer Buyers Agent

Carrie Clement Client Relations

– Lenny Hutton

TOP PRODUCER | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014

BIRMINGHAM’S TOP SELLING AGENT 2013 AND 2014

- NEW PRICE -

- NEW TO MARKET -

BIRMINGHAM

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP

BIRMINGHAM

1073 Pleasant St.| $1,699,900

6160 Westmoor Road | $1,550,000

1540 Pierce St. | $949,000

4 Bedrooms 5 Full, 2 Half Baths 5,000 Square Feet MLS# 214113113

Stunning brand new construction on corner lot of prestigious street.

Magnificent details. 1st floor master retreat.

Over 1 Acre 4 Full, 1 Half Baths 4,500 Square Feet MLS# 214101803

Dramatic contemporary 4 Bedrooms built in 2009 set on 1+ acre. 2 Full, 1 Half Baths Open floor plan with warm 3,356 Square Feet woods & clean lines. StateMLS# 215008300 of-the-art kitchen.

Stylish custom-built home with soaring ceilings & huge windows. Master with fireplace & walk-out terrace.

Finished LL with 5th bedroom.

- NEW TO MARKET -

- NEW PRICE -

- NEW PRICE -

BIRMINGHAM

BIRMINGHAM

BIRMINGHAM

999 W. Southlawn Blvd. | $624,900

962 Humphrey Ave. | $559,000

1661 Maryland Blvd. | $485,000

4 Bedrooms 2 Full, 1 Half Baths 2,700 Square Feet MLS# 215011269

2015 complete renovation: new kitchen, floors, baths, exterior, trim & much more!

Open floor plan with finished lower level. Fenced lot.

3 Bedrooms 2 Full, 2 Half Baths 2,000 Square Feet MLS# 214126576

Newer construction close to town. Cherry/granite kitchen opens to dining room & sun-filled family room.

Finished lower level.

4 Bedrooms 2 Full Baths 2,000 Square Feet MLS# 215011456

Completely renovated colonial close to town.

Great open floor plan.

Stylish sunlit granite white kitchen. Finished lower level.

248.310.1414 Renee@ReneeAcho.com | ReneeAcho.com

442 S. Old Woodward Ave. | Birmingham, MI

MUNICIPAL

number of the investment is considered substantial enough of an investment in the city. “There must be a 500 percent increase in the assessed value post-construction over the pre-developed assessed value, or a minimum assessed investment of $10 million, whichever is less,” Baka said. “For this project, there was a 2,486 percent increase in assessed value, and an investment of $18 million, so they meet both criteria.”

Other criteria includes the ability to finance the project, which Baka said they had; adequate site plan, and he said there were no concerns; the establishment must be within the economic development map, which it is; and the extent of the cuisine offered is varied from what is represented in the city.

“This is a little unique because it’s more of a private establishment, although they did turn in menus indicating a rotating menu changing daily and weekly,” Baka said. “It is quite an extensive menu that they propose.”

All Seasons projects to sell 90 percent food, and 10 percent alcohol.

There are two other All Seasons facilities in the metro area; one in West Bloomfield and another in Rochester Hills.

“We’re building a modern senior living facility. It’s not like a typical bar,” said Bob Goyette, executive vice president, senior division, Beztak, the developer and manager of All Seasons. “Typically, our residents enjoy a drink before, during, and maybe a little after dinner. It’s for residents and their families, not for the general public.”

Some commissioners were concerned about the limited parking at and around the site. Goyette said they had purchased an adjacent property that will have 40 parking spaces, and they will offer full service valet. An attorney for Beztak noted that they do not believe serving alcohol will increase traffic to the site, and that they had already met the city’s parking requirements.

“I’d be hard pressed to reject the liquor license because of parking,” said commissioner Gordon Rinschler.

“I don’t see how it makes a difference to the parking.”

Commissioner Mark Nickita agreed. “We need to find a larger 108

Pre-emptive city standards set for DTE

A

resolution directing DTE Energy and Consumers Energy to work with city staff on a reasonable tree trimming plan when they come into Birmingham in 2015 was adopted by the Birmingham City Commission on Monday, February 9.

The commission action follows controversy created in Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills where DTE clear cut a large number of trees in recent months.

City manager Joe Valentine told commissioners that “based on an order from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), DTE had to develop the Ground To Sky program. That program is an interpretation of the MPSC (Michigan Public Service Commission), and not a direct order of the MPSC; there’s a lot of latitude that DTE has.”

He acknowledged that DTE has currently taken a step back from its program and is currently meeting and working with Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township about what works best for those communities.

“Based on my conversations with DTE, they are prepared to take some action in Birmingham in 2015. In preparation for them coming into Birmingham, I wanted to take some action, at least prepare a resolution recommending parameters, initiating discussions in advance of any work to be done and putting some conditions on that work so the best possible solution can be achieved,” Valentine said.

Commissioner Mark Nickita asked what the city’s ability is to work with DTE. “They have rights and right-of-ways,” he said. “To what degree do we have the right to direct the clear cutting?”

Valentine said, “As a result of what happened (in Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township), we’re saying we know we’re on the schedule for this year, so prior to their coming to town, we want to be ahead of them. The resolution is providing direction, a work with them approach.

We want the same approach as Bloomfield Township has.”

The resolution initially requested 15 days notice of DTE coming in for tree clearing or trimming, but commissioners felt that was too short of notice, and requested 30 days.

Commissioner Gordon Rinschler pointed out that the resolution was in many ways a political statement, pointing out that DTE could still do what they wanted.

Valentine agreed, noting that it was a resolution the city can’t enforce. “They’re not subject to our ordinances but to the MSPC.” scale solution to parking in the Triangle District,” he said. “We want to do all we can to make that project a success and this seems to enhance it.”

Commissioners voted 5-1 to approve the economic development license for All Seasons, with mayor Stuart Sherman not in attendance and commissioner Rackeline Hoff voting against.

“If there isn’t a liquor license, maybe the families will pick up their families and eat out in a restaurant in Birmingham,” she said.

Township, city meet with DTE officials Representatives from DTE met with Bloomfield Township Supervisor Leo Savoie, Bloomfield Hills City

Manager Jay Cravens, state Rep. Mike McCready (R-Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Birmingham) and other community representatives in a follow up meeting on Friday, February 6, to discuss DTE’s clear cutting of decade-old trees along majestic streets and in backyards in December 2014, with DTE agreeing to change the clear cutting policy.

Savoie said that DTE representatives said they will change their policy, called Ground to Sky, because everything from ground-to-sky was removed. DTE performed this form of tree clear cutting along Kensington Road and adjacent streets in Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township in December to alleviate excessive power outages in the eastern portion of Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield

DOWNTOWN

Township following nine power outages in that area in 2014.

Residents were upset following the extensive tree removal, many of whom asserted they came home to discover numerous trees on their property had been removed with no notice from the public utility. Some residents lost 40 to 50 trees in the back of their property, removing the canopy of trees and privacy they had treasured and which had increased the value of the property.

Attorney Geoffrey Feiger filed a $54 million class action lawsuit in Oakland County Circuit Court against DTE and Davey Tree on Wednesday, January 21, on behalf of residents who were victims of the clear cutting.

Savoie said he was sending a draft policy to DTE which the company agreed to follow. While Cravens and Bloomfield Hills had wanted to go underground with electric wiring, “the cost is so prohibitive, it’s not worth going forward on,” Savoie said. “Just for Bloomfield Hills, it would be $385 million. It didn’t make any economic sense.”

Savoie did acknowledge that on major roads in both the city and the township, DTE explained that “you have to cut a 20-foot swatch to get the trenching you need so you lose all the growth. They have stopped all the cutting for now, and we’ll go over the areas in the field where they will go over and need to cut. In the future, they will meet with the homeowner and mark the tree, and if the homeowner is adamantly against it, they won’t do it.”

Future work will be coordinated with Hubbell Roth & Clark, the engineering firm used by both Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills..

“I called HRC and told them about our conversations, and they said if DTE calls them, they will mark the trees,” Savoie said.

He said DTE still takes the point of view that they do have the right of way in easements to take any and all trees down that they view are necessary to prevent power outages.

If problems with homeowners continue, both Savoie and Cravens urge residents to let them know.

03.15

A

rtfully uniting extraordinary properties with extraordinary lives.

SKBK SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

WELCOMES BETH WATSON

Beth has a 360-degree view of the real estate industry through her vast experience in marketing, market research, investing, construction, design and business management.

“SKBK Sotheby's International Realty offers my clients the best marketing, technology and exposure no other brokerage offers.”

bwatson@skbk.com

415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

248-342-9268

EDUCATION $66 million bond vote set for May

By Lisa Brody

The Birmingham Schools Board of Education approved a $66 million bond proposition for the May 5 election at their meeting on Tuesday, January 10, designed to provide funds to the schools for building and site upgrades, technology improvements, instructional upgrades, and safety and security improvements without increasing the tax rates of residents.

The bond would provide the district with funds earmarked for necessary improvements to instructional spaces, buildings and sites, technology, and safety and security while maintaining the existing school debt levy at 3.9 mills, or a zero increase of the debt millage rate.

“The reason for the May election is that we are in the unique position to retire some old bonds with zero

increase to the current debt millage rate, and these are very low borrowing times. We are able to borrow over the short-term so we will pay off the bonds before they are due,” said Birmingham Schools spokesperson Marcia Wilkinson.

“The May (bond millage) passage allows us to begin planning over the summer, and we believe that will allow us to receive more competitive pricing.”

If passed, the school bond would provide 40 percent of its funding to building and site upgrades, where a significant number of infrastructure needs in the district’s 13 schools have been identified. The district is looking to make building and site upgrades including door, window and floor replacement, upgrades to HVAC, plumbing and electric, and roof upgrades, as well as to provide energy savings.

“We’re at the point that if a roof collapses or a boiler breaks, we’d have to dip into operating funds, which is our

educational/instructional funds. We don’t want to have to go into those funds,” Wilkinson said.

Thirty-three percent of the bond funds are earmarked for technology upgrades, which the board feels are critical for students to interact and compete in a global environment, Wilkinson said. In addition to technology replacements and upgrades in instructional spaces, the district’s building and network systems will be upgraded.

Instructional improvements and upgrades will receive 22 percent of designated funds, based on a thorough needs assessment conducted in 2014 by the administration, in order to maintain functional and appropriate instructional spaces. Upgrades would encompass technology, including student devices, interactive projectors, whiteboards, sound amplification systems, and other items in classrooms; and upgrades for improvements to the Science, Technology, Engineering

and Mathematics (STEM) classrooms, high school performing arts spaces, collaboration spaces, and furniture replacement, Wilkinson said.

In a continuing effort to provide heightened safety and security, five percent of the bond money would be used for school entrance restructuring in every school with new secure vestibules with A/V access control systems. Other safety upgrades would include replacing fire alarm systems, PA systems, and adding ADA ramps.

“Our district is facing the same funding concerns as the rest of the schools throughout the state. A ‘yes’ vote from the community on this no tax increase bond would allow us to preserve our much needed general fund dollars to use in our classrooms, while making vital changes to our buildings,” said Dr. Daniel Nerad, BPS superintendent. “We have focused our planning in the areas of safety and security, instructional area upgrades, building and site

Our relationships make a profound impact on student learning.

Roeper teachers develop a meaningful relationship with each student. When students feel known and valued, they feel comfortable taking learning risks — they discover their voices, think outside the box, and become passionate learners.

Personal Interviews & Tours daily by appointment, or join us for an Open House …

Lower School: March 10 at 9am Middle/Upper School: March 15 at 1pm Preschool – Grade 1: March 28, 10am – Noon

THE ROEPER SCHOOL impact your world WWW.ROEPER.ORG 248.203.7317

the roeper school is an equal-opportunity institution

downtownpublications.com

DOWNTOWN

111

Don’t Try to Tackle it Yourself.

Hire the Real Estate Professional that Will Arrange it All for You!

Max Broock Realtors . Bloomfield Hills

248.644.4700

maxbroock.com/bloomfieldhills

4130 Telegraph Road . Bloomfield Hills . Michigan 48302

work and technology, knowing that this is how we can best serve our students and the community.�

Board president Geri Rinschler noted that a needs assessment done by the administration revealed an equivalent need of $104 million, but Nerad and his staff categorized urgent needs. “It’s facilities, it’s instruction, it’s technology, it’s security,� she noted. “My concern is about all of the items. I’m just as concerned about the potholes in the parking lot where kids could twist their ankles and fall.� “Interestingly, they are seeking the max amount possible without incurring the label of, ‘tax increase’,� said Jonathon Hofley, who was at the meeting and said he feels it’s wrong to have these issues voted on in a May election where voter turnout is historically very low. “Additionally, I think the board will regret pushing the bond for the May election knowing beforehand that it will be paired with what is sure to be

a contentious (state) sales tax increase vote. I have concerns about the district’s inability to eliminate their deficit prior to requesting a bond renewal.�

Basketball coach forced to resign The Bloomfield Hills High School varsity basketball coach resigned, effective Thursday, February 5, after a district investigation of two interactions the coach had with basketball players which were found to be “unacceptable.�

According to Bloomfield Hills Schools spokesperson Shira Good, on February 5, Bloomfield Hills Schools administrators were made aware of two incidents which occurred during practice Wednesday, February 4, involving varsity basketball head coach Duane Graves, and two student athletes on the basketball team. According to the investigation, the district found that during the evening basketball practice on

February 4, Graves became upset with a player on the team and used his palm to slap the player on the face.

Graves told administrators that he spoke with the student and apologized for his actions.

During the same practice, Graves touched another player’s hair and reportedly made a reference to his “nappy hair�. Again, Graves later apologized to the student for the incident.

Over the course of their investigation, district administrators found that the players do not believe that Graves intended to hurt either student, and and they asked both students if they were alright at the end of the basketball practice, according to Good.

Graves contacted the schools’ administration early on Thursday, February 5, to apologize for his actions and offer his resignation, which was accepted.

Nick Stration, currently the freshman boy’s basketball coach, will serve the remainder of the

season as the head varsity boy’s basketball coach, as well as continuing as the freshman team coach.

School administrators met with the varsity basketball team during the day on February 5 to let them know of Graves’ resignation and the coaching change. They also sent out a letter to the families of the basketball players.

Graves, who was in his fifth year coaching for the Bloomfield Hills district, was not an employee of the district but a contract employee, employed by EduStaff, a third-party employer, and assigned to Bloomfield Hills Schools. Previous to becoming varsity coach of Bloomfield Hills High School, he was the coach at Lahser High School for three seasons. This was his second year coaching at the combined high school. Last year, he led the team to district and regional championships. “Notwithstanding the intent of Mr. Graves, the interaction with the student athletes is unacceptable,�

Good said in a news release.

“Customer Engagement & Retention�

Tuesday, March 3rd -XOLH¡V ÀUP KDV D JUHDW WUDFN UHFRUG RI FUHDWLYH LGHDV WKDW KHOS WKHLU clients get customers engaged, which leads to high retention rates. *HW WLSV WKDW FDQ UHODWH WR DOO LQGXVWULHV ZKDWHYHU \RX GR QR PDWWHU \RXU SRVLWLRQ

Julie Barnard, President & Co-CEO Centigrade - Marketing Communications

Local business professionals talk on topics applicable to everyone.

“Bus “Business iness Success TThrough hrough Community Community Service�

Service�

Tuesday, April 7th As a consistent, top producer Gwen attributes her success to being L Q Y R O Y H G L Q F R P P X Q L W \ V H U Y L F H 6 K H ¡ O O W D O N R Q F K R R V L Q J W K H U L J K W QRQSURÀW ERDUGV DQG FRPPLWWHHV DQG NQRZLQJ KRZ WR WDUJHW DQG PHHW SHRSOH IRU OHDGV DQG ODQGLQJ EXVLQHVV

Gwen Schultz, Associate Broker Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel

“Creating a Winning Team�

1HW 3URĂ€WV DQG 1HWZRUNLQJ LV ZKDW WKLV PRQWK VHULHV LV DERXW 1HW 3URĂ€WV DQG 1HWZRUNLQJ LV ZKDW WKLV PRQWK VHULLHV LV DERXW

Noon to 1:00pm $20 (includes box lunch)

REGISTER AT 248.644.5832 OR WWW.TCHSERVES.ORG

T Teach each p Connect p Help

Tuesday, May 5th

380 South Bates Street, Birmingham, MI 48009

5RE NQRZV WKDW KLULQJ WKH ULJKW SHRSOH DQG FUHDWLQJ DQ HQYLURQPHQW ZKHUH WKH\ FDQ JURZ DUH WKH EHVW ZD\V WR VXFFHHG +H ZLOO SURYLGH VRPH SRLJQDQW H[DPSOHV DQG FUHDWLYH LGHDV RQ KRZ WKH\ FUHDWH D JUHDW WHDP FXOWXUH DQG UHWDLQ TXDOLW\ WDOHQW

Rob Farr, President Bank of Birmingham

downtownpublications.com

DOWNTOWN

113

Bloomfield Village $699,000

Updated Village Colonial, on a huge corner tree lined lot for ultimate privacy.

This 4 bedroom, 2.1 bath home is approximately 3,000 sq ft, updated, designer decorated and beautifully landscaped!

LD

SO

Bloomfield Hills LD

LD

SO

SO

Birmingham • 30 Million in Sales Since 2012 • Top 5% Real Estate Agent in Metro Detroit • 30 Year Birmingham Resident

Local

All Star

Expertise Extraordinary Results

Michael Sbrocca Associate Broker

415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

248-709-9119 msbrocca@skbk.com

FACES

Mike Ballerini reativity, quality design, and a strong work ethic run in Mike Ballerini's family.

"I grew up in northeast Michigan, and we had a small farm there. That's where a lot of the materials come from," said Ballerini, who has designed a line of hand-crafted men's travel and everyday bags under the name Z Ballerini. "We had sheep on the farm, and my mother used the wool to make quilts when I was growing up. My father is a thirdgeneration Italian plasterer, and I worked with him for a while."

Ballerini and his family left the farm in 2003, moving to the metro Detroit area. After working with his father on plaster projects in Detroit, Ballerini started working in the retail trade, specializing in high-end luxury products.

"I was in retail for about 15 years, including about seven years at Louis Vuitton. That's where I gained a lot of knowledge and experience working with highend luxury products, and what the customer is looking for, and the wants and needs of the customer," Ballerini said.

The designer store at Troy's Somerset Collection is also where Ballerini repaired items and did hot stamping, which served as a primer of things to come. In 2012, Ballerini left the company and started working on plans to start his own business.

"It has always been a dream of mine," he said.

"Design and fashion have been on the top of my list.

I was focusing on guys who would come in the store and say they would like a bag, but they were looking for something else. I started making sketches over the years of what I wanted to do. In March of 2013, I was given the opportunity to take it to the next level."

Each of the bags are designed to have a balance of fashion and functionality, with hand-selected natural materials. The handcrafted bags feature water resistant, hand-selected leather hides that give shape and structure. The bags also use 100 percent virgin merino wool felt, 100 percent organic hemp rope in the handles, and hemp canvas on the lids on some of the bags. Each of the bags also feature a signature "ZB Windows" motif, which was inspired by the buildings along the Detroit skyline.

"I was inspired by them," Ballerini said of the city's buildings. "The one in particular was One Detroit Center. That was the one, as a kid, where I would visit my dad, so it meant something to me. A lot of the buildings downtown gave me that idea."

As a startup company, Ballerini said his shop is currently located in the basement of his Birmingham home, with bags available for purchase online and at various trunk shows. He hopes to soon open a brick and mortar store in Detroit.

"Everything is done in Birmingham," he said. "It's hand sewn here, and we source all our materials from the US, except for the hardware, which is from Italy. I try to get as much locally as possible."

That includes his employees, who are all graduates of the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. Meanwhile, Ballerini said he's enjoying the challenges and rewards of building his brand and business.

"It's more than I have ever worked in my life, and I used to have two full-time jobs working 80 hours a week," Ballerini said of owning his own business. "It's incredibly rewarding."

C

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Laurie Tennent

Featured Properties

.

D L O G .

EN .

E R G

D L O S

JUST LISTED 1121 Meadow Crest Drive, Orion Twp Great custom-built Ranch in sought after Heather Lakes Estates. Built in 2005, on over 1.5 acres. Open floor plan great for entertaining and large walk-out basement. Prepare to be impressed. Money Back Guarantee* $425,000 Craig Joeright 248-535-4750 http://1121meadowcrestdrv.howardhanna.com

SALE PENDING 6932 Cathedral Drive, Bloomfield Township Private backyard. Generous and versatile open living space perfect for entertaining. Hardwood floors, porcelain tile, newer silk carpeting, updated baths. Money Back Guarantee* Home Warranty included. $309,000 Joanna Drukker 248-770-6857 http://6932cathedraldr.howardhanna.com

SALE PENDING 3075 Camden Drive, Troy Highly sought-after Penthouse! Amenities include elevator, eat-in island kitchen with Corian and stainless steel appliances, master suite with separate tub and shower, fireplace, high ceilings, in-unit washer and dryer, balcony. $299,000 Joanna Drukker 248-770-6857 http://3075camdendrv.howardhanna.com

LISTED AND SOLD IN ONE DAY 4253 Pinehurst Drive, West Bloomfield Township Fabulous West Bloomfield Colonial with great curb appeal and deep, private lot. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, hardwood floors throughout. Kitchen opens to family room with fireplace, perfect for entertaining. $248,500 Janine Toundaian 248-563-2095

Yelena Pliskina, Manager 248-792-9055 YelenaPliskina@HowardHanna.com

Get the details: HowardHanna.com 248-792-9055 /HowardHanna

/HowardHanna

Birmingham Office 800 North Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, MI 48009 PRICE REDUCED 1813 Southfield Rd #14, Birmingham Freshly painted interior and brand new carpets. Wonderful 3-bedroom condo in Birmingham Schools. Updated kitchen with granite tile counters. Newer flooring.

Finished basement. Spacious deck & backyard. $165,000 Brad Madding 248-255-8809 http://1813southfieldrd14.howardhanna.com *Certain restrictions apply.

FACES

Rick Hartsell nspiration can come in various ways. For Birmingham businessman and former minister Rick Hartsell, it came in a movie.

"I was never involved until recently," Hartsell said about the overseas volunteer work he did with Forgotten Children Worldwide. "I saw the movie 'Taken', and if you have daughters – I have two – it rips your heart out. After watching it, I wanted to hurt some people, but instead I decided to get involved."

The movie tells the story of a former CIA agent whose daughter is kidnapped by human traffickers for sexual slavery. The movie led Hartsell to Theresa Flores' book, "The Slave Across the Street," which recounts her two years as a victim of sex trafficking. Looking to make a difference, Hartsell got involved with the Indiana-based charity, Forgotten Children Worldwide, which was started in 2000 by his brother, Matt Hartsell.

Recently, Rick Hartsell traveled to Nepal, Kathmandu where he and his business, Somerset Painting, helped to fund a self-supporting farm. In November, Hartsell helped purchase a 16-passenger minibus for an orphan care ministry being helped by the charity.

Hartsell, who started Somerset Painting in 1985, after working as a pastor for five years and starting the now defunct Birmingham Grace Evangelical Free Church, said one way that his business partner, Eric Regan, and he are trying to help children overseas is by teaching selfsustainability, rather than simply throwing money or food at the problem. By helping to build self-sustaining businesses, it reduces the risk of parents overseas selling children into a life of slavery, he said.

"If they have a job that is self-sustainable, then they can keep the family

I

intact," he said. "We try to make a big impact, so we go back and get to know the people there. We get to know the leadership and make sure it's being done right.

"For instance, we bought them a van in Nepal to take tourists around Mount Everest. One of the orphanages said that if they had a van, they could have someone drive one day and make enough to support some families. That is one thing. We also started a farm."

Hartsell said he plans on returning to the location again in February to maintain the relationship.

In order to inspire others and get them to help, Hartsell and Somerset are donating a one-year child sponsorship with every major paint job or home improvement they do. He said the offer is done with no cost to clients, and will help pay for food, clothing and education. For commercial projects, Hartsell said the company will donate 10 percent of all profits to help children overseas.

"We are trying to get other businesses involved," he said. "I just wanted to go from success to significance, and wanted to go from not just making money, but to giving back. We hand out books to people who seem like they might be interested, and at the bottom of each of our contracts it states, 'ask us about what you can do to stop human trafficking.'

"We need to get companies to do these little things to educate and let people know how to get involved. That is my goal. I want other businesses to have a life that is full of significance, and we have a lot of them here that are successful."

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Laurie Tennent

Spectacular Bloomfield Hills Home

$1,249,000 | 4 Bedrooms, 3.2 Baths, 4,824 Sq Ft

The Hannett Team Experience Matters 45 Years of Marketing Properties Resulting in Hundreds of Millions of Dollars SOLD in this Market.

We have been helping families for over 45 years and have grown our success through relationship marketing. You will benefit from our experience and professionalism as we assist you with your buying and selling needs.

We will serve you as your real estate advocates and advisors.

John’s Cell 248.939.3191 JohnLHannett@gmail.com

Gayle’s Cell 248.640.1686 Gayle1993@gmail.com

Beauty

(SALON)

by J. Lyle Ltd. 235 Willits Alley Birmingham, MI

$

20 Blow Outs

tuesday through friday

248:: 540:: 0046

DRINKING WATER SUPPLY QUALITY CONCERNS • SECRET TRAIN CARGOS • COUNTRY CLUBS OF BIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD • CAMPAIGN DONATIONS • JEWISH MIGRATION HISTORY • CULTIVATING NEXT GENERATION OF DONORS • THE STATE OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA • THE LITMUS TEST FOR MASS TRANSIT • RISING ASSESSMENTS

LOCAL

IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES • NEW THOUGHTS ON ZERO TOLERANCE IN SCHOOLS • CONCIERGE DOCTORS • WHO'S MONITORING YOU? • PLAN B REALITY AT PHARMACIES • LOCAL FACE OF HUNGER • SEX TRAFFICKING OF MINORS • REGIONAL

Downtown.

The leading publication WATER/SEWER DEBATE • PAY-TO-PLAY SCHOOL SPORTS • PREDICTIVE CRIME for Birmingham/Bloomfield.

Produced by local residents FIGHTING • GOVERNMENT ONLINE • NEW LAKE ACCESS CHALLENGE • THE COMMON from offices in downtown Birmingham.

CORE DEBATE • HEROIN INCREASE IN OAKLAND • OCC AT THE CROSSROAD • Quality editorial product.

FRACKING IN THE CROSSHAIRS • THE GANGS OF OAKLAND • CHOOSING A Leadership on issues important toINTERVIEW residents. • THE CYBER GENERATION • NON-PROFIT • L. BROOKS PATTERSON

Track record of supporting local business as part of our SHARED MUNICIPAL SERVICES • TEEN DATING VIOLENCE • THE ROLE OF HOSPICE effort to help maintain FEDERAL BUDGET CUTS: FACT/FICTION • POLICING THE POLICE • WIRELESS strong communities.

•

OAKLAND • ADHD DRUG ABUSE • REPORT ON SCHOOL SECURITY • FIGHT Join local businessCARD leaders, 400 of whom use Downtown FOR SENIOR HOUSING • BLOOMFIELD PARK PLANS • REAL ESTATE SALES REBOUND •

PSD AS DRIVING CITY FORCE

on a regular basis, in our April issue. AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS • SCHOOL LUNCHES Ad deadline Friday, March 13.

• THE

POLICE TASER CONTROVERSY • TESTING THE NOISE LEVELS • CONTROLLING SCHOOL Contact Jill Cesarz.

BULLIES • LOCAL RECYLCING EFFORTS CHANGING ROLE OF LIBRARIES • COLLAPSE Office: •248.792.6464 Cell: 248.860.8414

OF OAKLAND STUDIOJillCesarz@DowntownPublications.com • TRIANGLE DISTRICT NEW FRONTIER • BIRMINGHAM NIGHTLIFE PROBLEMS • TROY TRANSIT CENTER • GOVERNMENT MEETING RULES •

MATTERS

NEW LIFE FOR CITY ALLEYS • RAIL DISTRICT REVIVAL • CABLE TV WARS • PUBLIC/PRIVATE SCHOOL CRIME • WHO IS WATCHING THE CHILDREN? • CONCERNS OVER STYRENE • COMPLETE STREETS PROGRAM • STUDENT ATHLETE CONCUSSIONS • WHO OWNS DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM • HOMELESS IN OAKLAND COUNTY • MUNICIPAL, SCHOOL LEGAL FEES • FUTURE OF CITY GOLF COURSES • OPENING UP GOVERNMENT FILES • MUNICIPAL ETHICS GUIDELINES

Bloomfield Hills | $3,100,000

Birmingham | $2,475,000

Magnificent Arts and Crafts style rresidence esidence ideally situated on 1.5 acr acres es of beautifully landscaped private gr grounds ounds including a pool and tennis court. T Totally otally rrenovated enovated in 2007 and 2008, expert craftsmanship, superb design, & quality materials abound. Grand foyer foyer.. W Wonderful onderful floor plan.

Exceptional quality quality,, craftsmanship, and amenities abound in this stately in-town home built by Douglas Derocher Derocher for his personal rresidence. esidence.

Extraordinary Extraordinary ar architectural chitectural elements. Outstanding kitchen open to family room room Spectacular lower level with home theatre, theatre, gr great eat rroom oom & kitchen.

Bloomfield ld T Twp wp | $1,150,000

Birmingham | $899,000

extraordinary features Sophisticated and elegant, this extraor dinary rresidence esidence featur es only the finest materials and finishes thr throughout oughout its 4586 squar square e feet of living space. Situated on beautifully landscaped private gr grounds ounds which include pergola gola and paver walkways and driveway driveway.. an expansive deck with per

Charming 1930’s 1930’s Connecticut colonial situated on a beautifully landscaped .5 acre acre lot in one of Birmingham’ Birmingham’s ’ss finest ar areas. eas. Extraor Extraordinary dinary quality and vintage decorative elements. Exposed har hardwood dwood flooring, custom moldings, 3 fireplaces, fireplaces, updated kitchen w/sunny br breakfast eakfast rroom. oom.

Bloomfield Hills | $850,000

Bloomfield T Twp wp | $665,000

Spectacular 1.8 acr acre e setting for this mid-century walkout ranch backing picturesque esque pond. Enjoy the solitude as you rrelax elax on the to a ravine and pictur deck or meander along the extensive pathways thr through ough natural gar gardens. dens.

Lovely views fr from om every rroom. oom. Spacious foyer with slate flooring.

Gracious Bloomfield Village Village colonial situated on beautifully landscaped lot with fabulous pool and spa. Spacious foyer leads to a wonderful floor plan with generous generous sized rrooms. ooms. Formal living rroom oom with marble fireplace fireplace and expansive windows. Meticulously maintained home!

Celebrating Home Robert Dundon

248-224-6236 248-686-3826 | rrdundon@cbwm.com dundon@cbwm.com | cbwm.com Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel: Locally Owned and Operated Since 1950.

y

p

WEIRMANUEL MANUEL WEIR

Northville | $14,500,000 In the heart of Northville. As featur featured ed in the Detr Detroit oit Fr Free ee Pr Press ess section “Michigan House Envy�.

Incr Incredible edible estate on over 6 acr acres. iron on gates and stone wall awaits a mansion of epic es. Beyond the ir pr proportions. oportions. Built in 2000, with every attention to detail. Appr Approximately oximately 16,000 squar square e feet of elegance.

For developers/ builders ther there e is the opportunity for a lot split that allows acr acre e par parcels cels for 3 additional luxury homes, a rar rare e opportunity in downtown Northville.

Pr Presented esented by:: T Teri eri Spir Spiro o (248) 686-3826

Atlas T Township ownship | $4,990,000 Magnificent custom lakefr lakefront ont rresidence. esidence. Live the lake lifestyle & enjoy the best br breathtaking eathtaking sunset views of 238 acr acre e all-sports Lake Shinanguag. Exquisite craftsmanship & world class amenities & appointments.

Spacious master suite & guest suites, gourmet kitchen, ballr ballroom, oom, billiar billiards ds rroom, oom, movie vie theater theater, r,, banquet rroom, oom, indoor basketball, elevator elevator.. Appr Approximately oximately 350 foot lake fr frontage. ontage.

Presented Pr esented by: W William illiam Brundage (248) 686-3826

Celebrating C elebratiing ing H Home Hoome 248-686-3826 26 6 | cbwm.com b

C Coldwell o l d w e ll B Banker anker W Weir eir M Manuel: anuel : LLocally o c a ll y O Owned w ned a and nd O Operated p e r a te d S Since inc e 1 1950.

95 0.

y

p

WEIR MANUEL

Metamora T Township ownship | $2,490,000 W Welcome elcome to the “River V Valley alley Lodge� an ideal private hunting pr preserve eserve pr property. operty. Post & beam (Douglas fir) Eur European opean Lodge on appr approx. ox. 60 acr acres-accented acres mature es-accented by the Flint River and 20 acr es of matur e for forests. ests. Situated in the heart of the Metamora Hunt Club, surr surrounded ounded by estate size lots yet only 20 minutes fr from om Auburn Hills. The list of custom featur features created es is almost endless, cr eated with heart, soul, imagination and a huge pocketbook this pr property operty cannot today be duplicated.

Pr Presented esented by: Patti Gilman (248) 686-3826

Bloomfield T Township ownsh ownship | $1,900,000 Prestigious living in the heart of everything! Gracious vintage colonial in outstanding condition! Y Prestigious Your our own private estate & slice of heaven, just minutes fr from om Birmingham! Abundance of windows overlooking your own 5+acr 5+acres es of rrolling olling terrain and matur mature e tr trees. ees. Perfect for the busy executive to rrelax elax on the deck in your own tranquil oasis.

Presented Presented by: Patrick Floch (248) 686-3826

Celebrating C elebratiing ing H Home Hoome 248-686-3826 26 6 | cbwm.com b

C Coldwell o l d w e ll B Banker anker W Weir eir M Manuel: anuel : LLocally o c a ll y O Owned w ned a and nd O Operated p e r a te d S Since inc e 1 1950.

95 0.

y

p

WEIR MANUEL

Commerce Commerce eT Township ownship | $1,675,000 Fr From om the moment you drive into the majestic winding pine tr treed eed str street, eet, you will know why so many covet this exclusive neighborhood. Resort-style tyle home of offering ffering a lake fr frontage, fering 142 feet of all-sports ontage, incr incredible edible panoramic views, in-gr in-ground ound pool, spa, sauna, 19 foot paver bonfir bonfire e gas fir fireplace eplace overlooks Lower Straits Lake, 85’ of dock, boulder landscaping, expansive decking, patios, lush yar yard, d, second kitchen in fully finished walk-out lower level. Master suite w/balcony deck overlooking estate and lake.

Pr Presented esented by: Kendra McConnell Hur Hurd d (248) 686-3826

Springfield T Township ownsh ownship | $1,350,000 Indulge yourself!! Gated acr acreage eage featur features es custom built lt Town Town & Country Contemporary log home - the essence of warmth, comfort and efficiency efficiency.. Fr From om the moment you enter the wooded seclusion you know this is a home and pr property operty beyond duplication. Surr Surround ound yourself in luxury while enjoying the “up north” tranquility. tranquility. 2 ponds on pr property. operty. It doesn’ doesn’tt get any better than this...Live the Dr Dream! eam! Acr Acreage: eage: 21 acr acres. es.

Presented Presented by: Donna Bousson (248) 686-3826

Celebrating C elebratiing ing H Home Hoome 248-686-3826 26 6 | cbwm.com b

C Coldwell o l d w e ll B Banker anker W Weir eir M Manuel: anuel : LLocally o c a ll y O Owned w ned a and nd O Operated p e r a te d S Since inc e 1 1950.

95 0.

y

p

WEIR MANUEL

Birmingham | $1,299,000 Premium throughout oughout this handsome meticulous home. High The epitome of rrefined efined elegance! Pr emium quality thr hardwood ceilings, mahogany doors & Brazilian cherry har dwood floors. Gracious living & dining rrooms. ooms. Fabulous area generous great granite/stainless kitchen and butlers’ pantry w/bright eating ar ea that opens to gener ous gr eat rroom oom fireplace. fireplace eplace. Luxurious master suite boasts wood carved fir eplace mantle. with dramatic limestone fir Gorgeous garden large shower..

Gor geous master bath with gar den Jacuzzi, radiant heat floor tile, lar ge open shower Presented Carol Pr esented by: Car ol Lee Markley (248) 686-3826

Clarkston | $1,295,000 Spectacular lakefront lakefront home on 3.5+ acr acres es with br breathtaking eathtaking panoramic views steps away fr from om downtown Clarkston! Dramatic soaring oaring ceilings in foyer foyer, r,, marble entry e and decorative columns, opens to gr great eat rroom oom with breathtaking breathtaking lake views thr through ough floor to ceiling windows. Exquisite library with rich oak paneling + fireplace. fireplace. Elegant formal dining rroom oom with butlers pantry & wine fridge. Sun-filled kitchen with pr premium emium cabinetry,, doorwall to deck and adjacent nook or gathering ar area. master.. appliances and custom cabinetry ea. 1st Floor master Presented Presented by: Diane Shir Shires es and Michael Dowdle (248) 686-3826

Celebrating C elebratiing ing H Home Hoome 248-686-3826 26 6 | cbwm.com b

C Coldwell o l d w e ll B Banker anker W Weir eir M Manuel: anuel : LLocally o c a ll y O Owned w ned a and nd O Operated p e r a te d S Since inc e 1 1950.

95 0.

y

p

WEIR MANUEL

Expert Market Knowledge • Extraor Extraordinary rdinary di Service Bloomfield T Twp wp $629,900 I n m y 2 7 y e a r s a s o n e o f t h e to p r e a l e s t a te p rof e s s i o n a l s i n Bi r m i n g h a m and Bloomfield, I have conduc ted busines s in all t y pes of market conditions. I c an help you price, s tage and market your proper t y to ma ximum ad vantage, as well as give you ad vice on financing and appraisals.

Welcome to this extraordinary “Home for all Seasons”, which shares the natural outdoors with the warmth and brilliance of the Interior custom craftsmanship. Quality and thoughtfulness describe the architecture of this piece of living art.

• •

Bloomfield Hills $389,900

•

2013 TOP PRODUCER! Fo u n d i n g m e m b e r of t h e Birmingham Bloomfield Realtor Net work A s sociate Broker

Rebecca Meisner

Sophisticated Bloomfield Hills condo offfers fers fabulous open floor plan with charming finished year round brick floored sun filled “atrium”, spacious great room with 16’ ceiling.

248-408-2212 rmeisner@cbwm.com www.rebeccameisner.com

G IN D N PE

Grosse Grosse Pointe Farms | $1,075,000 Beautiful Five bedr bedroom oom updated four bathr bathroom oom colonial. Completely updated kitchen with granite counter tops, and top of the line appliances. Eating space in kitchen with bay window window.. Lower level finished with fir fireplace, eplace, full bath, wine cellar and spacious entertainment ar area. ea. Thir Third d level finished with media rroom oom and stone fir fireplace, eplace, thr three ee car garage, alarm and sprinkler system.

Pr Presented esented by: Joe Rich (248) 686-3826

Celebrating C elebratiing ing H Home Hoome 248-686-3826 26 6 | cbwm.com b

C Coldwell o l d w e ll B Banker anker W Weir eir M Manuel: anuel : LLocally o c a ll y O Owned w ned a and nd O Operated p e r a te d S Since inc e 1 1950.

95 0.

y

p

WEIRMANUEL MANUEL WEIR

Rochester Hills | $999,999

Grosse Gr osse Ile T Township ownship | $975,000

In a wor d...breathtaking! But wor ds cannot accurately describe the word...breathtaking! words attention to detail and feel of luxury in this lavish, palatial home. The amenities ar are e endless, with every element being well thought out.

Presented by: Jef Presented Jeffery fery Alasina (248) 686-3826

Unbelievable beauty in meticulous condition - spectacular waterfr ont waterfront home completely rremodeled emodeled in 2010 with all pr premium emium upgrades on an acr acre e lot! Grand foyer that showcases a cir circular cular stair staircase. case.

Pr Presented esented by: Stacy Damman (248) 686-3826

Brandon T Township ownship | $750,000

West W est Bloomfield | $749,000

Birmingham | $740,000

Exquisite home, separate apartment and major outbuildings on the perfect 10 acr acres es parcel. par cel. Gorgeous Gorgeous pond. One of a kind!

Presented Presented by: Patti Gilman (248) 686-3826

New home to be started in spring of 2015.

Exquisite luxury custom colonial, elegant elevation, leaded glass entry door w/sidelites.

Presented Carolan Pr esented by: Patrick Car olan (248) 686-3826

Charming Quarton Lake Estates renovated renovated Cape Cod. 4 bedroom, bedroom, 3 full baths, 1 half bath home w/gourmet island kitchen. W Walk alk to downtown!

Presented Teahan Presented by: Daniel T eahan (248) 686-3826

Birmingham | $734,900

Birmingham | $639,900

Independence T Township ownship | $429,900

Featured in “This Old House� (Mar Featured (March ch 2014).

Home was completely rrenovated/constructed enovated/constructed w/unbelievable attention to quality & detail!

Presented Pr esented by: T Teri eri Spiro Spiro (248) 686-3826

Elegant newer construction steps fr from om all that Birmingham has to of offer. ffer. Floor plan is ideal for entertaining and everyday living.

Presented Pr esented by: Todd Todd Zachary (248) 686-3826

W Welcome elcome to The Bluf Bluffs fs of Pine Knob, a scenic wooded neighborhood incl The Golf Course at Pine Knob which is steeped in rich history history..

Pr Presented esented by: W William illiam Brundage (248) 686-3826

Celebrating C elebratiing ing H Home Hoome 248-686-3826 26 6 | cbwm.com b

C Coldwell o l d w e ll B Banker anker W Weir eir M Manuel: anuel : LLocally o c a ll y O Owned w ned a and nd O Operated p e r a te d S Since inc e 1 1950.

95 0.

y

p

WEIR MANUEL

Birmingham | $950,000

Orchard Orchard Lake | $875,000

Impressive renovation renovation with comfortable open floor plan and stunning Impressive bedroom suite. Fabulous floor plan with a living rroom, master bedroom oom, family room, library, library, formal dining room room and Florida Room all on first floor room, floor..

Presented Presented by: Gwen Schultz (248) 686-3826

e pr operty on Or Value acre property Orchard chard Lake is V alue is in the land - wonderful 1.58 acr frontage elevated and has views of Cass Lake, too. 152 feet of fr ontage on allenovation or build your dr eam home. sports Or Orchard chard Lake. Ready for rrenovation dream Pr esented by: Marjorie Duncan (248) 686-3826 Presented

NG I D EN

P

Birmingham | $584,900

Bloomfield Village Village | $529,900

Troy Troy | $495,000

Don’t Don’t miss this fantastic of offering ffering in Poppleton Popple Park just blocks away fr from om downtown Birmingham. This charming 1927 colonial.

Presented Presented by: Jennifer Zachary (248) 686-3826

Best value in The V Village illage - must see this awesome custom built colonial, tons of possibilities. A Awesome wesome location!

Presented Pr esented by: Rebecca Meisner (248) 686-3826

Beautifully situated colonial on a spectacular wooded lot in the Heatherwood Estates. Lar Large ge eat in kitchen with cherry cabinets.

Presented Whitmire Pr esented by: Erna Whitmir e (248) 686-3826

NG I D EN

P

Troy Troy | $405,000

Birmingham | $475,000

Birmingham | $469,900

Wonderful Wendover endover Wonderful home in the heart of W Woods. through-out. ough-out. Newer Woods. Light and bright thr white and granite kitchen with br breakfast eakfast bar bar..

Presented Presented by: Lisa Masters (248) 686-3826

Charming, updated 1925 T Tudor udor in lovely Birmingham neighborhood minutes fr from om downtown. Original har hardwood dwood flooring.

Pr Presented esented by: Robert Dundon (248) 686-3826

Delightful home continuously updated & expanded over rrecent ecent years. T Total otal of 2452 finished sqft including pr professionally ofessionally finished lower level.

Presented Pr esented by: Rosalee Hill (248) 686-3826

Celebrating C elebratiing ing H Home Hoome 248-686-3826 26 6 | cbwm.com b

C Coldwell o l d w e ll B Banker anker W Weir eir M Manuel: anuel : LLocally o c a ll y O Owned w ned a and nd O Operated p e r a te d S Since inc e 1 1950.

95 0.

y

p

WEIR MANUEL

Birmingham | $1,999,900

Hadley T Township ownship | $849,000

BEST LOT IN BIRMINGHAM--This W Wallace allace Fr Frost ost masterpiece has been exquisitely rrenovated enovated and enhanced by it’ it’ss 3rd 3rd owner. acre owner. Sits on an acr e overlooking g the scenic Rouge River River, r, yet a short r, s walk to town.

Presented Presented by: Jennifer Zachary (248) 686-3826

Metamora Country Estate on appr oximately 20 acr es of rrolling approximately acres olling fields and fence-lined paddocks. This charming country rresidence esidence includes 4 bedr ooms. 3 full baths and one half bath, gourmet kitchen. bedrooms.

Pr esented by: Mark Marangon (248) 686-3826 Presented

Beverly Hills Vlg | $460,000

Birmingham | $449,000

Bloomfield T Township ownship | $439,000

Extensively updated Colonial with gr great eat curb appeal on quiet cul-de-sac in desirable Greenwich Greenwich Gr Green. een. Updated in 2014.

Presented Presented by: Robert Dundon (248) 686-3826

Charming and stylish Birmingham rresidence esidence with open concept living spaces. Meticulous and turnkey turnkey.. W Walk alk or bike to downtown.

Presented William Pr esented by: W illiam Brundage (248) 686-3826

Beautiful and pristine rresidence esidence with updates and custom featur features es thr throughout. oughout. 4,035 sq ft of total living space on over 1/2 acr acre. e.

Presented William Pr esented by: W illiam Brundage (248) 686-3826

NG I D EN

P

Bloomfield ld T Township ownship | $429,900

Bloomfield T Township own ownship | $395,000

Beverly Hills Vlg | $359,900

Seller says sell it today! What an outstanding Broomfield Township ownship large large colonial four find in Br oomfield T bathrooms, ooms, finished basement. beds, 3 bathr Presented esented by: Kar Karen en Gr Greenwood eenwood (248) 686-3826 Pr

Updated Colonial in Hickory Heights Sub. Stainless steel appliances in kitchen, recessed recessed lighting, cherry cabinets, granite counters.

Presented Presented by: Patricia Moran (248) 686-3826

West This Mid-Century Modern is situated in W est Beverly on a lane with only 3 homes. Unique, groove custom White Oak tongue and gr oove paneling.

Presented Pr esented by: Car Carol ol Adams (248) 686-3826

Celebrating C elebratiing ing H Home Hoome 248-686-3826 26 6 | cbwm.com b

C Coldwell o l d w e ll B Banker anker W Weir eir M Manuel: anuel : LLocally o c a ll y O Owned w ned a and nd O Operated p e r a te d S Since inc e 1 1950.

95 0.

y

p

WEIR MANUEL

Birmingham | $799,900

Birmingham | $799,900

Expanded and totally rrenovated enovated (2000) 2-story brick, Prairie Style home bedrooms bedroom near Seaholm High School! 5 bedr ooms including 2 master bedr oom suite options and 4.5 baths. Custom maple/granite kitchen.

Presented Presented by: Daniel T Teahan eahan (248) 686-3826

Outstanding new construction -almost finished! - Appx 3,500 squar square e feet of luxury living - all the bells & whistles - beautiful Kitchenaid s/s kitchen appliances - completely finished basement. This one is a winner!

Presented Pr esented by: Patrick Car Carolan olan (248) 686-3826

NG I D EN

NG I D EN

P

P

Birmingham | $349,900

Birmingham | $299,000

Bloomfield T Township ownship | $295,000

W Wow! ow! That will be your rreaction eaction when you walk in and see this very cosmopolitan, smart, chic, rrenovated enovated Birmingham Bungalow Bungalow..

Presented Pr esented by: Barbara Draplin (248) 686-3826

Beautiful 3 bedr bedroom oom home on desirable boulevard boulevar d str street. eet. Har Hardwood dwood floors on first level. Marble-surr Marble-surround ound natural fir fireplace. eplace.

Presented Spiro Pr esented by: Teri Teri M. M Spir o (248) 686-3826

Spacious ranch on a lar large ge tr treed eed lot in a great great Bloomfield T Township ownship neighborhood.

Birmingham Schools!! Freshly Freshly painted.

Presented Presented by: Helen Butler (248) 686-3826

Bloomfield ld T Township ownship | $284,900

Oakland T Township ownsh | $275,000 ownship

Birmingham | $254,000

Meticulously maintained colonial by original owner in a gr great eat location!! It is convenient to I-75, W Woodward, oodward, Bloomfield Hills Schools.

Pr Presented esented by: Mary Fitzpatrick (248) 686-3826

Live on 2 acres acres of land in pr prestigious estigious Oakland Township Township for just $275,000. Beautiful countryliving just 10 minutes fr from om downtown Rochester Rochester..

Presented Presented by: Lisa V Virkus irkus (248) 686-3826

Super opportunity in Sheffield Estates. 3 bedroom, bedr oom, 2 full bath brick ranch with a family rroom, oom, open floor plan, 2 fir fireplaces. eplaces.

Presented Pr esented by: Car Carol ol Clark (248) 686-3826

Celebrating C elebratiing ing H Home Hoome 248-686-3826 26 6 | cbwm.com b

C Coldwell o l d w e ll B Banker anker W Weir eir M Manuel: anuel : LLocally o c a ll y O Owned w ned a and nd O Operated p e r a te d S Since inc e 1 1950.

95 0.

y

p

WEIR MANUEL

FACES

David Colman f business really is all about who you know, then the principal owners of Bloomfield Hills-based ROCO Real Estate didn't have to look very far to find each other and formulate a business plan.

"We grew up together going to Cranbrook Schools," said David Colman, who started the young and growing firm with his brother Michael Colman and friend Tyler Ross. "We have known Tyler throughout our own lives, and our families go way back. Our grandparents and parents were friends."

While the two families have been friendly for generations, their businesses – Acme Mills, an automotive textile supplier owned by the Colman family, and the real estate development company Edward Rose & Sons, owned by Ross' family – it wasn't until 2012 that the three men merged the two families in a joint venture.

At the time, Ross, who in 2011 earned his law degree from Fordham Law School in New York, had gone to work for his family's firm, where Michael Colman was already overseeing new acquisitions. Meanwhile David Colman was working as a product strategist for the investment firm BlackRock in New York. Then an intriguing offer came from home.

"I had an amazing experience there and learned a lot," David Colman said about his time at BlackRock. “It's an amazing firm with so many smart people, but (Michael and Tyler) decided at Ed Rose to start their own company, and they were putting a lot of pressure on me to come back and team up to do it together. After weighing the pros and cons, I moved back to where I grew up, and the three of us really started the company together."

I

Later, Tyler's brother, Evan, joined the firm as a silent partner. "He's actually an opera singer," Colman said.

Since forming the business in 2012, ROCO has grown its holdings to about 50 properties with a value of more than $425 million. Colman said the firm focuses on multi-family spaces, primarily apartment buildings, that don't require much rehabilitation in tertiary markets. However, the real strategy behind the firm's growth is the ability to find deals before they are heavily promoted in the marketplace. The results, he said, have been a bit of a shock in an industry that has traditionally been dominated by more established firms with older, more experienced executives.

"We are focused on being innovative and cutting edge, and doing things differently," he said of the staff, which consists of nine people, including the principals, who are all in their 20s. "Usually, it's older people that are focused on this industry. When we started, we said, 'let's do things differently.' We didn't want to build our company like those that have been doing it for 40 years and are stuck in their way. We wanted to do something differently. It feels more like a tech star-up, rather than a real estate firm."

Despite the young age of the company and its staff, Colman said they surround themselves with experienced attorneys, property managers and other third-parties, which is also part of their business plan.

"It's not like we are on an island by ourselves," he said. "We are surrounded by people and companies that have been around for 50-plus years that give us guidance whenever we need it."

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Laurie Tennent

AWARD WINNING SHOW HOME AVAILABLE AT THE SPECTACULAR PINNACLE IN OAKLAND TOWNSHIP

Villa Cortile

APPROXIMATELY 8,817 SF INCLUDING WALKOUT LOWER LEVEL

A unique fusion of Old World French design with influences from Palm Beach’s manor homes.

All living spaces revolve around the courtyard, wraparound terrace and stunning pool with its infinity edge and spa. — Priced at $3.5 Million

" $ ! $ $ $ $ ! # MAGNIFICENT KINGSRIDGE RESERVE The last of the finest and final phase of Kingsridge is a whirl of luxury construction activity.

Only a handful of prime wooded and walkout lots remain available with exceptional homes exclusively from Dominick Tringali’s Architectural Collection. — Priced from the $850s

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 248-373-6200 OR EMAIL SALES@MOCERI.COM MODELS AND SALES SALON ARE LOCATED AT PINNACLE, NORTH OFF SILVERBELL ROAD, EAST OF ADAMS ROAD OPEN DAILY FROM NOON TO 6 P.M. 4911 PINNACLE BLVD., OAKLAND TOWNSHIP, MI 48306 MOCERIHOMES.COM

BUSINESS MATTERS

Dogtopia hits town A new doggy day care is coming to both Bloomfield Township and Birmingham. Dogtopia is opening first in Bloomfield Township at 1685 S. Telegraph, just north of Roadside B&G March 1; and in Birmingham’s Rail District, at 2300 Cole Street in late April. Dogtopia district manager Melissa Aris said Dogtopia stands paws above other doggy day care operations, “Because we have extensive training for our staff, and we teach them to read dog signals and language.” Dogtopia provides separate individual interior playrooms which allows them to separate dogs not only by size, but by temperament as well. “Each dog that comes in is given a temperament test to determine which room they should be placed in,” Aris said. There are also two outdoor play areas with heated K-9 grass that allows “flow-through” technology for a healthy and sanitized exterior play surface that will be warmed even on the coldest of days. Indoors, floors are all rubberized to reduce pressure on dogs’ hips and joints. “We also have walls that go from floor-to-ceiling, so that if a dog has an airborne illness, it helps contain it from circulating throughout the center,” Aris said.

Dogtopia offers curbside drop off and pick up, as well as high definition webcams to allow dog owners to watch their pups at play. The Birmingham facility will also offer overnight dog boarding.

Clothier closings Women’s clothing boutique Bridget and Stacie, located at 580 North Old Woodward Avenue in Birmingham, closed this November. Bella Belli Maternity, at 790 North Old Woodward Avenue in Birmingham, for the last 11 years, will be closing when its lease ends at the end of March. Owner Emily Rosenberg told Downtown Publications in October 2013 she was hoping to help soon-tobe moms find stylish clothes to wear during their pregnancy when she opened the fashionable maternity store in 2003. Now Rosenberg has three young children of her own, downtownpublications.com

leaving much of the operation of the store in the trust of her cousin, Elizabeth Fielder, who managed the business for her family. Fielder, who has helped manage the store since it opened, said both the store and family has expanded since it originally opened a few storefronts from its current location.

European bridal gowns A flagship store for Julia Kontogruni wedding gowns is set to open at 110 S. Old Woodward next to David Wachler & Sons Jewelers in downtown Birmingham. Julia Kontogruni, which was established in Europe in 2002, creates handcrafted gowns with natural materials. The Birmingham store will be the brand’s first in the United States. “Every bride wants something different, but they all end up getting the same old thing,” said owner Nadica Ristiojevich, who also owns Maria’s Bridal Couture in West Bloomfield. “These dresses are not available at any other stores in the country. They are sexy, provocative, and make an impression.” Julia Kontogruni is currently under construction, with Ristiojevich aiming for a March opening.

Wedding boutique opens Boutique Blu is a new wedding collective located at 251 E. Merrill Street, No. 240, in Birmingham. The company, owned by award-winning photographer and small business owner Karen N. Lippowiths, brings together independent businesses in the wedding industry to create a one-stop shop for the high-end brideto-be at its 600-square foot storefront.

Current partners include Roma Sposa, Luxe Event Linen, Bella e Dolce Cakes, Boutique Blu Photography, The Italian Dish, Fedora’s and Pearls DJ, Bec & Sam’s Children’s boutique, and Vivian Elle Invitations. Lippowiths said she wanted to “collaborate with small businesses under a shared name because it is hard for small businesses to have any leverage in this industry. This is the way to go in this economy.” Boutique Blu opened in November.

Milieu in Rail District The upscale women’s boutique Milieu opened its fun and distinctive Birmingham location in January. The store, which originated in Royal Oak before moving to Ferndale nine years ago, is now located at 2163 Cole Street in Birmingham’s Rail District.

“Our pieces are very unique,” said manager Sharon Tunstall. “We pride ourselves on helping our customers of any age and any size be hip and cool. We feature designers from all over the world, from Israel to Copenhagen, so these aren’t clothes that you are going to see anywhere else. We also tend to carry only one size in each piece, so once it’s gone, it’s gone. If you want something different, we are the place for you.”

Radio Shack unplugs The Radio Shack located at 34256 Woodward Avenue in Birmingham next to Papa Joe’s closed after the company filed for bankruptcy in early February. The Birmingham location was one of the 1,784 stores that the retailer closed nationwide.

Artspace moving on After 30 years in business and 18 years at 303 E. Maple Road in downtown Birmingham, Artspace II will be moving from its current location. The gallery, which specializes in reselling fine art, will shift it’s focus away from retail to become more service-oriented. Art Space II specializes in reselling fine art for individual collectors, museums and corporations. The gallery has also offered the supervision of restoration and installation of art, advising and bidding for clients considering auction purchases, and consulting on the acquisition and deaccessioning of works for private and public collections. Owner Lois Pincus Cohn said, “I decided that I wanted to continue to do work in the art world but on a smaller basis. I’ll use my skills the same way I do now, but I won’t have the same retail space.” She added that she will continue to use her expertise to advise individuals and corporate art collectors on “where to buy art, where to sell art, how to value art, how to insure art, and how to frame

DOWNTOWN

art.” While she has not finalized the new location, Cohn said that she hopes to move operations to a small office building in Birmingham in mid-April.

Golf spot for members 4-Seasons Golf was scheduled to open in the Five Five Five Building at 555 S. Old Woodward Ave. in Birmingham at the end of February.

The members-only facility includes two state-of-the-art golf simulators, three hitting bays equipped with ball-tracking technology and a lounge. President Bob Krause, a former professional golfer and founder of the Bob Krause Golf instructional academy, serves as the head instructor. “Our target audience is anyone who is serious about golf or someone who needs to escape from the everyday grind,” said Krause. “We are running a special for the first 50 members who sign up, which is $150/month. After that, the price is $185/month. Membership includes one hour of golf simulator time per month and four 45-minute hitting bay sessions plus access to the club. Lessons are open to nonmembers as well.” He added that 4Seasons Golf will have its own pro shop that is open to the public and carries Callaway clubs, Bettinardi putters and Scratch wedges, as well as balls, hats, shirts and accessories.

Antique store moves On February 3, antique and home design store Fifi & Coco’s Galerie and Design moved from 700 North Old Woodward Avenue in Birmingham to 576 North Old Woodward Avenue. “We wanted some more foot traffic,” explained manager Lyzz Wachler of the reason for the move. “Being at the bottom of the hill versus the top of the hill makes a huge difference in terms of being surrounded by more retailers that are like our business. It has been a great experience so far.”

Business Matters for the Birmingham Bloomfield area are reported by Sarah Kovan. Send items for consideration to SarahKovan@downtownpublications.com.

Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.

133

40TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON!

THE SOLDIER’S SOLDIIER’S TALE TALE AL “No one e can have it all, that is forbidden.

You must lear learn rnn to choose c between.”

MUSIC DIRECTOR

John ohnn Thomas Dodson, Do Conductor

Friday, y, March 20, 2015 – 8:00 PM

Photo: Jean Luc Fievet

WITH THE

BIRMINGHAM BLOOMFIELD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Music Director John Thomas Dodson

C CONCERT ONCER RT PROGRAM PROGRAM

Stravinsky: Stravinsky :

The Soldier’s Soldier’s Ta T Tale ale w with ith na narration rration

Planterra Conservatory TICKETS:

$25 – $35

&&REE 6ALET 0ARKING s #ASH "AR REE 6ALET 0ARKING s #ASH "AR

FOR TICKETS: 248.352.BBSO

(2276)

www.BBSO.or www.BBSO.org g

Scan mobile code with your smart phone for concert info.

est Bloomfield 7315 Drake Road, W West

www.facebook.com/BBSO.LIVE Like us on

Tradition... MOVING FORWARD Recipient of the 2014 A.C.F. Award of Excellence

CHARLES KRUG WINE MAKER'S DINNER Presented by Peter Mondavi, Jr. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015 // 6:30 P.M. RECEPTION

Join us for a five-course dinner prepared by Big Rock Executive Chef, Matthew Fitchet, CEC and Executive Pastry Chef, Eric Voigt.

Each course will be perfectly paired with a different wine selection from the Charles Krug winery.

For the full menu, visit our Web site at www.bigrockchophouse.com 245 S. ETON STREET, BIRMINGHAM | 248.647.7774 134

DOWNTOWN

34965 Woodward Ave Birmingham 248 644 5222 peabodysrestaurant.com 03.15

PLACES TO EAT

220: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 220 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.646.2220.

5th Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 2262 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9607.

Andiamo: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.865.9300.

Bagger Dave's Legendary Burger Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6608 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.792.3579.

Bangkok Thai Bistro: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42805 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Township, 48304.

248.499.6867.

Beau's: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630.

Bella Piatti: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110.

Beyond Juice: Contemporary. Breakfast & Lunch daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 270 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.7078.

Big Rock Chophouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 245 South Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774.

Bill's: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Daily. Reservations, lunch only. Liquor.

39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.9000.

Birmingham Sushi Cafe: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor 377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009.

248.593.8880.

Bistro Joe’s Kitchen: Global. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Sunday brunch. Liquor Reservations. 34244 Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.0984.

Bloomfield Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 71 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.645.6879.

Brooklyn Pizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. 111 Henrietta Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6690.

Café ML: New American. Dinner, daily.

Liquor.

Call ahead. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township.

248.642.4000.

Cafe Via: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 310 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.644.8800.

Cameron’s Steakhouse: American.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.723.1700.

China Village: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 1655 Opdyke, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.758.1221.

Churchill's Bistro & Cigar Bar: Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

116 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.4555.

downtownpublications.com

Cityscape Deli: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Beer.

877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220.

Commonwealth: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 300 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.9766.

Cosi: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & wine. 101 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.9200.

Dick O’Dow’s: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.642.1135.

Eddie Merlot's: Steak & seafood. Dinner, daily. Alcohol. Reservations. 37000 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.712.4095.

Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 176 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.9888. Also 4089 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.258.9939.

Elie’s Mediterranean Cuisine: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.647.2420.

Embers Deli & Restaurant: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 3598 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.645.1033.

Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134.

Forest Grill: American. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9400.

Fuddrucker’s: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Beer & wine.

42757 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.333.2400.

Greek Island Coney Restaurant: Greek.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 221 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.1222.

Griffin Claw Brewing Company: American.

Liquor. Dinner, Tuesday-Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday and Sunday. 575 S. Eton Street, Birmingham. 248.712.4050.

Hogan’s Restaurant: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6450 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.626.1800.

Honey Tree Grille: Greek/American.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3633 W. Maple Rd, Bloomfield, MI 48301. 248.203.9111.

Hunter House Hamburgers: American.

Breakfast, Monday-Saturday; Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.646.7121.

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009.

248.594.4369.

IHOP: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2187 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301. 248.333.7522.

Kerby’s Koney Island: American.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.333.1166.

La Marsa: Mediterranean. Lunch & dinner daily. Reservations. 43259 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, 48302.

248.858.5800.

Leo’s Coney Island: American. Breakfast,

Late March Sunday11am - 2pm

DOWNTOWN

sunday brunch

The Places To Eat for Downtown is a quick reference source to establishments offering a place for dining, either breakfast, lunch or dinner. The complete Places To Eat is available at downtownpublications.com and in an optimized format for your smart phone (downtownpublications.com/mobile), where you can actually map out locations and automatically dial a restaurant from our Places To Eat.

Not to b bee explained. exp explained. To be be exp experienced.

th thestandbistro.com hestandbistro.com m 135

The Only Place to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!

$5 OFF DINE-IN OR CARRYOUT ON ORDERS $29.99 OR MORE With this ad. Excludes other offers. Expires 3/31/15 SPECIALIZING IN AWARD WINNING CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE DINNERS & FABULOUS OVERSTUFFED CORNED BEEF SANDWICHES

DINE-IN OR TO GO

DINE-IN OR TO GO

6646 Telegraph

(248) 932-0800

at Maple

BLOOMFIELD PLAZA

St. Patrick’s Day www.stevesdeli.com

The Birmingham/Bloomfield area is filled with discriminating diners and an array of dining establishments. Make sure the message for your restaurant reaches the right market in the right publication—Downtown.

Contact Jill Cesarz for advertising rate information.

O: 248.792.6464 Ext. 600 C: 248.860.8414 JillCesarz@downtownpublications.com

136

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

154 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.9707.

Also 6527 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.646.8568.

Little Daddy’s Parthenon: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.647.3400.

Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily; Late Night, 9 p.m.-closing.

No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.6051.

Mad Hatter Cafe: Tea Room. Brunch, Lunch & Dinner. No reservations. Liquor.

185 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.540.0000 Market North End: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations.

Liquor. 474 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.712.4953.

MEX Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.723.0800.

Mitchell’s Fish Market: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.646.3663.

Mountain King: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 469 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.644.2913.

New Bangkok Thai Bistro: Thai. Breakfast, Monday-Thursday; Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, daily. No reservations.

183 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.2181.

Nippon Sushi Bar: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor 2079 S. Telegraph, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9581.

Nosh & Rye Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily.

No reservations. 39495 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.646.7923.

Olga’s Kitchen: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2075 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.451.0500.

Original Pancake House: American.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.642.5775.

Panera Bread: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 100 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.7966.

Also 2125 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.253.9877.

Peabody’s: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 34965 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.644.5222.

Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.644.3122.

Pita Cafe: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 239 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.645.6999.

Qdoba: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 795 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.988.8941.

Also 42967 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48304.

248.874.1876 Roadside B & G: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

1727 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield

DOWNTOWN

Hills, 48302. 248.858.7270.

Rojo Mexican Bistro: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 250 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.6200.

Salvatore Scallopini: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977.

Sanders: American. Lunch, daily. No reservations. 167 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.3215.

Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, parties of 5 or more. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200.

Stacked Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Delivery available. No reservations. 233 North Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.5300.

Steve’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301.

248.932.0800.

Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123.

Sushi Hana: Japanese. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.3887.

Sy Thai Cafe: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. 315 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9830.

Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American.

Dinner. Monday-Saturday. Sunday brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.731.7066.

The Corner Bar: American. Dinner.

Wednesday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2958.

The Bird & The Bread: Brasserie. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodard, Birmingham, 48009.

248.203.6600.

The Gallery Restaurant: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6683 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.851.0313.

The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7688.

The Rugby Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999.

The Stand: Euro-American. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

34977 Woodward, Birmingham, 48009.

248.220.4237.

Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278.

Touch of India: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 297 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009.

248.593.7881.

Townhouse: American. Brunch, Saturday, Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5241.

Village Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

653 S. Adams. Birmingham, 48009.

248.593.7964.

Whistle Stop Diner: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; No reservations. 501 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.566.3566.

03.15

AT THE TABLE Appreciation for food and craft at Gold Cash Gold

By J. March

mind about how this often scowled at delicacy should be prepared. The head cheese inside was perfectly warm and salty, surrounded by a golden layer of crispy coating. Second best thing I ate all night and plan on returning in hopes of getting a basket full.

Burrata and Pepper Jam came with grilled bread. The Burrata was the perfect vehicle for the sweet and spicy jam flavors and texturally perfect.

The Shaved Vegetable salad we ordered was aes-

The "Detroit resurgence" is truly in full swing.

From Midtown to Uptown, restaurants are opening at an epic rate. Suburban chefs are moving into the city to make a name for themselves and create a landscape that is ripe for young entrepreneurs, big business and the eager locals who are on the cusp of being a part of Detroit before it was cool. Gold Cash Gold is a part of this rebirth and may just be pictured next to "cool" in the dictionary.

Located on Michigan Avenue in Corktown, Gold Cash Gold is in what used to be a pawn shop. The idea behind it is centered around utilizing every resource available with little to no waste. Though evident in the food, you would never know that the wood lath in a gorgeous herringbone pattern is what was found under the plaster during the remodel. Or that the floor once was that of a high school gymnasium and has been redesigned yet still bears the Eagle mascot of its former alma mater.

The designers behind this waste not want not decor are Phil Cooley and Megan McEwan, building owners whose hands rewelded the stained glass windows that adorn the walls and the bar. Shelves line the walls and are adorned with mason jars with pickled vegetables, sauces and other canned vegetables. The seating is tight but provides a communal feeling that is appropriate for the space, the concept and the idea that sharing is the way to dine. The space is warm, comfortable and creates the feeling of being at an intimate dinner party for about 80.

Seated at a small table in the front, my dining partner and I started with a couple House-cured gravlax with greek yogurt, lemon-parsley salad and grilled bread.

Downtown photo: Laurie Tennent of house cocktails to sip on while we decided where to start. The menu was what one thetically the best dish of the night but disappointwould expect from a farm boy, and I mean that in ed with little to no acid from the lemon vinaigrette. the most endearing sense possible.

The Cauliflower three ways (pickled, roasted Time on the farm in Tennessee has instilled the and pureed) was pure testimony that great product, "waste not want not" philosophy in Chef Josh properly and simply prepared, is head and shoulStockton. Not only pulling from the local flavor, ders above multi-component dishes and molecular Stockton and his staff try and utilize every part of sideshows. the vegetable, pig, fish, fruit...you get the idea.

Entrees were Pickled Mustard Seed Spaetzle, Worth a mention too is the fact that it’s imperically Charred Octopus and Cuttlefish and Pickle Brine clear that Gold Cash Gold is the show and food is Fried Chicken. Lemon, broccoli rabe, fingerlings the star. I mention this because it seems to me that and chiles provided the promising heat, acid and the chefs whose food I have enjoyed the most, have savory components in the first dish but the spaetenjoyed the least amount of press and do the least zle came out as flat coins and were sparse, bland amount of talking rather let their food speak for and tough. them.

The Octopus and Cuttlefish sadly suffered from If food truly has a voice, the Charcuterie Board the same issue, with harmony from the pickled would have been screaming. Rich and creamy grapes, olives and herbed farro but unappealing chicken liver mousse, tangy kimchi and pickled pieces of too-thick cuttlefish and tough, chewy vegetables, terrine with a spicy mustard and a octopus made it virtually inedible. Super bummed head cheese croquette that forever changed my

about the first two entrees, we opted for the beautiful simplicity of fried chicken. Two bites in and my date and I nearly came to blows over who was going to get the rest. Crispy, juicy, tender and slightly tangy from the brine, this chicken should be the mandatory prototype for all chicken, ever made, anywhere. Ever. The cornbread and hot sauce gravy didn't blow our minds but in all fairness, like a one-armed man in a boxing match, they didn't stand a chance.

We decided that we needed to revisit the small plates and try the Pork-Fat Peanuts because well...because how can you not eat something with pork fat in its name? Warm with spice and bright with pepper vinegar, they were outstanding and should because for consideration of Peanut and Beer night at least once a week.

Desserts mirror the menu and are modest in offerings of Buttermilk Pie, Hazelnut Trifle and a Cookie Plate. The server brought us an unlisted dessert of Caramelized Banana Custard pie that was rich without being too sweet. My guess is that sorghum was a vital component of this dish, considering its depth of flavor and texture. Chef Stockton's way of incorporating some sweet love from the south and a welcome change from sweeteners or honey.

Local beers, wine and house cocktails are all modest in their offerings but well represented in styles, flavors and varietals.

The service was friendly, effortless and timely and, in talking to the staff, it’s clear that the people at Gold Cash Gold are not only behind what they do but happy to do it. This also lends to the atmosphere and is a welcome change from scowling wait staff, barking managers and hurried bartenders.

It is not the food and drink, nor the atmosphere and the service, that makes Gold Cash Gold my new favorite spot.

Rather, it is the combination of all of these things.

More impressive is that they all shine in their simplicity. No smoke and mirrors or bells and whistles, just real people, making honest food with integral practices and an appreciation for their craft.

Gold Cash Gold, 2100 Michigan Avenue in the Corktown district of Detroit 48216. 313.242.0770.

Lunch, 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Dinner ($4 for small plates to $24 for entrees) 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Sundays; 5 p.m. – midnight Friday and Saturdays. Lot and street parking available.

Reservations not accepted except for the Chef’s Table. Handicap accessible.

J. March has 25 years experience in the restaurant industry in southeast Michigan, including certification as a sommelier. If you have short restaurant items for our Quick Bites section, e-mail to QuickBites@downtownpublications.com.

IS WHAT YOU WANT LIMITED ONLY BY WHAT YOU CAN HAVE? Seek as you will, but you shall find no other promise that compares to the luxury residence experience you can actually have at The Forefront.

attheforefront.com

400 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, Michigan 48009 248.566.6700

THE COMMUNITY HOUSE TCH Annual Gala Celebrates Giving Back On March 14th, The Community House (TCH) will host its fourth annual fundraising Gala to raise money for our children and family in need outreach programs, and to recognize others in the community for their generous volunteer and philanthropic work. Each year TCH recognizes a Grand Honoree along with others who truly are “Pillars of Vibrancy” in the community. This year’s Gala salutes Grand Honoree Herman B. Gray, M.D., EVP of the Detroit Medical Center and former CEO of Children’s Hospital, for his generous passion to help children in need. We are excited that Faye Alexander Nelson, VP of Public Affairs, DTE Energy and President, DTE Energy Foundation, will be the keynote speaker.

Pillars of Vibrancy are chosen for giving back in one of TCH’s three mission pillars of Culture, Wellness and Education. The 2015 Pillars of Vibrancy in Culture are: Julie Dawson, photographer/watercolorist recognized for her artwork donations and non-profit work; Robert Dempster, artist, musician and founder, Studio D, generous supporter of artists, musicians and nonprofits; and David K. Page (presented posthumously) Charitable Giving Partner at Honigman, celebrated for changing the “culture of giving.”

Bill Seklar

The Pillars of Vibrancy in Wellness are Carol and John Aubrey, community volunteers and children wellness advocates; Dan Serlin, partner Serlin, Trivax & Stearn, for his tireless work to carry out Kadima’s mission; and Tim Anderson, for his passion for children’s wellness through his work at ChildSafe, COTS and TCH. Pillars of Vibrancy in Education are James Suhay, volunteer consultant to over 25 non-profits; Patricia Mooradian, President, The Henry Ford, education/innovation advocate for young people; and Michael Melfi, Managing Partner, Melfi & Associates, who educates non-profits and entrepreneurs on social media and crowdfunding.

We thank our sponsors: Marquis Sponsor, Bank of Birmingham; VIP Reception, All Seasons Senior Living; Shining Sponsor, DMC’s Children’s Hospital of MI; Pillar Reception, Huntington Bank; Grand Honoree Video, DTE Energy Foundation; Spirits, Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton, P.C.; Table Gifts, Shinola; Pillar Awards, the Aubreys; Program, Harley Ellis Devereaux; Valet, Vasileff Medical Group and Live Auction Match, the Staehles.

March Happenings at TCH Nothin’ but Net™ Speaker Series: “Customer Engagement & Retention” Tuesday, March 3rd: Noon-1 p.m. TCH’s guest speaker series is a hit with 88 people attending the February lecture! March 3rd, Julie Barnard, Co-CEO of Centigrade, a marketing communications agency, will offer creative ideas to get customers engaged, leading to higher retention – no matter what you do.

Lectures are all about getting more net profits and networking!

Center for Wealth Education Panel: “Money Matters the Right Way” Wednesday, March 25th:6-8 p.m.

TCH’s Center for Wealth Education brings together expert panelists who give the public information in all the areas of money management in a non-selling environment. The March 25th panel will focus on “Money Matters the Right Way.” Dan Serlin, partner and estate planning attorney at Serlin, Trivax and Stearn, will give guidance on how to make sure others inherit your IRA as you intended; Jenny Meier, EVP at Bank of Birmingham, will cover the many good options for businesses to secure loans – especially for small businesses; and Sean Metrose, President of DeRoy Devereaux will highlight the factors to consider when balancing portfolios in the current market. The panel will be moderated by Camille Jayne, founder of Matters at Hand,™ a firm that works with clients and their advisors to facilitate getting one’s trust, insurance and money matters in the right shape. Come learn with others in the “safe” surroundings of The Community House. Light refreshments. No charge, but registration is required.

Come learn and enjoy! Register for all of the above at: www.tchserves.org or 248.644.5832 for more details.

Audrey Moran Faust 248.721.1044

afaust@skbk.com

415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

skbk.com

William Seklar is President, The Community House downtownpublications.com

Attention to detail paired with my dedication to your specific real estate needs, is my top priority.

DOWNTOWN

139

H

aving gr own up in the grown Hall & Hunter rreal eal estate family y, Ryan W family, Wolf olf inherently inherently possesses the knowledge, drive and determination expected of a pr emier agent. premier Using his rresourceful esourceful ffective fective networking and ef effective communication skills, Ryan strives to achieve customer satisfaction in every transaction by putting the client’ client’s s needs at the forefront forefro ont of the t experience.

Please call Ryan for all of your rreal eal estate needs.

D. Ryan an W Wolf olf 248.891.2221 RWolf@HallandHunter RWolf@HallandHunter.com andHunterr.com RyanWolfHomes.com RyanW WolfHomes.com olfHo

442 S. Old Woodward Ave Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009 HallandHunter terr.com 248.644.3500

SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Christ Child Society Christmas Home Tour Here is the update on the recent social scene.

Many more photos from each event appear online each week at downtownpublications.com where readers can sign up for an e-mail notice when the latest social scene column is posted. Past columns and photos are also archived at the website for Downtown.

Christ Child Society Home Tour Unlike some other holiday house tours that Sally Gerak fell by the wayside after a few years, the Christ Child Society’s has a winning strategy. Co-chairs Amy Gooch and Katie Gantner and their committee lined up five unique, beautiful homes whose generous owners get the Christmas decorations installed by the first Friday in December. This year these good people were Cristina & Robert Recchia, Renee & Michael Acho, Sally & Kevin Smith, Lauren & Robert Smith and Donna & Rusty Brown. The event booked the Birmingham Country Club for a non-stop and yummy buffet brunch from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. They also recruited more than 15 boutique owners to set up their sales displays at the club and society members to serve as docents at the homes. The 500 ($50 ticket) who attended planned their own touring, brunching and shopping schedule. The fun and festive day kicks off the holiday season for many and it raised $45,000 for the CCS’s service to children in need. Some of those are the boys at risk who live at the Christ Child House where 100 CCS supporters convened early this month to celebrate Twelfth Night. Lynn Connelly, Laurie Farr, and Carol Lafka are chairing the society’s big spring fundraiser – Pour Les Enfants. It is Thursday, May 7, at Oakland Hills Country Club.

Preservation Bloomfield Family Night The excitement in the air was palpable as 110 children in holiday finery ($30 ticket), accompanied by 140 adults ($60 ticket), flocked to the Townsend for the Thursday evening family party benefiting the Friends of Preservation Bloomfield. In addition to studying the awe-inspiring display of 22 gingerbread houses in the promenade, there was so much more to do. The kids loved shopping in secret for gifts and decorating gingerbread houses assisted by volunteers from Detroit Country Day School. They also had fun racing slot cars, getting pictures taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus as well as with silly accessories in a photo booth and making jewelry at the craft table. Some were so busy they almost forgot to get selections from the bountiful family buffet. The magical scene with snow and snowmen décor was magnificently accented with Christmas caroling by Bloomfield Hills High School’s The Jills in the promenade and music by pianist Alice Haidostian in the ballroom. The evening created happy memories and, combined with the next day’s luncheon, netted $30,000 for Preservation Bloomfield.

Gingerbread Celebration The morning after Family Night, 186 people ($100 & $150 tickets) arrived at the Townsend to continue the celebration. The Bloomfield Hills High School Chamber Strings musicians welcomed them as they socialized, studied and placed bids ($2,900) on the gingerbread houses, quaffed hot cocoa and bought raffle and silent auction tickets ($6,100). Before lunch was served, Sue Nine and Preservation Bloomfield president / Bloomfield Hills mayor Mike Dul reported the progress of the Barton Farmhouse restoration and fundraising which, in six years, exceeds $800,000. Dull also profusely thanked co-chairs Nine, Carol Shaya, Mia Materka and their dedicated committee. (After getting a glimpse of the event prep timeline, I can testify that the logistics of this two-part event required military precision and a legion of soldiers.) Then a quartet of lawyers from A (Habeas) Chorus Line entertained with humorous parody songs like “Dye Jobs Are a Girl’s Best Friend” and “Good Morning, Starbucks”. Following lunch, the winning Gingerbread House designs were announced. For Friends of Preservation Bloomfield membership information, call Pat Hardy at (248) 594-0692. downtownpublications.com

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9 1. Amy Gooch (left) and Katie Gantner of Birmingham 2. Katie Serda (center) of Grosse Pointe and Karen Kearns (left) and Pam Surhigh of Bloomfield 3. Mari MacKenzie (left) with Megan Jones of Birmingham 4. Lori Gothard (left) and Liz Lee of Bloomfield 5. Laura Keziah (left) and Maryclare Pulte of Bloomfield 6. Diane Mondry (left) of Bloomfield, Gayle Samuels of Franklin 7. Helen Reasoner (left) and Anne Toal of Bloomfield 8. Donna Sheehan (left) and Holly Beth Moncher of Bloomfield 9. Patsy Flynn (left), Katie Parks and Megan Parks of Bloomfield

DOWNTOWN

141

SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Detroit Historical Society Ball The planners of the Detroit Historical Society Ball like to select unique, preferably historic, venues for the gala, and the recent soiree filled that desire magnificently. Co-chaired

by Pam Wyett, Jill Johnson and Stephanie Nicholson, the event attracted 450 ($450 & up tickets) to the 2 1 3 Masonic Temple which was a beehive 1. Ella and Fallon Downey of of activity that night. Some DHS Birmingham 2. MacCall Avery (lef) guests paused to check out the silent and Emma Ponical of Bloomfield, auction items displayed on the mini Isabel Stanton of Birmingham balcony inside the Fountain Ballroom, 3. Erin Siver (left) of Birmingham, Sarah Frye of Bloomfield 4. Avery but most went right to the main floor and Quinn Appleby of Bloomfield to socialize, sip and check out two 5. Cara Kolwich (left) of Beverly Mustangs displayed there. Near the Hills, Anna Siver and Erin white 1963 Mustang II concept car we 5 Cosgrove of Birmingham 4 spotted another icon of Detroit history – seafood legend Joe Muer and his Preservation Bloomfield’s Gingerbread Celebration Brunch wife Jane who now live Up North. The couple will return for the dinner party for 10 at the new Joe Muer’s restaurant which sold for $2,500 during the live auction Dan Stall conducted after dinner. Stall also got $12,000 for Bobbi & Stephen Polk’s dinner party for eight at their historic Bloomfield Hills 1 3 home and a rousing $17,000 for a 2 week for two at the Fairmont Hotel In Monte Carlo, Monaco. In all, the live auction garnered $76,300 plus the $61,000 people pledged after Ann Greenspan pitched dedicated giving for school children’s programs. The dinner by L and M catering was savored at tables centered with April 7 5 4 6 Wagner’s blown glass sculptures.

1. Mia Materka (center) of W. Bloomfield and Carol Shaya (left) and Sue Nine of Bloomfield 2. Ginny Bennett (left), Carol Levin and Patti Jessup Guests bought 10 of them. Thanks also of Bloomfield 3. Judy Anderson (left) & Linda Ebert with Pat Hardy of Bloomfield 4. Yukari Katayama (left) and Diane McFeely of Bloomfield to generous sponsors the annual gala 5. Donna Yost (left) and Luba Hotra of Bloomfield 6. Claudine Bacher (left) and Pamela Williams of Bloomfield 7. Christine Richman (left) of raised $501,345 to support the Detroit Bloomfield.

Historical and the Dossin Great Lakes museums.

Academy of the Sacred Heart Holiday Benefit

Preservation Bloomfield Family Evening

Academy of the Sacred Heart Holiday Benefit Supporters of one of the oldest private schools in the state, which dates back to 1851 in Detroit, convened before the holidays to dispatch the first part of its two-part annual benefit.

Honorary chairs Susie & Tom Betrus 1 4 2 3 and Molly & Joe Schwartz greeted 175 guests in the parlors, a change of venue since the completion of the gymnasium several years ago, before they roamed the auditorium to sip, sup, socialize and bid on silent auction items, many of which made splendid Christmas gifts. Head of School Sister Bridget Bearss and board chair Dan 5 6 7 Carroll thanked Baldwin House and 1. Christa Schwartz (left), Molly Schwartz and Susie Betrus of Bloomfield 2. Tom Betrus (left) and Joe Schwartz with Greg Schwartz of Bloomfield the Bull Family for their sponsorship of 3. Dan (left) & Kathy Carroll of Bloomfield, Kevin Fogerty of Pleasant Ridge 4. Yvonne McCready (left) of Bloomfield, Denise Bull of Rochester 5. Jeanne (left) & Tom Petzold of Birmingham, Jay & Wendy Farner of Bloomfield 6. Paul Zimmerman (left) and Dan Morse of Bloomfield 7. Patti the event and Tom Betrus led a toast Jessup (left) and Maya Marsh of Bloomfield, Marie Kadlec of Rochester Hills, Karen Milner of Troy

142

DOWNTOWN

03.15

Truly amazing, one of a kind modern converted industrial space in desirable downtown Royal Oak. The home has a luxury loft feel and features aggregate concrete radiant heated floors, soaring 17 ft ceilings, lots of windows and a beautiful, private courtyard. Large, open custom commercial kitchen. Incredible master suite and master bath. Spectacular second floor terrace with room for entertaining on a grand scale. This home has been featured in many magazines and really is a once in a lifetime opportunity!

NOT MLS LISTED, CALL DIRECTLY.

C H R I ST I A N

G R OTHE

cgrothe@gmail.com | www.CHRISTIANGROTHE.com | 248.971.0080

275 S. OLD WOODWARD, DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM

SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK “…to our children.” The evening netted more than $50,000 and inspired anticipation of the main event – March 28 at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester.

Detroit Historical Society Ball

3

2

1

1. Amy Zimmer of Bloomfield and John Decker of Birmingham 2. Stephen Polk (center) & Bobbi Polk (left) of Bloomfield and Mary Ann Bury of Grosse Pointe 3. Donna (left) & Ric DeVore of Bloomfield, Bill Dow & Mariann McNally of Birmingham 4. Robert (left) & Ann Greenstone of Bloomfield, Barbara Van Dusen of Birmingham 5. Shelley & Jeffrey Roberts of Birmingham 6. Maggie Allesee, Larry Walsh and Bonnie Jobe of Bloomfield 7. Dr. Les (left) & Diane Rocher of W. Bloomfield, Charlene Handleman of Bloomfield 8. Peter Griffin of Grosse Pointe, Jane & Joe Muer of Frankfort 9. Michelle Busuito (left) of Detroit, Anne Murvenne of Royal Oak, Mary Brevard of Bloomfield

4

5

7

8

6

9

Cranbrook Kingswood Schools Charity Tea and Gift Exchange

1

4

2

5

3

6

7

1. Arlyce Seibert (center), Lori Thelen (left) and Mary Pat Rosen of Bloomfield 2. Kevin Cristbrook (left), Lisa Blake and James Cristbrook of Bloomfield 3. Jessica Majeske (left) and Laura Kyriakopoulos of Bloomfield 4. Toni Chan (left) of W. Bloomfield, Dawn Harimoto of Rochester Hills, Jeanette Sui of Birmingham 5. Taryn Cannarsa (left) and Melanie Feles of Birmingham 6. Nicole Steimel (left) of W. Bloomfield, Smita Ahluwalia of Bloomfield, Bhavi Shah of Troy 7. Leslie Luciano (left) of Birmingham, Shaiza Khan of Bloomfield, Carolyn Brill of Clarkston

144

DOWNTOWN

Cranbrook Tea & Gift Exchange Director of Schools Arlyce Seibert and school governors Lori Thelen and Mary Pat Rosen invited parents of Cranbrook students and graduates to Cranbrook House for a break from the holiday hustle and bustle. Nearly 100 attended the fourth annual tea and gift exchange, notable for the swapping system. It involves taking another person’s gift if one finds it more desirable than one’s own. Guests also brought a carload of gifts and pantry items for families served by Lighthouse of Oakland County. LOC’s Priscilla Perkins made a compelling pitch for supporting the non-profit’s mission and thanked all profusely for their beneficence. It also included $3,250 worth of gift cards for the Adopt a Family program.

Kidney Ball Jason Hall chaired the 10th annual Kidney Ball which attracted more than 680 generous people ($250 ticket) to the MGM Grand before the holidays. Honorary co-chairs Myra Moreland and Duane McLean greeted guests during the cocktail reception and silent auction preceding a splendid dinner. WDIV Local 4’s Steve Garagiola emceed the program. It featured a spirited live auction which raised more than $70,000 by selling such items as a VIP Super Bowl experience and a trip to Paris. After dinner, guests enjoyed the Jerry Ross Band dance music and making take home selections from the Mars and Wrigley candy bar. Thanks also to generous sponsors like Meijer and General Motors, the evening raised more than $500,000 for National Kidney Foundation Michigan’s many programs and services that help the 900,000-plus Michigan residents living with chronic kidney disease.

MOCAD Holiday Party Before the holidays, Bobby and Julie Taubman invited (Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit) MOCAD supporters to sip, sup and view painter Scott Reeder’s film “Moon Dust” at the Maple Theatre. Julie had seen the film’s premiere a few weeks earlier in NYC and wanted Detroiters to have the same opportunity. Reeder, whose wife Elysia Borowy-Reeder is MOCAD executive director, was on hand to accept congratulations for the colorful feature film that was more than 10 years in production.

Henry Ford Hospital Grand Ball Henry Ford Hospital was founded by automotive icon Henry Ford in 1915. Hospital advocates started practicing for its centennial celebration five years ago. Nine hundred people ($250 tickets) frolicked at the fifth annual December gala at the MGM Grand. Some were meeting new 03.15

president Wright Lassiter for the first time. He is succeeding current HF Health Systems CEO Nancy Schlichting who will retire in December.

WJR’s Paul W. Smith emceed the after dinner program with his customary flair. It featured expressions of gratitude, especially to event founders Dick and Joanne Brodie, uplifting remarks from Schlichting and hospital CEO Dr. John Popovich, as well as videos promising new visions for a new century. Most guests stayed to dance to Simon Vitale’s music. The evening netted $235,000 and a rousing kick off to the hospital’s centennial celebration.

Henry Ford Hospital Grand Ball

1

2

3

The Gallery Speaking of kick offs, the DADA (Detroit Auto Dealers Association) now designates The Gallery as the official North American International Auto Show kick-off event. The eighth annual version attracted 500 guests ($1,000 ticket) to the MGM Grand for the pre-press week evening. The ball4 6 room showcased 27 cars worth more than $8 million. Luxury brands like Bentley, Ferrari, Rolls5 Royce and Lamborghini competed with Ken Dewey’s glamorous show of Neiman Marcus fashions and Wolfgang Puck’s strolling dinner of lobster, pastas and beef tenderloin, the latter served up personally by Puck. DADA executive director Rod Alberts, NAIAS chair Scott LaRiche and vice chair Paul Sabatini headed the car side of the guest list and, since they had des8 7 9 ignated Henry Ford Hospital to benefit from ticket sales, doctors like John Popovich, Scott 1. Dr. John & Beth Popovich of Birmingham, Joanne & Dick Brodie of Bloomfield 2. Dave Smith & Michel Williams of Dulchavsky and Greg Barkley headed the medBloomfield 3. Jim Vella (left) of Canton, Chip & Sarah McClure ical side. Others using the glamorous soiree to of Bloomfield 4. John & Beth Cafaro of W. Bloomfield, Sue kick start auto show excitement included Fair and Dr. Bill Conway of Birmingham 5. Dr. Scott & Jennifer Radom, Vivian Pickard, Allan Kaufman, Jessie Dulchavsky of Birmingham 6. Patricia Mooradian (left) Dan Quick and Fair Radom of Bloomfield 7. Dr. Doree Ann & Elliott & Ed Welburn, the Dan Gilberts and the Dantee Espiritu of Bloomfield 8. Warren & Beth Chappell of Frank Campanales to name but a few.

Bloomfield 9. Dr. Manny Brown & Lauren Higgins of Children’s Center AutoGlow Birmingham 10. Lynn Ford Alandt (left) & Paul Alandt of Nearly 900 of the 13,350 NAIAS Charity Grosse Pointe, Pam Theisen & Nancy Schlichting of Bloomfield, Wright Lassiter of Birmingham Preview guests ($400 ticket) centered their party10 ing at Ford Field at a soiree benefiting The Children’s Center. An AutoGlow ticket ($325) Children’s Center AutoGlow included a Cobo shuttle on which a video titled “The Future Starts Here” detailed the life-changing services the center provides yearly to more than 7,500 children and families. AutoGlow was hosted by Lisa and Bill Ford, whose family has supported the center since its founding 85 years ago, and Jane and Mark Fields, whose predecessor Alan Mulally also came from Seattle for the event. “I wouldn’t miss it,” said Mulally, who co3 hosted the event during his eight years at the head of Ford. The future was the party theme and Levy Restaurants’ menu of hors d’oeuvres, dinner and desserts featured futurist dining trends.

Guests also danced to Detroit’s Nightline under a lighted ceiling and an interactive video wall while entertainers cavorted with LED-lighted 1 2 hula hoops. The award-winning 2015 F150 and 1. Jane & Mark Fields of Birmingham 2. Renee Prewitt (left) of Bloomfield with Bill & the all-new 2015 Ford Mustang GT were on disLisa Ford of Ann Arbor 3. Susan and Bill Krusel of Birmingham 4. Steven Lin (left) of play, highlighting the future of the Ford Motor East Pointe, Laura Segal of Franklin, Jim Rein of Bloomfield 4 Company. Thanks also to other sponsors, The downtownpublications.com

DOWNTOWN

145

SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Future Starts Here raised nearly $220,000 for The Children’s Center. That’s in addition to the $5.34 million that the Charity preview raised for nine children’s charities.

The Community House Meet & Greet

1

4

2

5

3

7

6

1. Dan Stall (left) of Birmingham, Camille Jayne and Bill Seklar of Bloomfield 2. Susan and Bailey Seklar of Bloomfield 3. Patty Peacock (left) of Birmingham, Sue Dinger and Kathie Ninneman of Bloomfield 4. Ian & Connie McEwan of Birmingham 5. Joy DiCenso and Bob Ziegelman of Bloomfield 6. Carol Marsh (left) of Bloomfield, Julie Dawson of Birmingham 7. Jim Kornas and his son Dr. Rob Kornas of Bloomfiled

Angels Place Annual Dinner People are still talking about the annual Angels Place dinner that attracted 700 people to The Henry Hotel before the holidays. Schuyler and Nora Hamill and Judge James and Loretta Ryan co-chaired the event that featured guest speaker Senator Rick Santorum. He spoke about his daughter Bella, who, like the residents of the 20 Angels Place homes, has a developmental disability. The program also featured the premier of a new video. It is a moving piece starring the AP residents that may viewed at angelsplace.com. The 22nd annual event raised $225,000, including the $1,200 that was the winning bid for the original art Kathleen McInerney painted for the event invitation and program cover.

Care House Circle of Friends Preview Party

1

4

3

2

5

8

7 146

The Community House Meet & Greet “I got a promotion,” declared new board chair Camille Jayne, as she introduced her successor to the THC presidency William (Bill) Seklar to 130 guests at a welcome reception.

The guest list included civic leaders, donors and people active in house-sponsored groups. Many already knew Seklar from his years at the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber, Manresa Jesuit Retreat House and the Children’s Leukemia Foundation. For his part, the new president, who grew up in Birmingham, thanked his wife Susan for working in the private sector “…so I can work in the non-profit world.” The next big fundraiser on his plate is the THC Fourth Annual Gala Saturday, March 14. It will honor the community’s Pillars of Vibrancy and Grand Honoree Children’s Hospital of Michigan’s Dr. Herman Gray. For ticket information, call (248) 644-5832.

6

9

1. Mia Farrow (left) with event hosts Bill and Maria Roberts of Bloomfield 2. Kappy Trott (left) with David and Darlene Jackson of Birmingham 3. Dr. Susan Ivanovic (left) and Dr. Denise Shutters of Bloomfield, Jeff Moelich of W. Bloomfield 4. Jane Synnestvedt (left) of Birmingham, Val Ahlgren and Kristen Bouchillon of Bloomfield, Leah Schofield of Royal Oak 5. Jeane Lee (left) of Orchard Lake, Barry & Janice King of Birmingham 6. Linda Hommel (left) of Birmingham, Elizabeth Kojaian of Bloomfield 7. Adele Acheson (left) of W. Bloomfield, Lisa Payne of Bloomfield 8. John & Deborah Schrot of Birmingham 9. Lisa MacDonald (left) of Waterford and Denise Abrash with Jim Hayes of Bloomfield

DOWNTOWN

Cabaret 313 You could go to the Big Apple to take in the cabaret scene at such legendary, intimate clubs as the Village Vanguard and 54 Below.

Or, thanks to the vision of Sandi Reitelman and Allan Nachman, you can experience the same artists in area code 313. The third of four cabaret evenings they scheduled for the opening season of their venture attracted 225 people for the two shows in the Boll Theatre at the Boll Family YMCA in downtown Detroit. Most of the people we interviewed, and they came from all over the area, had never before been to that Y and were impressed. With the venue, yes, but especially with singer Giada Valenti.

Her show “From Venice with Love” was magical, both for her enchanting voice and her delightful personality. It was revealed as she shared stories about her childhood in Italy in 03.15

DETROIT MARRIOTT® TROY

© 2015 Marriott International, Inc.

SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK between selections like “I Have but One Heart”, “La Vie En Rose”, and “Smile Though Your Heart is Breaking.” In addition to presenting sponsor Dan Hollander & his wife Dr. Priscilla Chamberlain, other Cabaret 313 founding sponsors spotted at the concert included Doreen Hermelin & Mel Lester, Maureen & Jerry D’Avanzo, Nancy & Larry Bluth and the Reitelmans and the Nachmans.

The season’s final cabaret evening is 7 & 9:45 p.m., Saturday, March 28, in the Chrysler Black Box Theatre at the Detroit Opera House. It will star Valarie Pettiford, a Tony-nominated protégé of the legendary choreographer Bob Fosse. For reservations ($50-general, $125-preferred seating), go to cabaret313.org. The 30 & under crowd can get $25 tickets by calling (313) 405-5061.

Cabaret 313

1

2

3

4

5

7

6

1. Giada Valenti (center) of NYC, Joy (left) & Allan Nachman of Bloomfield and Sandi & Claude Reitelman of Birmingham 2. Larry Gardner (left) of Beverly Hills, Harvey & Elaine Minkin of Bloomfield 3. Gerry Padilla & Linda Orlans of Birmngham 4. Jackie & Neil Sefferman of Bloomfield 5. Angela & Hardo Barths of Bloomfield 6. Erica Peresman & David Jaffe of Birmingham 7. Julie Long (left) of Detroit, Bill Kapsky of Grosse Ponte, Susan Smith of Birmingham

CARE House Circle of Friends Preview Party The Preview Party preceding the 19th annual Circle of Friends luncheon attracted 120 guests ($150 ticket) to CARE House of Oakland County’s state of the art home in Pontiac. After most of the guests had arrived, 10-year old Christian Bouchillon, accompanying himself on a keyboard, sang “Let Them See You.” Leading the applause when he finished was actress Mia Farrow, featured speaker at the next day’s luncheon, and event hosts Maria and Bill Roberts. Their six eateries were serving splendid cuisine, Celani Family Vineyards wines and Griffin Claw beers. In addition to serious socializing, guests, including Farrow, also visited interview and therapy rooms where staffers explained how abused children begin to heal. Free tours are an informal way to learn how all the parts of CARE House work together for the interview of a child – police, Children’s Protective Services, prosecutor and CARE House staff. One-hour Seeds of Hope tours begin at noon March 10 & 24, April 14 & 28. For reservations or questions, contact Chad Ozias at (248) 332.7173 ext.206 or email cozias@carehouse.org.

BBAC Exhibition Opening Reception

1

3 148

1. Ken (left) & Patty Eisenbraun and Katy Proctor of Bloomfield 2. Jeff (left) & Julie Morganroth of Bloomfield, Lesly & Jay Kutinsky of Farmington Hills 3. Judy (left) and Chuck Daugherty of Shelby Twp., Robin Servo of Bloomfield, Debra Weisman of W. Bloomfield 4. Janice Degen (left) of Bloomfield, Minna Schwarz-Seim and Darryl Seim of W. Bloomfield 5. R. Jean Ruth of Beverly Hills

2

4

5 DOWNTOWN

BBAC Exhibition Openings Artists and art lovers flocked to the opening of two exhibitions at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center.

Both – “Sacred Treasures” and “Current Student Works” – were juried by the Thayers. Artist/professor Nancy Thayer juried the fascinating show of artifacts celebrating the Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Native American, and Sikh faiths. Her husband, sculptor Russell Thayer, juried the student show. It showcases more than 180 works by 132 students representing 27 BBAC instructors. One of the students, Minna Schwarz-Seim, said that she had been taking classes at the BBAC for many years. “No matter the instructor, I learn something new from each of them. They are wonderful,” she declared. Nearly half of the works are for sale and exhibitor Patty Eisenbraun was thrilled when she spotted the “sold” sign on her colorful painting of a chair. Both exhibitions will run through March 27. Admission is free. In addition to a wealth of classes and drop in workshops, the BBAC also has art options for kids during spring break week – April 6 -10.

For detailed information, go to BBArtCenter.org or call (248) 644.0866.

03.15

(248) 681-8500 (248) 553-5050 All Star

NEW TREND EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

visit www.TheMichaelTeam.com

DUCK LAKE - $1,250,000 m agNiFiCeNt C ustom l akeFRoNt d Ream home oN a ll s poRts d uCk l ake . FoRmeR b uildeR ’ s home w/ Custom u pgRades t/o .

CALL

UNION LAKE - $925,000

SYLVAN LAKE - $999,000

MACEDAY LAKE - $849,000

WEST BLOOMFIELD - $625,000

C ustom u NioN l akeFRoNt w/ 174 F t. saNdy F RoNtage .

Fabulous s uNset v iews , maRble & hw FlRs , 2 masteR s uites .

C ustom l akeFRoNt home oN a ll s poRts s ylvaN l ake 120 F t oF l ake F RoNtage .

s peCtaCulaR C ustom l akeFRoNt w/ FiNished walkout oN a ll s poRts m aCeday l ake .

b eautiFul m aplewoods NoRth C oloNial oN C ul-d e-saC F iNished ll, C ustom paveR patio & o utdooR k itCheN .

CALL

CALL

CALL

CALL

WEST BLOOMFIELD - $559,000

CASS LAKE - $1,250,000

BLOOMFIELD HILLS - $695,000

BLOOMFIELD - $829,000

C ustom home iN p Restigious b loomField p iNes s ub oN p Rivate lot oN C ul-d e-saC w/ 1st F looR m asteR & walkout.

C ustom b uilt l akeFRoNt home oN F ull paNoRamiC l ake v iews .

100 F t. FRoNtage , FiNished walkout.

Newly Remodeled CoNtempoRaRy ColoNial w/ oRaNge lake pRivileges.New gRaNite kitCheN, walNut haRdwood FlRs, FiNished ll.

s paCious C ustom home iN d esiRable wabeek F iNished walkout loweR l evel .

CALL

CALL

CALL

CALL

HURON RIVER FRONT - $419,000

PINE LAKE - $999,000

COMMERCE - $469,000

BLOOMFIELD HILLS - $649,000

C ustom home iN C Ross C Reek s ub w/ saNdy R iveR F RoNtage aNd a CCess to a ll s poRts Fox l ake . F iNished w alkout.

Fabulous C ustom C oNtempoRaRy C ape C od.

Completely R eNovated (2010).

b eautiFul C oloNial iN d esiRable b iRkdale p oiNte s ub.

FiNished walkout w/ theatRe R oom .

e legaNt C ustom C oNtempoRaRy iN p Restigious wabeek R idge .

CALL

CALL

CALL

CALL

ENDNOTE

Transparency on county food inspections ecent accolades attributed to the Oakland County Health Division's food safety program are a good indicator that health standards are being strictly maintained at the more than 4,700 restaurants operating in the county, but we feel the officials are falling short when it comes to providing easy access to restaurant inspection reports, especially when we note other local counties provide easy Internet access to their restaurant inspections.

Under Michigan's food law, restaurants with a fixed location that operate year around must be inspected bi-annually. As the entity in Oakland County responsible for restaurant inspections, the health division's environmental health food safety program conducts more than 18,000 inspections each year. That figure includes the required biannual inspections at fixed restaurants, as well as follow-up inspections, along with inspections at other food establishments, such as mobile food vendors, pop-ups and temporary establishments.

Yet, none of those inspection reports are currently accessible through an online source. That means anyone who wishes to obtain an inspection report must file a Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA) request with the county to view a report.

Oakland County spokesman Bill Mullan said the county doesn't have plans to make inspection reports available online, something that the surrounding counties of Macomb, Livingston, Wayne and Washtenaw already do. Why? Because doing so, according to Mullan, could unintentionally damage a good restaurant's reputation if the public doesn't fully understand the reports – a concern that has been echoed by the Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA).

Officials with the organization have said it is critical that the public understands what

R

information is provided in the reports before making judgements about an establishment. We agree.

However, one may only consider the thousands of thriving restaurants outside of Oakland County that continue to enjoy solid reputations, despite inspection reports being available at the touch of a computer, iPad or smartphone.

Anyone even remotely familiar with the food service industry is probably aware that inspection violations – at least minor infractions – are very common and rarely overlooked by inspectors. For example, instances of inadequate paper towel in a restroom, improper labeling of perishables, or an employee not having a lid on their personal beverage container while working, are all possible inspection violations that could end up on an inspection report. Further, such violations may be corrected almost instantly, but are still required to be noted on an inspection report.

There's no doubt that lumping such examples together with more serious violations wouldn't be a fair and accurate representation of a particular restaurant. Still, we disagree with the county's logic behind the decision to keep such reports hidden from the dining public. In fact, we believe that added transparency to the process would only serve to strengthen the reputation of good restaurants by putting to rest rumors and arbitrary restaurant reviews that can be posted by anyone with access to any of the multitude of websites, such as yelp.com, urbanspoon.com or others.

Additionally, we believe changes to the state's food law already address some of the concerns about how the public interprets restaurant inspections. Prior to October of 2012, violations were categorized as "critical" or "non-critical"

violations. Those categories have been restructured to the point of nearing doublespeak, with violations now categorized as "core," "priority," and "priority core" violations. A change that was fully endorsed by the MRA. While we also feel it is worth noting that providing inspection reports online in Oakland County would likely be a large undertaking considering the number of reports conducted each year, we believe the county is well capable of meeting the task.

Macomb County, with just 15.5 full-time employees, conducted about 5,800 inspections in 2014, with results available on the county's health department's website. Wayne County's health department, which conducts inspections for the entire county with the exception of those located inside the city of Detroit, conducted more than 8,800 inspections. In Livingston County, three full-time sanitarians conducted more than 1,000 inspections in 2014. Both Wayne and Livingston counties provide reports online through the thirdparty website at www.swordsolutions.com.

Considering Oakland County routinely bills itself as the center for high-tech innovation, and has received numerous awards for its work in the information technology field, we believe it is incumbent upon the county to provide easy access to online inspection results. It should be easy for inspectors to upload and update, and we trust those seeking the information online will be able to comprehend the information in the reports.

Although we can understand the concerns of unintentional harm to restaurant owners, we feel the public's right to easily access the health information contained in the reports outweighs those concerns.

Preserve West Maple as a four-lane road ver the last two decades, Birmingham has been a city that has worked at visionary urban design while remembering to preserve its heritage. Nearly 20 years ago, the city hired a master of New Urbanism, Andres Duany, who created a master plan, the Downtown 2016 Plan. The 2016 Plan helped the city redesign a new city square in the form of Shain Park, reinvigorated the downtown shopping district with streetscaping, led to the creation of the bistro licenses, as well to the creation of mixed use districts, such as the downtown area, Rail District and Triangle District, and mixed use buildings, where residential, retail and commercial uses are all utilized in one five-story building. Few would say that Birmingham was better off 20 years ago than it is today.

Yet not all change is for the better.

A year ago, the Birmingham City Commission expanded the duties of its Traffic and Safety Board to a Multi-Modal Transportation Board.

Previously, the city commission had approved a Multi-Modal Transportation Plan, which provides guidance for all future transportation projects in

O

Birmingham. The process was begun in May 2012, when city planners began the creation of a master plan for multi-modal transportation which they believe will transform the future usage of streets, sidewalks, rail, busses, bicycles and other forms of movement in the city for all users. The goal is that as roads and streets are repaired and redeveloped, they will be looked at, analyzed and redesigned with more than just cars in mind.

West Maple between Southfield and Cranbrook roads has been under the microscope of the multimodal committee, and we applaud them for taking a look at this high volume, high impact roadway as it comes up for reconstruction in 2016.

Currently under review is a plan that includes relocating bus stops closer to pedestrian road crossings, installing islands to facilitate safer road crossings, and converting its four lanes into a three lane road with a center turn lane and bike lanes along its edge on both sides.

While cycling is utilized for both recreation as well as transportation, and some foresee its use growing throughout the 21st century, many active cyclists tell us they would be hesitant to use bike

lanes on the sides of West Maple, fearful of its traffic. A half-mile in either direction are Oak and Lincoln, much more amenable to bicycle traffic.

Which leads us to traffic on West Maple. It's fast, it's active, and it's a major east-west conduit, both in and out of downtown. Reducing traffic to two lanes, one in each direction, will force drivers somewhere else, whether to other major arteries or to side streets. Locals will be forced to side streets, creating dangerous driving hazards within communities. Turning left out of one of the neighborhood streets onto Maple now can be difficult, even dangerous. We don't want to create even more hazards.

City leaders must also consider the financial toll diverting traffic away from Birmingham would take. The efforts of the 2016 Plan have created a viable, walkable downtown whose retail and entertainment businesses boast a 97 percent occupancy rate. But that is fragile. Let's not give residents and visitors any reason to drive away because it's too much of a hassle to drive here.

Wake up to fresh powder and days of outdoor adventures with snowshoeing, ice skating and cross-country skiing. Warm up with a relaxing spa treatment and experience a world-class meal at one of our outstanding restaurants. Winter is just another season of fun at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Call or see our website for more details and current offers.

800-748-0303 | grandtraverseresort.com Owned & Operated by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians

A house. A school. The nearest grocery store.

And a teacher with the best green eggs and ham.

Let us do your “Home� work...

skbk.com

415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

248.644.7000