The Michigan Union on The U of M Campus in Ann Arbor is Steeped in History

Posted by Toth Team Worldwide on August 5, 2012

Kathy Toth and Team, Keller Williams Market Center, Ann Arbor, MI 734.426.6669 – The University of Michigan Student Union.

The U of M Historic Michigan Union is Steeped in History.

Take a stroll through the historic Michigan Union Located at 530 S. State Street on Central Campus in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

In 1904 the Michigan Union began with a meeting held at the Waterman Gymnasium with over 1100 students in attendance to form an “all inclusive organization” promoting unity for the men on campus. As the organization grew, the University of Michigan Union founders acquired a new location on S. State Street in Ann Arbor and in 1907 opened the Clubhouse in the remodeled residence of Judge Thomas M. Cooley, a longstanding member of the University of Michigan law faculty. The organization grew so quickly, and again they needed a larger facility. Plans were designed to tear down the Cooley house, their present location, and build right there rather than relocate. In 1916 groundbreaking took place and the new Michigan Union officially opened in 1919. See before and after photos of the Building and History of the Michigan Union.

Over the years there have been many additions, expansions and rule changes to the organization and to the building which keep the Michigan Union a vibrant location for education, study, entertainment, and camaraderie to this very day. To read more about the history of The Michigan Union, get a copy of the book “The Michigan Union: 1904-2004 – 100 Years of Student Life.” By Jeffrey M. Rowe.

Here are a few interesting facts about the Union. For instance, did you know that there was a swimming pool and a bowling alley in the Union at one time? They were located under the present bookstore. And women – you are now welcome to use the front door and enjoy all that the facility has to offer. Until 1954, women were not allowed inside the building and not allowed to use the front door. Women could use the North entrance only and must be accompanied by a male member. Due to social change, women were finally able to have full access and privileges to the facility in 1972.

Over the years the Michigan Union has been honored to have such dignitaries as President John F. Kennedy in 1960 and a visit by the Dalai Lama as special guests. When Senator John F. Kennedy made his visit during the last few weeks of the Presidential campaign in 1960, he stood on the steps of the Michigan Union and announced his vision of the Peace Corps. He talked about foreign service, and volunteering individual time and talent in underdeveloped countries of the world. Read the transcript of his speech.

The Michigan Union is a great place to visit, eat, tour or attend any of the special events throughout the year. Take the opportunity to stop in and walk through this beautiful building and be a part of Michigan history. The Michigan Union is open for regular Fall/Winter Semester hours Monday – Saturday 9 am – 2 am and Sunday 9 am – 2 am. Hours change somewhat for Spring/Summer terms. Learn more about the Michigan Union events and meetings.

After you visit the Michigan Union – step outside and visit the Tony Rosenthal initeractive Cube within walking distance to the North of the Student Union.

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The Cube on Central U of M Campus is Fun Interactive Art for All Ages.

Posted by Toth Team Worldwide on July 24, 2012

Kathy Toth and Team, Keller Williams Realty, 734.426.6669 – Tony Rosenthal’s Interactive Cube at the University of Michigan.

When you are downtown Ann Arbor on the University of Michigan Campus, walk into the Courtyard of Regents Park between The Student Union and the LSA Building and push the Cube. The cube was designed by University of Michigan Alumnus Bernard (Tony) Rosenthal (1914-2009). Tony Rosenthal is known as the Sculptor of Public Art and his work is displayed in many large cities across the country.

The cube’s artistic name is “Endover” and was commissioned by the U-M Class of 1965 and installed in 1968. The cube weighs 2400 lbs. and is made out of painted CorTen Steel, stands 15-feet tall, and is easily pushed by even a young child into a smooth spin on point.

The Cube has been used over the years as a meeting place easily identified for students, clubs, and groups; as art projects using the cube’s base for timely look-a-likes such as a Rubic’s Cube, and a Dice with all the dots; and, of course, all the photos of students that have posed pushing, standing and climbing the Cube.

Enjoy seeing other pics of the Cube “Endover on U of M Campus over the years” To know more about the artist Tony Rosenthal read the book “Tony Rosenthal” written by Sam Hunter where the Cube at the University of Michigan is discussed along his other works and photographs. He had a BFA from The University of Michigan and from Cranbrook Academy of Art where he donated his archives. Read more about Tony Rosenthal on the Tony Rosenthal website. Zoom in on the cube below.

View Larger MapFor your current and the most comprehensive Ann Arbor Area Real Estate market information including absorption rates for Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter and Saline click here. Keep up-to-date on your local neighborhood and have the report sent directly to your email inbox.

Search homes in Ann Arbor and the surrounding Washtenaw County area and call us as we often know about properties before they are listed. Search here to find foreclosure deals in the area.

Call the Ann Arbor Real Estate Experts at (734) 426-6669. We are here to help you achieve your Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, and Saline Real Estate goals.

Kathy Toth and Team, Keller Williams Realty

Downtown Home & Garden Takes us Back to The Basics in Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Posted by Toth Team Worldwide on June 3, 2012

All of your Outdoor Fun culminates at Downtown Home & Garden located at 210 S. Ashley St. in Ann Arbor, the old Hertzler’s Hardware building as many of us recall. But the history goes back more than 100 years and is, as owner Mark Hodesh says, one of the oldest retail businesses in Ann Arbor. Read about the History of Downtown Home and Garden.

Are you shopping for durable quality indoor – outdoor patio furniture that will last for years? Are you interested in plants and garden starts? Don’t forget our Feathered Friends, even the Chickens, because the store carries all types and varieties of bird seed. Step back in time and enjoy a stroll through this Historic building and while you are at it purchase a loaf of Zingerman’s Bread and a cup of locally roasted coffee from Coffee Express. Check out the new Greenhouse and take a look around. Gather up ideas for your summer gardening & entertaining.

They have all the gardening tools you would ever want even the Radius Garden Hand Tools ergonomically designed right here in Ann Arbor. You might think you have every single gardening tool invented but do you have a Hori-Hori Knife used for digging and prying apart plant clusters or those nasty weeds in your yard and garden.

Organic Gardening – Exactly what we think of when trying to keep our lives healthy – Let the knowledgeable employees help you understand how to have an organic garden, how to use organic fertilizers, and even how to control pests safely all year round using organic products.

“What’s Happening in 2012” – Downtown Home and Garden is always scheduling upcoming events at the store – so, call and sign up for classes such as: How to Grow a Strawberry; Big Green Egg Cookout with Matt Banks; The Perfect Egg with Mark Hodesh; and/or Mark’s Carts Cook-Off. Check the website because they add new events all the time.

One of my favorite sections at Downtown Home & Garden is the Kitchenwares Center. I love to make jams for gifts and they stock a variety of Weck Jars, in beautiful shapes and sizes. Last year they even had a Jam Tasting Contest.

You don’t have to get out of your car at Downtown Home & Garden, just use the Drive-In Door. Now that’s service. Buy a Holiday Gift for Dad this year at Downtown Home & Garden. If you know of anyone new to the area, take them to Downtown Home & Garden on the corner of Ashley and Liberty, in downtown Ann Arbor.

Click here to search all Ann Arbor area Michigan homes and condos with pictures and tours – FREE!

Kathy Toth and Team www.KathyToth.com Ann Arbor Market Center Keller Williams Realty

Net Promotor Score in Ann Arbor Area Real Estate

Posted by Toth Team Worldwide on December 28, 2011

In our small Ann Arbor Area Real Estate business, we track everything, including our net promoter score.

How likely is it that you would recommend Kathy Toth Team of Keller Williams to a friend or colleague? This is what the net promoter score measures.

When Gary Keller spoke of Red light Green light, he meant see if the dollars you spend, are worth continuing and evaluate your outflow before throwing money out the window. Re evaluate all costs.

So we have been cutting expenses and monitoring feedback. We added the net promoter score this year to our evaluations and the results are in. We have a near perfect score of 10. What does this mean? Our clients will suggest us to their friends and family. We linked a detailed report here on net promoter score.
The next step is to really understand why your promoters love you and why your detractors hate you. Then you can make a conscious decision to do more of the things for which customers love you and fix the things that people hate. Sometimes, you can never convert a detractor into a promoter. But at least you have the information. Promoters (score 9-10) are loyal enthusiasts who will keep buying and refer others, fueling growth – that is our goal.

It is our goal to exceed your expectations in delivering Ann Arbor real estate service to you. Join us in our buyer round table classes in February and March. We are here to serve you and have a passion for Ann Arbor.

NAR Profle of Home Buyers and Sellers slide show

Posted by Toth Team Worldwide on December 27, 2011

Ever wonder how buyers find their home? Wonder who is buying homes ( per 2011 NAR Home Buyer Profile)?

How important are photos in home finding?
How important is perfect photography in marketing your home?
National Association of Realtors studies how sellers and buyers participate in the real estate market and I have share the profile here. We are awaiting the updated report but anticipate the behavior to be similar. The one change I anticipate is more reliance on the internet for home finding.

2010 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers

View more presentations

2011 NAR Profile Highlights:

37% of recent home buyers were first-time buyers, a drop from 50% in 2010.
The typical home purchased was 1,900 square feet, built in 1993, and had three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
41% of buyers and 39% of sellers found their agent through a referral from a friend or family member.
About half of home sellers traded up to a larger-sized and higher-priced home.
Recent sellers typically sold their homes for 95% of the listing price, and 61% reported they reduced the asking price at least once.

Let the Ann Arbor Real Estate Experts help you uncover your dream home in Washtenaw County.

The Arts Benefit Entire Community: Chelsea Center for the Arts in Chelsea, MI

Posted by Toth Team Worldwide on November 30, 2011

Chelsea Center for the Arts, 400 Congdon St., Chelsea, MI 48118 — Chelsea Center for the Arts

Chelsea Center for the Arts in Chelsea, Michigan was formed in 1994 and is well underway to becoming one of the best new community non-profit organizations in the area. Their primary goal is to “enhance the quality of life in Chelsea and the surrounding area with programs that encourage participation and appreciation of the arts.” They are working in conjunction with the Chelsea School District; the local Businesses; the Art Galleries; and the Chelsea District Library to form a complete community connection to the Arts.

Chelsea Center for the Arts is so successful due to a dedicated group of like-minded people filled with energy and really making a difference in their community. They are busy offering creative programs to children, teens and adults in music, art instruction and literature. Here is a list of just some of the programs offered.

You just may want to take your artistic talents and soar to new heights, so take some time to review The Chelsea Center for the Arts Scholarships and Tuition Assistance programs that are being offered.

A wide range of Music programs such as Parent & Child Music Lessons; Chelsea Children’s Choir; Youngest Singer; Music Together®; and a fun class called 88 Fingers. Read more about these talented music Instructors and their areas of expertise. To see of list of all the music courses offered at the Chelsea Center for the Arts click here. You may also schedule private lessons for adults and students.

Visual Arts – Students and Adults can sign up for age appropriate art classes which will open up all your creative senses. Classes start out with art for the preschooler’s as well as after-school art clubs. They also have classes for Teens and Adults.

For those wanting to work with Clay, they have classes at different levels that will give you confidence in working and manipulating your own clay designs.

Or how about Photography – one of my favorites. In this digital age, learn how to take your digital camera pics to a whole new level. I just may be signing up for this class.

And don’t forget Painting with classes that will stretch your imagination in a ‘no pressure’ environment using watercolor, acrylic or oils. And as they say at the Center, “All painters are welcome.”

Do you want to express yourself with the fiber arts, they offer knitting and crocheting, adding a fresh new perspective.

In the Literary Arts, just this past September and October of 2011, they offered a great course for Writers entitled, “Mastering the Point of View.” Keep an eye out for other literary courses that the Chelsea Center for the Arts may offer.

Non-Profit organizations grow through sponsorship and their patrons. Fund raising efforts are ongoing. Thanks to the generous support from contributors, non-profit organizations like The Chelsea Center for the Arts can exist to “Develop, Foster, and Promote the Arts in Chelsea, Michigan and the surrounding area.”

Search homes in Ann Arbor and the surrounding Washtenaw County area and call us as we often know about properties before they are listed. Search here to find foreclosure deals in the area. Let the Ann Arbor Real Estate Experts – Kathy Toth and Team, Keller Williams Realty help you achieve your Ann Arbor Real Estate goals.

Hear What Ann Arbor Michgian is Like

Posted by Toth Team Worldwide on November 6, 2011

I found a new site today that can gather facts and data on different subjects or your choice and started with our favorite – Ann Arbor, 6th largest city in Michigan.
Just click on this to see what you hear from qwiki and see stunning pictures.

This is my favorite time of year. I am thrilled with our football team’s progress this year. View Ann Arbor videos and over other topics on AnnArborTalks.com, or search for Homes and Condos in Ann Arbor Area. Call 734-669-0337.

Oktoberfest in the Ann Arbor Area

Posted by Toth Team Worldwide on October 23, 2011

Trying to find a good Oktoberfest in Ann Arbor Area? Well if you lucky, you might receive and invitation to Kenyon’s annual fest held in Manchester, MI. Here they celebrate the bounty of Washtenaw County Michigan with mums, pumpkins, hayrides, music, costume contests, face and pumpkin painting, sketching, euchre, and a ginormous bonfire. Did I mention the wine and food? That is a whole other blog post!

The hospitality, music, food and good time was shared by everyone. I made some new friends and re connected with some good folks affiliated with REO. And special thanks was given to Real Estate One for sharing their tent where many folks were watching football, dining and playing cards. This made me realize that the fall is truly here. Enjoy the good time with your friends and family.

When you decide to come and visit the Ann Arbor Area or have any referrals that we can assist you with, please call: 734-274-9455. We are here to answer any Ann Arbor real estate question and make new friends, all year round. We are your Partners in Real Estate serving Ann Arbor, Dexter, Chelsea, Saline, and surrounding areas of Washtenaw County.

Ann Arbor Lewis Jewelers is 90 Years Old

Posted by Toth Team Worldwide on October 22, 2011

Lewis Jewelers is 90 years old. Wow!

People want to do business and spend time with people they like and trust. You build that type of friendship/business relationship over time, through common interests and by who you know. So I was thrilled to be invited to Lewis Jewelers annual dinner at Weber’s to mingle with people I have come to trust and some great Ann Arborites.

It was nice to see some familiar faces, David and Rosemary Lewis, DK, Fred, Jonathan, Keith, Janice, Lucinda, Heidi, Susan, Beverly, Bonnie, and Ron. The staff is salaried so you never feel pushed into buying something.

I was very interested to learn about the cutting techniques explained by Brian from Hearts on Fire. They say they have the world’s most perfectly cut diamond. These diamond crystals are taken from the mine and cut and polished at 100x magnification, 10 times the industry standard making them “dance” even in low light. I tried on a bracelet fit for a Queen, alas, not for my budget.

According to Hearts on Fire, the cut is the single most important factor in determining the beauty of a diamond. Their diamonds had more facets and reflect more light than the standard cut diamond. They only choose diamonds from conflict-free sources that are compliant with international trade laws. What an amazing interactive class I had.

Lisa from Roberto Coin was very kind to let me wear a stunning pave diamond necklace from their collection and then to sport a black diamond necklace, which I wore through dinner and felt like royalty, or imagined what that felt like. This Italian jewelry designer hides a ruby in each piece, allowing direct contact with the skin. It is believed to promote long life blessedwith health and happiness.

I promise to return to Lewis Jewelers, a place I trust, with people who have a passion for their customers and their product lines. There is a good reason it is always busy there. If you have not visited them at 2000 W. Stadium Blvd, I suggest you do so. The web is www.LewisJewelers.com or call them 734-994-5111.

A Special Thanks for a Wonderful Evening Guys! I am so happy to call Ann Arbor my home.

Saline Dan’s Downtown Tavern is Local Watering Hole

Posted by Toth Team Worldwide on October 22, 2011

After visiting the Spotted Dog Winery for a Private Toth Team Party, a few of us walked across the street to get a

tasty burger. Having never been, I was open to the experience. It was dark, busy and crowded. We all had burgers that were very good and huge! The service was courteous, prompt and the clientel was mixed with a couple making out at the bar, some families, lots of men watching big screen sports, single folks, etc.

All in all, it was just what we needed and we enjoyed our evening there. Be sure to get a burger at Dan’s. Give this restaurant a try or maybe this is your hang out?

What do you think of this spot? We are not your watering hole experts, just your Ann Arbor Area Realtors; let us hlep you find a dream home and get the most bang for your buck when selling your Ann Arbor Area home.

Category: A Few of my Favorite Things