Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Make-your-own-jewelry shop Charmed & Company is located on Howard Street in Dearborn.
In a strip dominated by restaurants and bars, a new business is bringing a much-needed dash of creativity to west downtown Dearborn. Charmed & Company, nestled in between Lulu by Design and 1-800-Flowers on Howard Street, is a place where people of all ages can go to make one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry using a plethora of charms, stones and pendants. The store itself is an invention of the creative mind of Nada Younes, who also owns Lulu. She said she got the idea for the new do-it-yourself shop when she realized that Lulu by Design wasn't serving the needs of all its customers. "The difficulty we came across is that it's very hard to sell finer pieces when we have a mixed clientele coming in," she explains. "I want next door to become …
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Take a sneak peak inside the new dessert business before you try it.
Mother Nature is being kind to Yogurtown, Dearborn's newest west downtown business. As the self-serve frozen yogurt restaurant prepares to open at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 12, temperatures will hit an unseasonable high of the mid 50s. Perfect weather for ice cream. The business, owned by Dearborn residents Mike and Celia Nasser, has been a long time coming. Signs first appeared at the shop—located at 22055 Michigan Ave.—in August 2012. They had been shooting for a September opening, but construction schedules kept pushing the date back. The renovations to the building explain why. Formerly Bart's Orthopedic Shoe Repair, the space had to be transformed into a family-friendly ice cream shop. The thought put into the design is evident, from …
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Back taxes totaled more than $75,000 for the property between the two parking decks in west downtown Dearborn.
The City of Dearborn has agreed to pay $75,438 in delinquent taxes for the vacant property between its two West Village Parking Decks. The appropriation was approved by City Council Tuesday night, aimed at keeping the city—which was deeded the property in October 2011—in good standing. "The city was given the title to the property between the two decks," Council President Tom Tafelski said Tuesday. "However, we noticed the taxes weren’t paid … so in order for the city to maintain this, the city will pay the taxes on it." In a meeting last Tuesday, Mayor Jack O'Reilly explained that the city's concern was that if they didn't pay the back taxes, previously owners—development company Burton-Katzman—might, which could create a sticky legal …
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Residents added their suggestions to the plan for Transit-Oriented Development at a forum Wednesday evening.
Dearborn residents and workers gave their input Wednesday in what future development surrounding the city's Intermodal Passenger Rail Station will look like—including suggestions for increasing walkability, local business, and green space. The city hosted a forum as part of Transit-Oriented Development, a process under the Michigan State Housing Development Authority under the MIPlace Partnership. TOD is a process by which municipalities build their community around a transportation hub—in this case, the train station. The project is centered on creating a vibrant district for living and working, as well as ensuring that the space is sustainable, pedestrian-friendly, and welcoming to a diverse range of residents and visitors. Dearborn’s …
Monday, December 10, 2012
Teachers get 25 percent off their bills all week.
Who doesn't love a good discount? This week, select BD's Mongolian Grill locations—including the Dearborn restaurant—are offering one as part of their Teacher Appreciation Week. Through Dec. 16, all teachers can receive a 25 percent discount off of their bill, including up to three guests. "We want to thank you for all for what you do," the west downtown Dearborn restaurant posted on its Facebook page. Some other things you need to know: Happy dining, Dearborn teachers!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Residents and visitors are asked to give their input on housing, sustainability and economic plans for the area at a Dec. 12 forum.
Dearborn residents will get the chance this month to have their say in plans for development near Dearborn’s Intermodal Passenger Rail Station. A Dec. 12 forum on Transit Oriented Development and ask for resident input on planning for future economic, housing and environmental developments surrounding the train station. Global Green Report: More Pedestrians, Housing Needed As construction began last summer on the federally funded train station, Dearborn was also awarded a grant from MIPlace Partnership, aimed at Transit Oriented Development. TOD is a process by which municipalities build their community around a transportation hub—in this case, the train station. The project is centered on creating a vibrant district for living and working…
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Fans of the former Salon West will see a mix of old and new in the salon, slated to open within a few weeks.
When Salon West Dearborn opens its doors in just a few weeks, it will be like the downtown salon has always been there—because, in a way, it has. The former Salon West closed its doors in October 2011, but stylist Rosie Haidar was ready to pick right up where the beloved downtown salon left off. "It was always a really busy, popular salon," said Haidar, who is reopening the business with fellow stylist Maha Nasser and Nasser's husband, local businessman Yaser Berry. "Clients would come here right after work and relax." Haidar and Nasser plan to keep the same feel of the former salon, and hope to gain back some former customers and stylists, too. "We're trying to ride the wave of the success of the past," said Haidar's husband Nick Cheetany…
Monday, November 19, 2012
Planning some holiday shopping and dining? Here's a look at where to get a break on paid parking.
When heading to Dearborn for shopping, eating or services, visitors to the west downtown district will have a break when it comes to paid parking. Following the guide of busniesses like Merchant's Fine Wine and Gentlemen First Barbershop—which already offered validation—several downtown locales have opted to offer validation to customers as well. The Parking Commission decided at its Nov. 1 meeting that they needed to get more businesses involved in validation—especially as the holiday shopping season draws near. "My philosophy has always been to validate," Merchant's owner John Lossia said. "Do whatever needs to be done jsut to bring customers back." Here's a full list of businesses in west downtown Dearborn that validate parking slips …
Monday, November 5, 2012
An association member of the West Village Condos says of their problems with bar-goers, "On weekends, we pray for rain."
A west downtown condominium development is challenging the City of Dearborn’s metered parking—which happens to place downtown visitors directly in front of their homes. Two board members of the Dearborn West Village condominiums came before the Parking Advisory Commission this month to ask that the commission make a request to City Council to remove the meters on West Village Drive. The meters, they said, leave them with no visitor parking, and encourage unwanted behavior on their front lawns. “Our big concern here is what we have to tolerate as a result of the parking meters in front of our homes,” said Audrey Ralko, a resident of the 76-unit development of townhomes. Vandalism, theft, public urination and drunkenness, and high noise …
Friday, September 21, 2012
What mobile cuisine will you try tonight?
Tonight is the last chance—at least for the immediate future—to check out a Food Truck Rally in Dearborn. The Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the West Dearborn Downtown Development Authority and the Michigan Mobile Food Vendor's Association, is hosting the event from 5-9 p.m. Friday in Parking Lot H. The lot is located off of West Village Drive between Mason and Howard Streets. Enjoy live music at the event, and afterward, head to the Double Olive for the official afterparty. Wondering what they serve? Here's a look at the offerings: El Guapo Grill: Fresh Mexican fare, including a variety of unique tacos and burritos. See the full menu at www.elguapogrill.com. The Mac Shack: The name says it all. They have vegan mac…
Rosa M. Scaramucci
6:53 am on Friday, March 22, 2013
Fordson KEY Club is partnering with Charmed and Company at Dearborn Relay for Life on April 27th. Come to our tent and make some jewelry in support of the American Cancer Society! Our thanks to the owners of Charmed and Company for helping us with our fundraisng efforts. more ›