Shane Ford and Jerry Wald weren't looking to start their own music venue when they stumbled upon 334 S Main St. in downtown Rochester, but that's what they got when they did last year.

Today The Factory is one of downtown Rochester's most vibrant spots, attracting dozens of people several times a week for performances. It started when Wald, 22, was looking for some downtown studio space for his photography business. Ford, a 21-year-old musician, wanted a practice space for his band. Then Wald found the space behind Tower Pizza and both fell in love with it.

"We just kinda fell into it," Ford says.

They set up the space for an intimate concert venue. Their first show attracted about 90 people to a place with a capacity of 100. Since then they have been doing several shows a week from various music genres. Those attending range in age from 6-60 years old.

"It all depends on who the bands are and what their fan base is," Ford says.

And they do this without an alcohol license. Several bars are within easy stumbling distance, so Ford and Wald direct patrons to them if they want a drink. They make their money at the door.

It has been so successful that they are planning on opening a retail store nearby to complement The Factory. Zietgiest will sell shirts, music and other music paraphernalia. The old house turned commercial storefront will sell the merchandise and even have a smaller performance area for things like poetry readings.

Source: Shane Ford, co-owner of The Factory
Writer: Jon Zemke

Improvements and upgrades are coming to Oakland Community College now that its Board of Trustees has approved $3.42 million in projects.

The renovations will take place at the Highland Lakes and Orchard Ridge campuses. The electronic signage at all five campuses will also be upgraded.

Work on the Highland Lakes Campus includes the replacement of ventilation equipment in High Oaks Hall at a cost of $2.9 million. The workers will also install an interior, sound-proof wall in Building J on the Orchard Ridge Campus for $55,300.

Oakland County voters in 2001 approved a 0.8-mill property tax to pay for these projects.

Source: George Cartsonis, director of college communications for Oakland Community College
Writer: Jon Zemke

The city of Berkley is taking the first steps toward renovating its historic Fire Hall now that it has hired Stephen Auger + Associates Architects to perform a feasibility study.

It will focus on improvements for the 10,000-square-foot neo-classical building, such as bringing it up to code, making it more accessible, and preserving the historic elements. The study will be done by this fall and the city is expected to make a decision on what, if any, work it will do by November.

"Right now we're just in the study phase," says Chris Aller, principal of Lake Orion-based Stephen Auger + Associates Architects.

The 2-story Fire Hall was built in 1928 and originally served as a fire department station. Its exterior is made up of brick and limestone. It was added to Michigan's list of historic places in 1988. Today, it serves as home to offices for the Berkley Historic Museum and storage for the city.

Source: Chris Aller, principal of Stephen Auger + Associates Architects
Writer: Jon Zemke

Oakland Community College is breaking the bank to break ground on an expansion to its Southfield campus.

The school broke ground on the $25.3 million project on Tuesday. The development will add 69,350 square feet to the campus, located just south of 9 Mile Road and east of the Southfield Freeway.

"It's the largest construction project in the college's history," says George Cartsonis, director of college communications for Oakland Community College. "This is the biggest."

And it's happening at the college's smallest campus. The Southfield campus is home to much of the college's health and science programs, including health care administration, hospital pharmacy, nuclear medicine, and surgical technology, among others.

The demand for healthcare education has pumped up the enrollment in Southfield by 114 percent over the last decade. That means 3,924 students are enrolled today at a campus designed for 2,500. The expansion should ease overcrowding by expanding its footprint 75 percent to serve another 2,000 students.

The two-year project will upgrade the existing building's infrastructure, create more space, and modernize the technology. For instance, gone is the 27-year-old building's HVAC system. It will be replaced with a new, more efficient system.

There will be eight new laboratories for biology, anatomy, and physiology classes, a 25 percent bump in lab space, and a new state-of-the-art surgical technology program lecture lab that replicates a hospital operating room. The project will also provide seven new double classrooms, bigger nursing labs for an additional 100 students, and enhanced space and technology for the respiratory therapy program.

And of course there will also be the usual suspects of a new computer lab, study areas, testing center, offices, children's center, extra space for tutoring and even room for physical education, all being paid for by a 0.8-mill property tax approved in 2001.

This will be the biggest project for Oakland Community College for a while. There are plans to do a similar large expansion at the Auburn Hills campus, specifically updating the circa-1972 vocational education building. That is still at least a few years away from becoming a reality.

Source: George Cartsonis, director of college communications for Oakland Community College
Writer: Jon Zemke

The second of two industrial-into-office-space rehabs has begun on the south side of downtown Royal Oak.

Now that work is wrapping up on 120 E Hudson, the developer behind that innovative renovation, Jim Johnson, is turning his attention to 200 E Hudson.

"They have dug the foundation and the steel contractor has been out to measure the steel supports for the roof," says Jim Schneider, president of Royal Oak-based Schneider + Smith Architects, which designed the project.

The buildings used to be one large, single-story industrial site. The machine shop dated back to the dawn of the 20th Century automotive boom, adding more and more space as the industry grew. It became obsolete as the industry contracted, and is now a prime candidate for edgy, loft-style office space in the center of town. Johnson split the building in half to make it more office friendly, creating 120 and 200 E Hudson.

Several other similar structures on the edge of downtown between B&B Collision and the railroad tracks have gone through similar transformations. 120 E Hudson went from a 7,000-square-foot down-and-dirty industrial building to chic, ultra-modern office space clad in brick, concrete, aluminum and glass for about 25 advertising office workers.

200 E Hudson is set to undergo a similar transformation. However, a tenant hasn't been found yet, so construction will probably take a little longer.

Source: Jim Schneider, president of Schnieder+Smith Architects
Writer: Jon Zemke

The latest feather going into Walsh College's hat happens to be green, now that one of the college's buildings has been recognized with a Green Building of America Award.

The Jeffery W. Barry Center will be featured in the next Real Estate & Construction Review-Midwest Green Success Stories special edition. It's being held up as an example of the owner/developer, consultants, architects, and contractors working together to create a sustainable building in its region.

"It's an awesome design," says Christine Stout, director of facilities and auxilary services for Walsh College. "It's very striking. It's an environment that's corporate and educational, which is excellent for our business students."

The Barry Center incorporates recycled and eco-friendly materials throughout the 37,000-square-foot building, such as terrazzo floors made of 20,000 pounds of recycled glass. It also utilizes a water system that captures and recycles rain water, and comes with solar-powered climate control.

The most unique thing about the building is how it's designed for its purpose. Many LEED-style structure go to maximize their points by maximizing natural lighting. Most of Walsh College's students go to school at night, so daylight doesn't do much to cut down on their utility bills. Instead the architects took out the windows and replaced it with thick insulation to maximize heat efficiency. Occupation sensors help make sure no room is heated or cooled unless someone is in there.

Chicago-based Valerio Dewalt Train Associates designed the building, which was built in 2007 at Walsh College's Troy Campus. It has nine classrooms, three conference rooms, two seminar rooms and a 135-seat auditorium.

Source: Christine Stout, director of facilities and auxilary services for Walsh College
Writer: Jon Zemke

The last of three workshops aimed at the revitalization of downtowns in Oakland County is set to go down on Friday, August 14.

The "Lead Your Downtown from Brown to Green" workshop will focus on tackling sustainability issues, such as historic preservation and eco-friendly development.

"As the title says, we're trying to take downtowns from brown to green by letting them (local stakeholders) know what they can do in this economy," says Bob Donahue, executive director of Main Street Oakland County.

A number of topics, including how to make best use of brownfield sites, effective historic preservation, and how to incorporate green-building practices, such as LEED standards, will be covered. Other subjects will include tapping into farmers markets, the cost-effectiveness of LED lights, and how best to employ urban forestry.

Main Street Oakland County is encouraging local architects, planners, preservationists, developers, city officials, and community activists to attend. The cost is $75 per person. The workshop will be held between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. in the Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, west of Telegraph, in Waterford.

Source: Bob Donahue, executive director of Main Street Oakland County
Writer: Jon Zemke

The Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission acquired five acres of property adjacent to Waterford Oaks County Park at the intersection Scott Lake and Watkins Lake roads on July 17.

The property was formally owned by Steve Ernst, owner of the Ernst Greenhouse. The business was founded in 1942 on the site.

"Oakland County Parks plans to incorporate the parcel into Waterford Oaks County Park to preserve the land as green space for future generations to enjoy," Dan Stencil, executive officer, said.

Oakland County Parks purchased the property for $1 million. The parcel includes 36,000 square feet of greenhouse space and the Ernst family barn.

"The property has great potential for the development of a horticulture program for educational and recreational programs," Jon Noyes, Supervisor – Planning, said. "There is also an opportunity to realign the park entrance with the Watkins Lake Road traffic light to ensure safer access to the park."

Oakland County Parks plans to reuse some of the greenhouse facilities in partnership with academic institutions, conservation groups, government agencies and professional organizations.

Ernst Greenhouse Volunteer Kick-off Day is scheduled to introduce volunteers to the greenhouses from 9 a.m. – noon on August 29. Volunteers are needed to inventory plants and equipment and begin planting in September. To register or for more information about volunteering, call Rachel Meyers at (248) 975-9717 or e-mail meyersr@oakgov.com.

For more information on Oakland County Parks, visit www.DestinationOakland.com.

Pedestrians walking along Main Street in downtown Royal Oak might notice the historic storefront with the hole in it. A big hole in it. A hole so big there are only walls and a roof. Meet 309 Main St.

Work began on the 2-story storefront a few weeks ago. It has since grown into a tear-out of the interior, and the builder has started fresh with a couple of walls and a roof.

"Once they got into it, they might have underestimated the repairs they needed to make." says Joseph Murphy, a city planner with Royal Oak.

One of the partners in the development is Sergio Easmjian, owner of downtown-based Metals in Time. An attempt to reach him about the project was unsuccessful.

The circa 1907 building has 9,800 square feet evenly divided between two floors. Its ground floor has served as a retail space, with office space upstairs. The city has given its blessing for the project to basically re-create that design.

"It will be brand new this time," Murphy says.

Source: Joseph Murphy, a city planner with Royal Oak
Writer: Jon Zemke

The Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office is picking up steam this summer, with plans to become supercharged by this fall.

So far six communities have joined the program run by the Michigan Suburbs Alliance, including Ferndale, Lincoln Park, Roseville, Grosse Pointe Woods, Madison Heights, and Farmington Hills. Another two or three dozen municipalities have it on their agendas for late this summer or early fall.

"We expect that by the end of the month we'll have 15-20," says Brittany Galisdorfer, program director for the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office.

There are no upfront costs for smaller communities. The program will help participating municipalities fill out grant applications and go after projects that will make them more sustainable.

One of the early favorites is switching street lights from normal incandescent bulbs to LEDs. It's a tactic Ann Arbor and Pontiac have successfully deployed to capture significant electricity and maintenance savings. Farmington Hills wants to buy a foreclosed home and turn it into an eco-friendly showcase for local residents.

Source: Brittany Galisdorfer, program director for the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office
Writer: Jon Zemke

Woodward Avenue is internationally known for its Dream Cruise, but a growing band of environmentalists want to make it just as famous for its Green Cruise.

The Sierra Club Green Cruise is an annual event where bicyclists pedal up and down Woodward, much like their Dream Cruise counterparts cruise up and downtown Michigan's Main Street in classic cars.

It started five years ago, when a couple dozen Ferndale residents decided to make such a statement. Today the Sierra Club has hitched its name along for the ride, which has spread to neighboring southeast Oakland County communities.

"We would love to see the Dream Cruise expand into some other communities," says Douglas Christie, one of the coordinators for the Sierra Club Green Cruise.

This year's Green Cruise was Saturday morning, Aug. 8, in downtown Ferndale at 9 Mile Road and Planavon Street. The 20-mile ride stretching as far north as Birmingham started at 8 a.m. The five-mile ride began at 9 a.m. And the Green Cruise parade started at 11 a.m.

Much more went on beyond the Green Cruise itself. There were eco-friendly vendors and a rock-climbing wall for kids, among other things. Also available were free bicycle check-ups, a valet bicycle corral to lock up your bike, and educational information on the environment and on pedalling your community.

Source: Douglas Christie, a coordinator for the Sierra Club Green Cruise
Writer: Jon Zemke

The Woodward Avenue Action Association is ready to spend some big money to put new faces on Michigan's Main Street.

The non-profit has $116,000 at its fingertips for facade improvements of structures along the Woodward Corridor from the Detroit River to downtown Pontiac. WA3 is taking applications for facade-improvement projects until Aug. 14.

About $45,000 of those funds comes from the city of Detroit and will be used to improve facades along Woodward between 6 and 8 Mile roads. The rest comes from the  National Scenic Byway, courtesy of the federal government. The $71,000 can be used for the entire stretch of Woodward.

"This is the second phase of the grant," says Nicole Brown, outreach and promotions coordinator for the Woodward Avenue Action Association.

The first phase of the grant, awarded earlier this year, gave tens of thousands of dollars to a number of communities along the Woodward Corridor. Among the winners were the New Center Council for facade improvements, the city of Pontiac for new trees and landscaping at the entrance to downtown, and to the University of Detroit Mercy and Bloomfield Hills for landscaping improvements.

For information on the grants, call (248) 288-2004.

Source: Nicole Brown, outreach and promotions coordinator for the Woodward Avenue Action Association
Writer: Jon Zemke

Oakland Community College is about to begin on a $25.3-million expansion of the Southfield Campus.

Excerpt:

Oakland Community College is ready to begin construction on a $25.3-million expansion of its Southfield campus.

The project, approved by trustees last year, is the largest construction project in OCC's 45-year history. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday.
The campus, southeast of 9 Mile and Southfield roads, is the base for several health and science programs.

The smallest of the district's five campuses, Southfield has more than doubled enrollment in the last decade, the school said. Campus operations will continue during the two-year construction process.

Read the entire article here.

A Bloomfield  Hills resident wants to turn an old Milford church into a jazz club and cultural center.

Excerpt:

Subhash Kapur bought the former Catholic church at 219 E. Commerce -- dedicated in 1907 and built with stones from parish members' land -- two years ago for about $1 million. Kapur, who has put about $250,000 into renovations, initially wanted to make it into a home but decided it should remain a public building. He has fixed the stone church's roof, redone the iron handrails at the entrance and had preliminary architectural drawings made for the interior.

He's working on the project with jazz musician Alexander Zonjic, a family friend. Zonjic, Kapur said, will be in charge of booking musicians at the jazz club.

"I have talked to so many people with personal stories or memories of this church," said Kapur, who owns a physical therapy clinic. "People were married here, baptized here. I want this to be something that's around in 100 years. Maybe longer."

Read the entire article here.

Birmingham's Kenning, one of the cities busier parks, may get baseball and dogs.

Excerpt:

The Parks & Recreation Board approved a resolution Tuesday urging the City Commission to adopt a master plan for Kenning Park at Lincoln Road and Eton. Part of the resolution also endorses a concept plan brought forward by the Birmingham Little League and Brother Rice High School to reconfigure the four baseball fields at Kenning and add new amenities to the park.

Under that scenario, the two groups would pay for the new fields and finance some of the other improvements. In return, the Brother Rice baseball team could use one of the diamonds as its home field from March through June. The Little League would have use of the other three fields.

Another option on the table is to eliminate one of the four fields and convert it into a dog park.

Read the entire article here.

Mark your calenders for Clawson's Farmers Market on Sept. 13 at Clawson City Park.

Excerpt:

For one upcoming Sunday, Clawson residents won't have to leave the city to shop a farmers market.

The Clawson City Council unanimously approved Tuesday a Clawson Farmers Market, to be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at the Clawson City Park.

Travis Cochran, a Clawson resident and a marketing consultant, spearheaded the idea, which has been bandied about for years without action, according to Mayor Penny Luebs.
"People have sporadically called and say 'a farmers market is a good idea,' 'Why doesn't Clawson have a farmers market?'" Luebs said. "I say it's a great idea, too, and 'I need a sponsoring body and a meeting.' When Travis called, we had the same conversation and he said, 'I'd love to meet.' It blossomed from there."

Read the entire article here.

Work on the McNut Building is wrapping up in downtown Farmington. What once was a dreary single-story structure is now a spic-and-span, 2-floor building, thanks to a new façadectomy.

"There are a couple of details that need to be tweaked, but it's ready to be photographed," says Steven Schneemann, owner of S3 Architecture, which designed the new façade.

The century-old structure next to the Civic Theatre served as the home of Books Abound near the intersection of Grand River Avenue and Farmington Road before going vacant a few years ago. An ugly mid-20th Century façade covered it for most of that time.

A new face returns it to its original brick look, with a second story false front to boot. The nearby Exchange Building underwent a similar transformation last year.

The 1,600-square-foot structure is being renovated to accommodate an office tenant. The space is still available.

Source: Steven Schneemann, owner of S3 Architecture
Writer: Jon Zemke

Getting to and from Oakland County's vibrant downtowns is getting a little easier this summer. Pleasant Ridge, Ferndale, Royal Oak, Berkley, and Huntington Woods are using a trolley-bus program to ferry people between the five downtowns.

The trolley will run to coincide with important events in the respective cities so nightlife revelers can travel between each downtown destination.

"We think it's going to bring more people to Ferndale," says Bob Bruner, city manager for Ferndale. "For us it was a no-brainer."

The next trolley-buses will on Friday, July 30 and Thursday, August 20 between 6 p.m. and midnight. They will stop at places like Boogie Fever in Ferndale and 24 Seconds Bar and Grill in Berkley.

Source: Bob Bruner, city manager for Ferndale
Writer: Jon Zemke

Oakland University’s Meadow Brook Hall is undergoing an urban agriculture makeover this summer.

Student volunteers and staff are working on establishing gardens and green spaces around the Hall on the university's campus in Rochester Hills. The group has created a garden and a variety of organic compost piles. It is also identifying and implementing new sustainable practices.

The compost piles are providing the fertilizer and top soil needed to grow the vegetables in the garden, including tomatoes, bell peppers and pumpkins. They will be harvested and used in the hall's food preparation.

Source: Oakland University
Writer: Jon Zemke

The Engineering Society of Detroit is diving further into the green building pool by offering two new classes on sustainable construction this summer.

The classes will focus on how to design or redesign buildings so they are more energy efficient and structurally relevant. The two courses are "Introduction to Sustainable Construction", to be held on Aug. 12 and 13 and Sept. 9 and 10, and a HVAC and Integrated Design course on Aug. 20 and Sept. 17. Both will be held at the Engineering Society of Detroit's newly-constructed, energy-efficient headquarters in Southfield.

"We’ve been getting more and more into green construction," says Ron Smith, director of education and community outreach for the Engineering Society of Detroit. "We're in a great position to bring this education to our engineers."

The courses will cover the history and background of the green building movement, the impact of green/sustainable building practices on traditional construction and design, and the certification process for LEED accreditation.

For information, call (248) 353-0735.

Source: Ron Smith, director of education and community outreach for the Engineering Society of Detroit
Writer: Jon Zemke