DETROIT BUSINESS MAIN 07-02-07 A 9 CDB 6/29/2007 9:12 AM Page 1

July 2, 2007 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 9 OTHER VOICES: Documentary’s cure worse than disease

Michael Moore’s new Isn’t my grandma’s mutu- should adapt. But we have to examine the facts political appointments and person- documentary “Sicko” al fund invested in health According to the cab driver, in more closely before jumping into a al agendas. We should focus on the opened throughout the care? Should we punish order for France to have its health plan that will eliminate insurance solution, and actually find a way to country on Friday. The her for our health care system, many of the rich are taxed companies and increase taxes on help the people who need us. film has received a great problem? heavily — as much as 70 percent. our already fragile businesses. Go see the movie. It will be fun deal of media play and As many of you know, What that means is that many The reality is that there are and inspiring. You will laugh, you generated much discus- Michael Moore has never wealthy residents are leaving — flaws in every health system. I will cry and you will cheer at the sion about the American pretended to be “fair and taking with them their businesses. know we can improve our system end, but let’s face it — it is just en- health system. balanced.” And, it didn’t Now, the French are trying to — but not by going to a system that tertainment. I was on business in take me long to find the lure the rich back to their country was created in Europe in the 1940s. If you really want to make a dif- Cannes during the film fes- other side of the story. tival and was able to view Dan Cobb with a movement toward more We can come up with a solution ference, give money to your local the movie. On the surface, the film While in France, I had capitalism and tax breaks for the that is uniquely American without hospital where patients are treated implies that we would be better off an interesting discussion about rich. How ironic is that? taking away incentives from doc- even when they have no money. if we shut down every insurance national health care and taxes I agree that the American health tors and researchers or taxing the They can use your charity while all company and gave away unlimited with the cab driver — the very system needs improving and that rich until we have no rich. of the politicians duke this one out. health care with a very small tax in- type of person Moore features as we should at least consider some We need to be smart about this Dan Cobb is president of Daniel crease. Who wouldn’t agree with beneficiaries of the system that we form of a universal health plan. and stop using a social cause for Brian & Associates in Rochester. that proposal? But then I ask myself, “What will we do about all of the unem- ployed insurance workers? Some of them have worked for 30 years. Do they get their pensions?” What about all of the stockholders at the top of this evil health care empire?

LETTERS CONTINUED ■ From Page 8 find out how the Catholic hospital system is tied together. It’s not the hospital, but whichever “heath system” the hospital belongs to that makes it so powerful. Ascen- sion Health, Trinity Health, The Catholic Health Corp., Catholic Health Partners, Seton Family of Hospitals, Catholic Health Initia- tives, and the list goes on. These health systems have great resources, and do billions of dol- lars of heath care from the east to the west coast. The Catholic hospi- tals are continuing their ministry in the health field, and doing a lot of good since so many churches and schools have closed in inner cities. But the vow of poverty must be more visible. The Riverview sale should have never happened. St. John’s and Karmanos should put their mar- bles back in the circle and start over without so much controversy. Ronald Plagens Farmington Hills More than a place to live Editor: Your June 11 Focus section on retirement communities was gen- erally informative, but omitting Jewish Apartments & Services seems like an oversight. We are home to 820 residents spread over seven buildings on two campuses and have an annual budget of just over $14 million. Some of our buildings are HUD buildings, but our market rate apartments are numerous and our 36 units of assisted living (which is licensed as adult foster care) is a model unlike any in the U.S. We are a nonprofit who is doing quite well in this Michigan economy, whose rent is still less than our competition, who has a waiting list for all of our buildings and who of- fers a unique mix of programming, daily activities and exceptional care. We’re more than just a place to live. Peter Wurdock Marketing Director Jewish Apartments & Services Oak Park DETROIT BUSINESS MAIN 07-02-07 A 10 CDB 6/29/2007 9:11 AM Page 1

Page 10 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS July 2, 2007

CRAIN'S LIST: LARGEST HOME BUILDERS By 2006 permits issued in Southeast Michigan Total building Number of permits Southeast Number of It’s not news to anybody that Michigan Southeast Company permits Michigan % Permit Average local home construction is Address issued permits change value 2006 single-family Rank stuck in a rut, but building Phone; Website Top local executive 2006 issued 2005 permits (000,000) home price Major projects permit numbers paint a grim Pulte Homes Inc. Richard Dugas Jr. 592 1,186 -50.1% $108.1 $337,700 Antique Forest, Hampton Ridge and Hamlet Estates, Villas and picture; they were down by 100 Bloomfield Hills Parkway CEO and president Gardens, Canton Township; Heritage Pointe, Chelsea; Preserve of Bloomfield Hills 48304 Riverside and Woodlands of Riverside, Holly; Hidden Creek and almost half in Southeast (248) 647-2750; www.pulte.com Villas of Oceola, Howell; Hills at Indianwood and Ravines at Michigan in 2006: 1. Stonegate, Lake Orion; Pinehurst, Lyon Township; Sandstone at The Retreat, Strathmore and Westminister, Macomb Township; Arcadia Ridge, Northville; Liberty Park, Novi; Prospect Pointe, Superior Township; Creekside Village, Ypsilanti 20,048 Centex Homes Tim Stapleton 468 1,029 -54.5 $80.9 212,600 Long Lake Village, Brandon Township; Chatterton Village, Canton; 100 Galleria Officentre president, Detroit Thornton Farms, Dexter; Falkirk, Flat Rock; Red Cedar Crossing, Southfield 48034-4780 division Fowlerville; Forest Ridge, Howell; Meadowbrook, Milan; Country (248) 233-8300; www.centexhomes.com Club Village, Rochester Hills; Highlands Estates, Romulus; Spring 46.5% 2. Haven Pointe and Princeton Park, Southfield; Elmhurst, Sterling Heights; Brookside, Superior Township; Cole Creek Estates, Swartz Creek; Charter Oaks and Island Lakes at Midtown, Taylor; 10,726 Forestbrook and Fountain Park, Waterford Township; Aspen Ridge, Ypsilanti Township MJC Cos. Michael Chirco 370 475 -22.1 $44.4 327,111 Willow Pond, Pittsfield Township; Hilton Cove, Brighton; Wheatland 46600 Romeo Plank Road, Suite 5 president and Estates and Kensington Estates, Brownstown Township; Devonshire Macomb Township 48044 managing member Cove, Coves at Carrington Village, Golf Pointe, Cypress Gardens and (586) 263-1203; www.mjccompanies.com Golf Lake Estates, Taylor; Autumn Woods, Oxford; Cambridge 3. Commons, Wyandotte; Nottingham Village, Livonia; Northville 2005 2006 Ridge, Northville; Parkview Heights, White Lake Township; Autumn Forest at Cranberry Lake, Commerce Township; Lenox Park, Novi; Oakhurst, Independence Township; Washington Pointe, Washington Most permits Township; The Meadows Central Park, Shelby Township Lombardo Cos. Anthony Lombardo 311 437 -28.8 $37.0 177,935 Aberdeen, Brighton; Twin Brooks, Bruce Township; Plymouth issued in 2006 6303 26 Mile Road president Village, Concordia and Deer Trail, Chesterfield Township; Heritage Washington Township 48094 at Riverbend, Detroit; Keystone, Featherstone and Riverside, Macomb Macomb Township 662 4. (586) 781-7900; www.lombardocompanies.com Township; Decora Park and Amherst, New Haven; Kensington at Central Park and Cascades of Stoney Creek, Shelby Township; Mill Detroit 537 River, South Lyon; Woodside Village, Superior Township; Courtyards at Heritage Village, Warren; Kirkway, Washington Township Shelby Township 430 Moceri Cos. Dominic Moceri 187 NA NA $19.8 NA Rivers Edge at Cherry Hill Village, Canton Township; Mill River, Lyon Warren 413 3005 University Drive, Auburn Hills 48326 partner Township; Kirklands, Carrollton Hills and Kingsridge, Oakland Brownstown Twp. 305 5. (248) 340-9400; www.moceri.com Township Lyon Township 265 Crosswinds Communities Inc. Bernard Glieberman 179 467 -61.7 $29.2 185,200 Jefferson Village, Detroit; Legacy Oaks, Farmington Hills; County Novi 251 41050 Vincenti Court owner Club Meadows and University Park Estates, Flint; Meadow Walk, 6. Novi 48375 Grand Blanc; Fairways at Whispering Pines, Harrison Township; Ann Arbor 243 (248) 615-1313; www.crosswindsus.com Annapolis Pointe, Inkster; Mason Run, Monroe; Stonegate Pointe, Pontiac, Country Walk, Van Buren Township Northville Twp. and city 241 Toll Bros. Inc. Keith Anderson 128 314 -59.2 $41.1 487,500 Ann Arbor from Ypsilanti and Arbor Hills, Superior Township; Canton Township 216 2733 Meadowbrook Road, Suite 200 group president - Century Oaks, Wynstone and Oakland Hunt, Oakland Township; 7. Novi 48377 Michigan operations Island Lake, Novi; Northville Hills Golf Club and Steeplecase, (248) 347-5000; www.tollbrothers.com Northville; Saline Estates, Saline; Bluffs at Lakes of Milford, Preserve at Maple Lake and Reserve at Lakes of Milford, Milford Top 3 by county Adco Group L.L.C. Adorno Piccinini 114 NA NA $10.9 NA Stratford Village of Sterling Heights; Chelsea Park of Taylor; Maple By 2006 building permits 21600 Novi Road, Suite 700, Novi 48375 and Karen Piccinini Village of Southgate issued. 8. (248) 305-8980; www.theadcogroup.com founders Livingston Sable Homes Richard Sable 96 129 -25.6 $10.0 NA Ambassador Village, Eagle Creek and Manors at Central Park, Shelby 9. 48723 Hayes Road president Township; Berkshire Estates, Creek's Edge and Stone Ridge, Warren; Centex Homes 47 Shelby Township 48315 Silver Pines Village, Macomb Township; Sterling Creek, Sterling Livingston Building 24 (586) 726-3232; www.sablecompanies.com Heights Crosswinds 23 Ivanhoe Huntley Homes Gary Shapiro and 84 229 B -63.3 $13.7 239,245 Middlesboro at Oakhurst-Clarkston; Crystal Creek, Lyon Township; 7001 Orchard Lake Road, Suite 200 Steve Perlman Marlee Woods, Westland; Turnberry Park, West Bloomfield Macomb 10. West Bloomfield 48322 owners Township; Harrison Cove, Harrison Township; Amberly Woods, (248) 851-5800; www.ivanhoehuntley.com Howell; Waterstone, Oxford; Hills of Bogie Lake, Commerce Lombardo 309 Township; Harbor Village, Keego Harbor; Towne Centre Park, Waterford; Williams Lake Crossings, White Lake Township MJC Cos. 220 Robertson Bros. Co. James Clarke, 83 170 -51.2 $10.4 NA The Links at Fellows Creek, Canton Township; Links of Pulte Homes 118 6905 Telegraph, Suite 200 president Independence, Clarkston; Northwyck, Troy; Saddlebrook, Plymouth; 11. Bloomfield Hills 48301 Paul Robertson Jr., Robertson In-Town, Birmingham; Cressbrook, Franklin; Tribute at Oakland (248) 644-3460; www.robertson-brothers.com chairman and CEO Wixom Village Center, Wixom; Milford Lakes, Milford Centex Homes 131 R. Cook Properties Ron Cook, Dave 83 NA NA $14.8 NA Brooks Hollow, Courtyards of Dundee, Dundee Ridge, River Ridge, 296 S. Main St. Richards and Greg Dundee; Chelsea Fairways and Chelsea Springs, Chelsea; Forest Pulte Homes 96 11. Plymouth 48170 Trombley Glen, Frenchtown Township; Newport Creek, Berlin Township; York (734) 453-3230; www.rcookproperties.com partners Meadows, Saline Moceri 90 Winnick Homes David Gans and 77 NA NA $10.4 NA Northville Ridge, Northville; Mission Pointe, Van Buren Township; Washtenaw 32100 Telegraph Road, Suite 105 Randy Spagna Tremont Park, Ypsilanti Township; Echo Park, Southgate; 13. Bingham Farms 48025 founders Knightsbridge Gate, Novi; Heritage Village, Warren; Yorba Linda, Centex Homes 97 (248) 593-9820; www.winnickhomes.com Royal Oak Krome Construction 44 Abbey Homes L.L.C. Scott Auvenshine 73 181 -59.7 $8.8 NA Cheshire Park, Clarkston; Woodfield, Grand Blanc; Kings Pointe, Pulte Homes 44 30100 Telegraph Road, Suite 366 COO Brownstown; Trentwood, Woodhaven; St. Anne's Gate, Detroit; West 14. Bingham Farms 48025 Village Square, Dearborn; Genoa Woods, Howell; Orchard Park, (248) 203-2121; www.myabbeyhome.com Oceola Township; Drakeshire, Southgate; East Village, Lansing; Wayne Lakewood, Ypsilanti Pulte Homes 280 Hometowne Building Co. L.L.C. Patrick O'Leary 62 127 -51.2 $8.8 286,300 Irish Hills, Hartland; Woodland Ridge, Commerce Township; Crosswinds 135 5040 White Tail Court, Commerce Township owner Carriage Trace, South Lyon; Kirkway Estates, Northville; Bellemeade, 15. 48382; (248) 324-2060; Augusta Township; Northpointe, Melvindale; Parklane, Woodhaven MJC Cos. 116 www.hometownebuilding.com Source: Housing Consultants, Seville Homes Aldo Marrocco 57 217 -73.7 $10.0 203,335 Hawthorne Woods Condominiums and Fox River Estates and Villas, www.housingconsultants.us. 42822 Garfield, Suite 102, Clinton Township CEO and president Huron Township; Presidential Village, New Baltimore; Woodside 16. 48038; (586) 228-7001; Meadows Condominiums, Pittsfield Township; Bradbury Park www.sevillehomebuilder.com Condominiums, Flat Rock Malibu Homes Frank D'Anna, Jeff 57 NA NA $6.7 NA Providence Park Condominiums, Shelby Township; Buckingham Lists as 51539 Van Dyke Ave. English, Franco Village, Summerfield Estates, Woodside Trails and The Rivers, 16. Shelby Township 48316 Mancini and Macomb Township spreadsheets (586) 992-9313; Domiano Randazzo www.providenceparkcondos.com partners You can purchase individual Arrow Building Co. Inc. Joseph D'Angelo 51 141 -63.8 $5.2 NA North Pointe Condominiums, Sterling Heights; Boulder Pointe Crain’s lists or our Book of 7659 Auburn Road, Utica 48317 president Condominiums, Washington Township; Towne Center of Warren Lists in Excel spreadsheet 18. Condominiums, Warren (586) 731-3200; arrowbuildingcompany.com format at www.crains detroit.com. Click “Crain’s Denali Development Group Inc. Mark DeMaria and 45 NA NA $5.0 NA Loft 322, Ann Arbor; Metro Lofts and Warehouse Lofts, Royal Oak 30 E. Harrison Ave., Royal Oak 48067 David Wilson Lists Online” in lefthand 19. (248) 545-6800; www.denalidevelopment.com principals navigation bar. If you’ve never used this feature be- American Heartland Homebuilder Richard Merlini 43 149 -71.1 $6.8 245,000 Creekside Manor, Clinton Township; Cornerstone Village, Fieldstone fore, you’ll be prompted to L.L.C.; 22525 Hall Road, Suite A, Macomb CEO Estates, Wolverine Country Club, Woodberry Estates and Riverside, 20. Township 48042; (586) 949-6100; Macomb Township; Decora, New Haven; Pendleton Village and set up an account. www.ah-homes.com Heritage Commons, Chesterfield Township; Washington Woods, Washington Township Should your Cohen Homes Larry Cohen 43 NA NA $17.0 NA Heron Hills, Wolverine Lake Village; Tribute, Wixom; Northville 33493 W. 14 Mile Road, Suite 80 CEO Hills Golf Club and East Northville Hills Golf Club, Northville; The 20. Farmington Hills 48331 Hills of Bogie Lake, Commerce Township company be on (248) 788-0270; www.cohenhomes.com this list? This list of home builders is an approximate compilation of the largest builders with permits issued in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, Genesee, Lapeer, St. Clair and Monroe counties. The Southeast Michigan permits issued and permit was obtained from Housing Consultants Inc. unless otherwise noted. Contact our research B Company provided figure. department at cdbresearch@ LIST RESEARCHED BY ANNE MARKS AND JOANNE SCHARICH crain.com. DETROIT BUSINESS MAIN 07-02-07 A 11 CDB 6/29/2007 11:51 AM Page 1

July 2, 2007 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 11

A CONVERSATION WITH Home sales for May, April May April Total sales 4,691 4,064 Pending sales 5,515 5,372 Total homes on market 72,185 70,712 Median sale price $134,000 $135,000 Cynthia Average days on market 122 124 Pozolo, Albert Kahn Listings tracked by Farmington Hills-based Realcomp II Ltd. Associates Inc. real estate

Cynthia Pozolo, vice president and director of architectural development at Albert Kahn Associates Inc., and 2007 president of the American Institute of Architects Detroit chapter, spoke with Crain’s reporter Andrew Dietderich. Among the topics touched on were green building and perceptions of Detroit.

With all the attention on green building and sustainable design, what are your thoughts on metro Detroit’s progress in getting architects, developers and corporate real estate executives educated on the bottom- line benefits of environmental stewardship? Local media, design firms, and professional organizations have done an excellent job of educating consumers and the construction industry on environmental stewardship. Sorting out return on investment and risk- management issues remains a bigger challenge for our industry, with greater efficiency driven by increased client demands for responsible design. The bottom line benefit must be realized through policy and tax structure.

Do you think with rising energy costs we’ll see even more creative green designs in downtown Detroit and the suburbs within the next few years? Any specific examples your company is working on? Definitely. Ramifications of green design REBECCA COOK structure the conception and Bryan Mazurkiewicz has found that a mix of traditional and modern elements in his homes at Breton Woods in Macomb Township helps sell them to younger financial organization of buyers. development. Site selection, alternative transportation, and building-energy performance are just some elements that define the framework of green design. AKA is working with our clients and peers to achieve LEED certification for several new projects including Henry Ford Oakland Hospital in West Bloomfield Building a niche Township. AKA’s new facility for Biodiesel Industries Inc. in Detroit is a direct result of growth facilitated by the alternative fuels market. Special features, unique financing programs help What are the perceptions of Detroit’s commercial real estate opportunities and reputation for design as you travel developers survive downturn to other markets? Perceptions are mixed. In many cases, folks simply BY CHAD HALCOM ern,” Mazurkiewicz, 35, said. “The other don’t know what we’re up to here in CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS builder in our same area is in his 50s, and he the city. Many who visit are seems to relate more to those buyers. So be- awestruck with our legacy and see downturn in residential sales projec- tween us, it works.” great opportunity to build upon tions has brought a spike in creativity Part of his design strategy, he said, is to today’s momentum. They look at our A as local home builders find market adopt elements like walk-around closets con- underserved retail and alternative niches or new financing strategies to stay vi- necting the master bedroom and bathroom, housing markets and identify parallel able. thoughtful window placements and modern success stories of redevelopment. For Bryan Mazurkiewicz, owner of Clinton light fixtures. Township-based Orchid Development Inc., some How can Detroit’s design community Orchid also offers to pay some buyers’ ex- success has come in unconventional design el- do more to promote itself? AIA isting mortgages up to six months after they Detroit’s goals are in alignment with ements or features that appeal to young buy- move in while trying to sell their old proper- AIA National goals for advocacy, ers. Since late last year, Mazurkiewicz has sold ties. Depending on construction time, community and knowledge. Detroit’s eight of the 28 units Orchid is building at its Mazurkiewicz said, that can mean “up to design legacy is phenomenal and, Breton Woods subdivision in Macomb Town- nearly a year of transition” for buyers to un- perhaps, something we take for ship, where houses start at $294,900. load their current houses. granted. In April 2008, the AIA Like several builders who spoke with National Committee on Design will Condominiums for young and “empty Crain’s in June, Mazurkiewicz said buying nest” buyers along growth corridors have convene in Detroit for its semiannual seems to be strongest among young people conference. This will showcase been a choice market niche for Robertson Detroit’s role in international design. seeking starter homes or “empty nest” cou- Bros. Co. in Bloomfield Hills. Paul Robertson ples over age 50 with changing needs. Jr., chairman, said he has sold 35-40 units so New approaches range from marketing far this year between development projects in home features for specific buyer groups to of- downtown Wixom and at a municipal golf If you know someone fers to make buyers’ current mortgage pay- interesting you would course site in Canton Township. Some units like Andrew ments. Some builders are even hosting bank start at $124,900 and can “go a little north” of Dietderich to loan officers onsite at residential develop- $200,000 depending on size and location. interview, call ments on weekends as an aid to prospects. “For those (high-end units) you might get (313) 446-0315 or But Mazurkiewicz tries adding special fea- the couples with older kids. For the others I’d write adietderich@ tures to help the home sell itself. Pulte Homes’ Del Webb communities, such as this say the buyers are ages 25-33, maybe some as crain.com “Young (buyers) seem to like mainly my one in Brownstown Twp., have helped the designs, which mix the traditional and mod- company weather the down economy. See Niche, Page 12 DETROIT BUSINESS MAIN 07-02-07 A 12 CDB 6/29/2007 11:02 AM Page 1

Page 12 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS July 2, 2007

FOCUS:REAL ESTATE BALANCING LIFE AND WORK HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER Niche: Builders target sales efforts ■ From Page 11 old as 40, and either single or di- has helped a great deal. Pulte also vorced with small children, or BUILDER STRATEGIES FOR has some traditional subdivisions young couples,” he said. bucking the odds. The current market, he said, is a A DOWN MARKET study in demographics and geogra- Ⅲ Focus on specific niches such Sharing the risk phy. as young buyers or retirees. Randy Wertheimer, president of “Along the I-275 corridor, it’s Ⅲ Offer aggressive incentives such Hunter Pasteur Homes in Farming- pretty solid. Once you get west and as paying mortgages for a certain ton Hills, said his company takes south, more toward Saline, it gets time or rent-to-own programs. financing approaches that spare softer. And up along I-75 has been Ⅲ Offer other services like free buyers the risk of juggling two soft,” he said. “But I think the mar- financial planning or on-site loan mortgages, or let homeowners ket isn’t as soft as the psychology officers. build a better credit rating until of the market.” they are ready to buy. mortgages up to eight months. Se- One of its two new programs in- nior group vice president Eric Banking tools volves purchasing the buyer’s cur- Burgoon said at least 50 of Some builders are cooperating rent home at 90 percent of the aver- LaSalle’s loan officers take part in with lenders in new ways to keep age market value in his or her area. the weekend program at times, sales moving. LaSalle Bank has been The other involves letting buyers and it can save the buyer multiple aiding builders on weekends by of- offer a down payment and then trips to check his financing before fering on-site loan officers who can “rent to own” for up to two years signing a purchase agreement. run credit checks and determine with a portion of rent payments go- “That (purchase agreement) is whether a buyer is eligible for spe- ing toward equity when a sale is for- something they negotiate on their cial interest rates or incentives. malized. own, and we don’t take part in “It started out as a pilot program So far, Wertheimer said, 15 that,” he said. “But we can be (in late 2006) to homes have sold under the pro- available to let them both know if just a small num- gram during the past two months Meet Anne, owner of a fitness yoga studio and busy mother of two the builder will receive certain of- ber of builders, with little marketing. The compa- enjoying the perfect live-work balance at Legato. Legato, the fers or what he qualifies for, to in- but then as we ny plans to start promoting it on premier "live-work" community, helped her combine her living and form them in that negotiation.” saw how it its Web site this week. business spaces into the perfect home. Now she has less hassle, Dave Green, national manager worked we “You make the agreement to buy no commuting, and more time for her family. Isn't it time you found and first vice president of mortgage broadened it out now, and basically the sale on your balance too? With 3 locations in Southeastern Michigan, there is a lending for Comerica Bank, said his Legato perfect for you. and opened it to home to us goes through when others,” said Don company launched a new strategy in June to offer free financial plan- you’re ready to move in (to the Come see us today to see how easy it is to balance life and work at Maillho, senior new home),” he said. “So you al- vice president of ning for families that take out new Legato. Maillho ways own only one home, and you new construc- loans. The consultations with a Comerica planner on finance mat- never pay two mortgages at once.” Start balancing your life and work at Legato. tion sales for LaSalle in Troy. To keep the growing inventor of www.terralandgroup.com or The new program is a supple- ters could typically cost $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the “complexi- existing homes on the marketing call 248-624-5400 ment to LaSalle’s FlexFit program, moving, Realtors point to a heavy which since late 2005 has allowed ty of the buyer,” Green said. Starting in the low 200’s focus on first-time buyers and In- builders to offer incentives like ternet marketing. closing costs and even paying Retiree buyers Carol Boji, broker/owner of For Pulte Homes Inc., new life in Re/Max Classic in Farmington the Michigan market has come in Hills, said her firm just entered a tool the company traditionally into a contract with the U.S. Depart- employed in Sunbelt states. The ment of Housing and Urban Develop- Bloomfield Hills-based national ment to sell properties obtained by home builder has watched rev- foreclosures on federal home loans enues fall from a net income of — currently 1,022 homes in $190.2 million in third-quarter 2006 Wayne, Oakland, Livingston, to a net loss of $85.7 million in first- Washtenaw and Monroe counties. quarter 2007, and announced 1,900 The company will begin some layoffs to take effect in June. promotion and outreach programs But Steve this month to help find buyers, and Atchison, presi- Boji said the contract will likely dent of the yield a crop of first-time buyers at- Michigan divi- tracted to the prices. sion of Pulte, “You’d find a lot of the HUD sees a bright spot homes are quite livable,” she said, in the company’s citing a strong presence of such move to bring homes in Redford Township and Del Webb hous- Livonia. ing for older fam- Alex Milsheyn, sales manager at Atchison ilies to Michigan Edward Surovell Realtors in Ann Ar- in 2005. Since the initiative began bor, said his company is pursuing here, Pulte has sold 150-200 of its 614 younger buyers via an expansion units at Bridgewater in Brown- of eSurovell, an online service con- stown Township, plus 50 of its 418 sidered one of its 12 “offices” in planned units at Grand Reserve in Washtenaw, Jackson, Lenawee Grand Blanc. and Monroe counties. Units range from duplex-style The Internet seems to attract condominiums starting in the more buyers under 50 than older “high $100s to low $200s” to houses buyers, Milsheyn said, though his of 2,400 square feet or more in the firm’s Ann Arbor-centered service “high $200s to low $300s,” he said. area may yield a higher share of To qualify, at least one family young home buyers anyway. member must be 55 or older. “We’re basically seeing a strong “A lot of buyers, maybe 80 per- presence in two areas. One is cent I’d say, either live in Michi- young people who are first-time gan now and wanted to retire to an homebuyers,” he said. “The other area near family and friends, or is slightly older and looking for a they used to live in Michigan and new home, and they know they’re wanted to return,” he said. Bring- going to take a beating on their ing Del Webb to Michigan was un- current house but they figure they der consideration for a few years can make up for it in what they and was not intended to aid the pay on a new house.” home builder in weathering a Chad Halcom: (313) 446-6796, down market, Atchison said, but it [email protected] DETROIT BUSINESS MAIN 07-02-07 A 13 CDB 6/29/2007 9:14 AM Page 1

July 2, 2007 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 13

MIXED MEDIA

Learning a city business Tavern expands to keep pace, Page 15 Deborah Younger Program director, Detroit Local Initiatives ON DETROIT’S Support Corp. Deborah Younger, 47, is the pro- WATERFRONT gram director for the Detroit Lo- What’s available: Our map cal Initiatives Support Corp. shows you where you can find Younger started her job on riverfront living in Detroit. April 16. Before coming to De- Page 14. troit, Younger had served as a community-development direc- ON THE WEB tor for Toledo and several other cities and also ran her own pub- lic-relations firm. Ⅲ Regular reads: Because she’s new to the area, she’s been getting up to speed by reading The Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Hour Detroit, The Michi- gan Chronicle and Metro Times. “I have only been in town for two months now, so I don’t have a favorite one to read yet, but I am trying to stay on top of sub- jects and major topics that are ARA HOWRANI coming up around the city,” ■ Twentysomethings Gideon Younger said. and Jaime Pfeffer enjoy the resort-type living they get from Ⅲ Books: their home in Harbortown. Younger is re-reading The World Is Flat by Thomas JOHN F. MARTIN Friedman. Sergio Pujols and Maria Rodriguez bought a condominium on the top floor of Riverfront Towers and enjoy the “I read it two years view as well as ground-floor amenities like the marina ago and it was such an excellent book, and now that I have moved to De- troit, it seems to have grown in relevance be- cause of De- troit’s cur- Water world rent global JOHN F. MARTIN economy,” she said. ■ Younger also is Bob and Linda Cowles left reading My Soul Looks the suburbs for a place in Detroit’s riverfront draws Shoreline East so they could be Back in Wonder by closer to their sailboat. Juan Williams, which details the a diverse population civil rights move- ment. BY MARCIA DANNER view. Tower 300 recently was renovated for con- Ⅲ Television: SPECIAL TO CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS version to condominiums. Younger said “Living at Riverfront Towers is like being at a she likes to watch local few years ago, there was no way Sergio resort,” Pujols said. “It’s very relaxing to be news but said she hasn’t picked a Pujols, 29, a senior design engineer for around the water and marina. We have a pool, favorite newscast yet. A Southfield-based Denso International Ameri- beach volleyball, a fitness center, even our own She also watches “Good Morn- ca Inc., wanted to live in downtown Detroit. restaurant that has a buffet, live music and ing America” and usually catches He would attend the North American International karaoke bar. The interior walkway to the Joe WXYZ-Channel 7’s local news in Auto Show at Cobo Center and be disheartened by Louis People Mover station makes it easy to go to the morning. the urban decay and dismal surroundings he en- a Tiger game, the opera, restaurants or just about countered en route. But now, he and his fiancée, She keeps up to date on events anywhere downtown.” GLENN TRIEST by watching CNN. Maria Rodriguez, 37, who just finished a two-year Pujols keeps a car in the parking structure for ■ The panoramic view at The “I think CNN gives me a snap- contract teaching biology and microbiology at his commute to Southfield and a motorcycle for Jeffersonian convinced Don and Wayne State University, live practically next door shot of what’s going on and you cruising. “We take the Harley out to explore the Barbara Robinson to downsize can watch while doing other to Joe Louis Arena and Cobo in a riverfront high- city. On the way to Belle Isle, we might stop to see from their northwest Detroit things, plus it’s headline news,” rise. nice areas like Indian Village. We look for what’s home. Younger said. What changed his mind were signs that the being remodeled, what’s new and where the de- She added that one of her area was beginning to turn around; he thought velopers are putting their money.” ■ From historic buildings to guilty pleasures is home-im- buying might be a good investment. In early 2006, According to Brienne Balliet, sales associate developments under provement shows like “Design on he and Rodriguez made an offer on one of the for Riverfront Towers, Pujols’ and Rodriguez’ construction, we give you a a Dime” on HGTV. smaller units in the 29-story condominium build- unit “is the ‘starter’ model that enables first-time detailed look at places to live Ⅲ Movies: ing at Riverfront Towers. buyers to own a little piece of the water. Buyers along the Detroit River. Younger said since her move “Our one-bedroom condo is only 621 square can start small and then upgrade or add an ad- she has not had the time to see feet,” Pujols said, “but it’s on the top floor, so the joining unit,” she said. ■ A timeline of the history of any movies, but hopes to make it view is great. We plan to expand the space by While large, combined luxury units run as waterfront development in there one of these days. buying an adjacent second unit and tearing down high as $500,000 to $600,000 at Riverfront Towers, Detroit. “I would like to go but just has- a wall.” the recently renovated condominium tower also All of this at n’t been on my radar recently, but The three-tower complex just beyond Joe has one-bedroom units starting at $135,000 and that first chance I get I would real- Louis Arena at the west end of the downtown two-bedroom units ranging from $215,000 to www.crainsdetroit.com/ ly like to see ‘Shrek 3.’ ” riverfront was built in phases in the 1980s and $290,000. Rentals in the other two towers range waterfront — Justin Kroll ’90s and situated to give every apartment a water See Waterfront, Page 14 DETROIT BUSINESS MAIN 07-02-07 A 14 CDB 6/29/2007 11:01 AM Page 1

Page 14 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS July 2, 2007

BUSINESS LIVES

75 Kercheval Ave.

94 10 Detroit 96 1 Comerica Ford ● ● 75 5

Park Field Blvd. Grand E. Jefferson Ave. Mt. Elliott Elliott Mt. Freud St. ● 59 ● 275 ● ● ● ● 696

Grand River Ave. Gratiot Ave. ● Woodward Ave. Woodward 375 ●

Lafayette Ave. cDougall ● M Chene 18 19 20 21 22 10 ● 16

Iron St. Iron 15 Rivard ●

Adair ● 14 17 City Name Main Sail Main ● Dr. Harbortown Larned St. ● 13 Township Name

Woodbridge ● Dubois Street Name

Cobo ● Orleans ● ● ●

Jefferson Ave. Franklin Campau Joseph Renaissance Atwater Joe Louis Center 11 Highlight Arena ● St. Riopelle 9 ● 10 23 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 12 Places to live along Detroit’s waterfront 1 Riverfront Towers 5 The Watermark 10 Harbortown 15 Alden Park Towers 20 Whittier Towers 100, 200 and 300 Riverfront Drive. 2122 Atwater. 3400 E. Jefferson Ave. 8100 E. Jefferson Ave. 415 Burns. One- and two-bedroom and larger combined Nine-story tower with 96 condos, six Gated waterfront community on 35 acres Studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom Landmark apartment hotel by Detroit units in modern towers 26- to 29-stories townhouses, 10 marina condos, swimming with marina, pool, tennis court, fitness trail apartments in four eight-story towers of architect Charles Agree consists of eight- high. Gated community on 24-acre site has pool, fitness center and parking. Purchase. and other resort-type amenities. Two high- historic Tudor revival-style building story red-brick tower and 13-story Italian rise towers with 273 one-, two- and three- overlooking Detroit River. Rental. Renaissance building. Purchase. landscaped parkland, private marina, sand 6 Chene East bedroom units and 80 townhouses volleyball court, health club, bar and grill, surrounding ponds. Purchase. 16 Indian Village Manor 21 River House market, hair salon, dry cleaners and indoor Atwater between Chene Park and Stroh River Place. 8120 E. Jefferson Ave. 8900 E. Jefferson Ave. walkway to Joe Louis Arena and People 11 River Park Lofts One- to four-bedroom condominiums in Mover. Rental and purchase. 125,000-square-foot building to be built with Studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units condos on four upper levels, and retail, 227 Iron St. Renaissance revival-style building with high in 15-story high-rise with access to water at restaurant and parking below. Purchase. Raw and finished loft spaces in former steel ceilings, fireplace and detailed molding. Memorial Park Annex. Cooperative. @water Lofts 2 plant for live-work use. Rental. Health club and riverfront park. Purchase. 1500 Atwater. 200 River Place Lofts 22 The Jeffersonian 7 17 Detroit Towers Luxury lofts, townhouses, penthouses and 200 River Place Drive. 12 The Lofts at Rivertown 9000 E. Jefferson Ave. 8162 E. Jefferson Ave. 15,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and One- and two-bedroom lofts with 12- to 17- 6533 E. Jefferson. Landmark 30-story building with Historic 18-story Renaissance-style building commercial space in two eight-story towers foot-high ceilings and exposed brick walls in Former Frederick Stearns pharmaceutical unobstructed panoramic views in one-, two-, with copper steeple and terrace patio and two connecting four-story buildings on former Parke-Davis warehouse. Fourth-floor company building features two- and three- three- and four-bedroom apartments with overlooking water. All units are three nine acres. Purchase. units have spiral staircase to rooftop story lofts, penthouse suites, swimming pool private balcony. Pool and tennis court on six bedrooms, three bathrooms with laundry, gardens. Purchase. and fitness center. Purchase. acres of landscaped grounds. Rental. fireplace, high ceilings, wood molding and 3 Globe Trading Co. marble. Purchase. 1801 Atwater. 8 River Place Apartments 13 Belleview 23 Grayhaven Marina Village Former industrial site to be redeveloped into 500 River Place Drive. Former Uniroyal site on East Jefferson, west 18 Shoreline East 13010 Avondale. loft condominiums and 20,000-square-feet One-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, of MacArthur Bridge. 8200 E Jefferson Ave. Luxury one- and two-bedroom apartments of retail space. Purchase. brownstones, lofts and penthouses in four- More than 1,000 condos, town homes and Studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom and townhouses with attached garage. and six-story historic brick buildings at Stroh apartments to be built in phases on 43-acre condominiums in 19-story riverfront high rise Protected harbor with boat slips in front of 4 Detroit Elevator Co. River Place. Rental. site. Rental and purchase. with penthouse clubhouse deck overlooking townhouses and in private marina. Fitness Belle Isle. Purchase. center, clubhouse, tennis courts and 1938 Franklin St. 9 Garden Court 14 River Terrace Apartments swimming pool. Rental. 25,000-square-foot building will be 2900 E. Jefferson. 7700 E. Jefferson Ave. 19 River Plaza Apartments redeveloped into condominiums with several Two towers of historic Albert Kahn-designed Studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments in 8430-8432 E. Jefferson Ave. List compiled by Marcia Danner. More details units featuring two-level living areas and building have elegant lobbies and one- to four-story brownstone with courtyard on 6.5 Small studio and one-bedroom apartments in about these developments are available at outdoor access facing the river. Purchase. five-bedroom condominiums. Purchase. acres overlooking the Detroit River. Rental. four-story building on river’s edge. Rental. www.crainsdetroit.com/waterfront.

Waterfront: Detroit’s riverfront draws a diverse population ■ From Page 13 from $750 to $2,800 a month. ane Whitter Thomas of Whitter Interiors in have the “Gold Coast” to consider. This strip Grabowski, who specializes in marketing Developers anticipate a more upscale Detroit to design an open floor plan and cre- of apartment buildings on the waterfront off and sales for downtown Detroit and river- market for the new residential properties ate a contemporary-style, elegant and sooth- East Jefferson stretches from Belle Isle to front residential properties, sees young pro- that will transform the riverfront east of ing atmosphere accented by the water. the Berry subdivision where the Manoogian fessionals who start out in Ann Arbor, Roy- downtown. Wyatt, who spent 30 years in the commer- Mansion is located. It includes elegant resi- al Oak and Troy, as well as empty-nesters “The new condominiums going up where cial construction business, co-founded the dences of the early 20th century such as De- and retirees from Birmingham, Grosse cement company silos beverage company in 2006 that makes a line troit Towers and Indian Village Manor as well as Pointe and out-of-state moving to Detroit. once stood will have larg- Shoreline East of energy drinks and flavored iced teas. He modern high rises such as and “In fact, out-of-staters are the easiest peo- er square footages, more wants to make Detroit his base for market- The Jeffersonian. ple to convince to buy here, because most amenities and will be ing its products nationwide and in Latin Scott Allen, president of Fourmidable, the have had such great ‘urban experiences’ in higher priced at $275 to America. He has a boat at the Jefferson Beach Farmington Hills-based management com- $350 per square foot,” said Marina in St. Clair Shores, but looks forward pany for several Detroit riverfront proper- other cities that they appreciate the ameni- Jon Grabowski, president to docking it at his doorstep when he moves ties, sees a wide demographic interested in ties Detroit has to offer. of Esquire Properties. into The Watermark. urban waterfront living. “There will always be demand for proper- The Watermark, Detroit Wyatt expects a thriving residential com- “At Harbortown, our gated high-rise re- ty close to the water,” he said, citing per- industrialist and former munity to evolve like the affluent Ritten- sort community, we have a mix of singles ceived value in the serenity, enjoyment of Grabowski Detroit Pistons basketball house Square area of Philadelphia’s Center and couples, young professionals, families views and opportunity for recreation. “De- player Dave Bing’s project, and @water Lofts, City, where he and his wife currently live. and retirees. The Lofts at Rivertown tends to troit is no exception. The newest trend here the Belmar Development Group project by “It wasn’t too long ago that I would see the attract creatives and entrepreneurs, where- is the ‘urban cottage’ buyer — second-home Dwight Belyue, will have million dollar-plus abandoned silos when I stayed downtown at as Grayhaven Marina Village, which is almost owners who are selling their places ‘Up penthouses. Both developers expect to break Renaissance Center. I wondered why De- all the way out to Grosse Pointe, appeals to North’ and purchasing a condo in Detroit, ground later this year and are taking orders troit’s waterfront wasn’t developed like other upwardly mobile professionals who want to typically moving their boat to one of our for units that will be ready for occupancy in cities. Now I see progress. With the River- rent a town home with a boat slip in front or marinas in the city.” 2009. Walk and developments like Dave Bing’s Wa- apartment with access to a private marina,” Grabowski thinks trends like this will Also in the area: Chene East, a project by termark, the whole area is going to be spec- Allen said. grow as suburban buyers learn to appreci- former NFL player Jerome Bettis and Pitts- tacular,” he said. At the 30-story-high Jeffersonian apart- ate Detroit’s amenities — the most theater burgh developer C.J. Betters; the Globe Trad- The new residential and mixed-use devel- ments east of Belle Isle, one of the main sell- seats in the Midwest, professional sports ing Co. condo project by Mark Wilcox; and opments for the riverfront between Renais- ing points for renters is the unobstructed teams, restaurants and nightlife — in their the Detroit Elevator Co. renovation by the De- sance Center and Stroh River Place will fill in view of the water from all of the balconies, own neighborhood. troitist Group are in the planning stages. the area that includes the RiverWalk pavilion said Beverly Silk, director of operations for “It’s just remarkable the beautiful piece of Wes Wyatt, 59, chairman and CEO of Cin- at Rivard, the marina at Tri-Centennial State the management company, Saperstein Associ- tron Beverage Group in Philadelphia, was Park and Chene Park amphitheater. The new ates. waterfront real estate we have,” Grabowski among the first in line at The Watermark’s entries extend the redevelopment of River- “The residential mix here is diverse with said. “In the coming years, we’ll see this un- presale event in May. He reserved a 2,800- town industrial and warehouse sites that young people in their first job, graduate and derdeveloped land mass along the Detroit square-foot space on the sixth floor facing started in the1980s with the creation of River professional students, empty-nesters who River become more densely populated. Once the Ambassador Bridge that will cost up- Place and Harbortown residential properties. have sold their Indian Village or Sherwood the residents are here, the retail develop- wards of $800,000. He already has hired Rox- Further east, seekers of waterfront living Forest homes, and retirees.” ment will follow.” DETROIT BUSINESS MAIN 07-02-07 A 15 CDB 6/29/2007 11:43 AM Page 1

July 2, 2007 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 15 BUSINESS LIVES CRAIN’SBUSINESSLIVES

LUXURY PROPERTY LUXURY PROPERTY All Properties 1 Hour North of Detroit 18 ACRE LAKEFRONT HOME!

Premier Subdivision Waterfront One of the last waterfront lots available this 5 acres lot has 200’ of Waterfront 5 Bedrooms, 4100 Sq. Ft., 3½ Bath. Private on this all sports lake. You could be in a neighborhood with mil- Summer sunsets Daily 120’ of lakefront, your own sandy island, sandy beach, pole barn. 18 acres of lion dollar homes. This is a gated community property shown by beach and one of the best views of the lake all year round. 2 wooded rolling hills on private all sports lake. appointment. You provide the dream home and well supply the bedroom Open Floor plan Finished basement, garage, shed, out- Gorgeous “Lake Views”. Some restrictions apply $599,900. door cabaña, just north of Oakland County. $260,000 Pinckney - minutes from Ann Arbor or Brighton. Visit www.8327walkabout.com Lake Access - All Sports Lake Lakefront, Sandy Beach $995,000 Lake Access to all sports Holloway Reservoir 1518 Sq ft , 3 bed- 40’ of sandy beach w/ 1104 sq ft home, 3 bedrooms, large Robert Zdanowski rooms, A frame style home. Picturesque views of wooded sur- roomy kitchen, Living room and screened in walkout basement. 734-891-6300 roundings, Full Partially finished basement, 2 fireplaces 1-2 Deck provides room to enjoy the BBq’s and sunsets. $229,000 story brick in living room, the other in basement. $169,900 Veronica Abdelnour Coldwell Banker Whitman Pope ROB HUEBEL 200 E Genesee St Lapeer Mi 48446 Chuck Plant and Rick Glazer bought Zukey Lake Tavern in 1980. Recent 810-614-3194 renovations have expanded the restaurant and added an outdoor patio.

Exquisite Grand Traverse Bay *$

About two years ago the its doors in downtown owners of Zukey Lake Tav- Royal Oak by fall after NEW CONSTRUCTION ern took a risk. They built winning approval of a Unique in all of Traverse! Expansive 12' Bay 3200 sq. foot lake home on 50 feet windows, vaulted bamboo ceiling, original 0DJQLÀFHQW%HGURRP+RPH an expansion that more liquor-license transfer on of sandy shoreline on fabulous waterscape with falls, streams and pond. SHUFKHGRQDOOVSRUWV%LJ/DNHLQ Royal Oak than tripled its size and June 18 from the 100ft. sandy desirable frontage. Carriage *D\ORUG$FUHVDQG·RI Lake Erie. Premium included also added an expansive City Commission. house. 4200SF. Stunning. (mls 1680532) ZDWHUIURQWZLWKVRXWKHUQYLHZRI features. Only 45 minutes from second-floor outdoor pa- BlackFinn Restaurant & $1,550,000 HQWLUHODNH&DU*DUDJHDQGPXFK Detroit suburban areas. Priced tio. Saloon is planning to oper- PRUH6LPSO\FKDUPLQJ from just $699,900. Nancy Albrecht Judging by the crowd on ate a 7,000-square-foot For more information, a recent Saturday night restaurant at 516 S. Main Real Estate One &DOOIRU\RXUSULYDWHWRXUWRGD\ 6FRWW&KHVOH\0LFKLJDQ1HWZRUN please call (248) 866-5131 and Sunday afternoon, the St., currently filled by Fud- 1-800-365-7190 or visit us at project has been a success. RESTAURANTS druckers and additional   www.nancyalbrecht.com ZZZ1RUWK0LQHW www.chamberlanehomes.com Just off of State Route 36 Brent Snavely space next door at 510 S. in Hamburg Township, Main St. Fuddruckers’ Zukey Lake Tavern is the only full- lease is expiring, said Michael service restaurant on the Huron Scheid, restaurant broker and *$Twelve Oaks Mall. that it was slightly crunchy on the Ersher said Zoup! picks its loca- outside and tender and juicy on tions and franchisees very careful- the inside. ly. Two of Zoup!’s newest locations The other winner is pizza. I are in the Philadelphia area. Breathtaking Hilltop Home with luxurious views and watched a stream of boaters pull There, Zoup! has an area develop- This lakefront getaway materials throughout. Stunning butterfly staircase, soaring up to the restaurant’s docks, walk ment agreement with a franchisee features updates/upgrades throughout the ceilings, and majestic room sizes. 4 ensuite bedrooms - 3 into the restaurant and walk out who plans to open five stores in 2 Bedroom/2 Bath unit, including granite, with balconies, 2 full kitchens and in-law quarters in the /RFDWHGRQDFUHVRIODNHIURQWWKLV with pizza boxes in hand. Philadelphia. Corian, Italian marble, appliances, carpet, walk-out completes this wooded setting with a pond. Seller EHGURRPKRPHLVLPSHFFDEOH light fixtures. Harbor-side unit with docking $1,495,000 “Since we’ve built the new ex- Zoup!’s total systemwide sales will consider all decent written offers! 2IIHUHGE\ pansion we’ve probably tripled or were $6.86 million in 2006, up near- privileges available. Seller also offers a 32 foot Silverton yacht with purchase for an Call Jean Wells .HQQHWK:3HWHUVRQ$%5 quadrupled our business,” Glazer ly 24 percent from 2005, Ersher additional $95,000. Unit base price Luxury Home Specialist .:3HWHUVRQ $VVRFLDWHV said. said. offered at $189,000. Coldwell Banker Schweitzer 41860 Six Mile  He declined to disclose details. Justin Kroll contributed to this Call Donna Bousson Glazer and co-owner Chuck Plant story. 248.515-1843 Northville, MI 48167 ZZZ.:3HWHUVRQFRP bought the restaurant in 1980. Brent Snavely: (313) 446-0405, 248-872-6110 Coldwell Banker Schweitzer Ⅲ An Irish tavern plans to open [email protected] www.homes4theheart.com DETROIT BUSINESS MAIN 07-02-07 A 16 CDB 6/29/2007 9:11 AM Page 1

Page 16 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS July 2, 2007

CRAIN'S LIST: LARGEST OFFICE FURNITURE DEALERS Ranked by 2006 revenue

Company Address Revenue Revenue Employees in Employees in Phone, Web site ($000,000) ($000,000) Percent Detroit area Detroit area Rank Top executive 2006 2005 change Jan. 2007 Jan. 2006 Brands of furniture carried Representative clients Navigating Business Space Inc. $66.0 $50.0 32.0% NA 104 NA NA 2595 Bellingham, Troy 48083 1. (248) 823-5400; www.navbus.com Richard Schwabauer, owner and president

WorkSquared L.L.C. 56.0 29.9 87.3 40 37 Herman Miller, Herman Miller for Team Detroit (WPP), Comerica, 46855 Magellan Drive, Suite 100, Novi 48377 Healthcare, Geiger, Brandrud, Bretford, Quicken Loans, University of 2. (248) 624-2000; www.worksquared.com Baker, SitOnIt, First Office and 150 Michigan Health System Dan Rosema, CEO and president additional product lines The fastest-growing company on University of Michigan’s new Cardio- this list is WorkSquared, which nearly vascular Center in Ann Arbor, said doubled its revenue in 2006. Marketing Director Molly Hilton. The growth was fueled by several Projects expected to fuel growth in projects that came to fruition last year, 2007 include the new Providence including a contract to furnish the Park Hospital in Novi.

Facility Matrix Group 31.2 53.9 -42.1 NA 72 NA NA 555 Friendly Drive, Bloomfield Hills 48340 3. (248) 334-8000; www.facilitymatrixgroup.com Chris Sowers, CEO

Smart Office Systems 21.6 21.6 0.2 27 27 Remanufactured Haworth, Herman Miller, General Motors, Ford, state of 24387 Halsted Rd., Suite 1A, Farmington Hills 48335 Steelcase AIS Matrix, Global, Evolve, Michigan, University of Michigan, 4. (248) 324-1963; www.smartofficesystems.com National, Izzy, United Seating Michigan State University Paul Covert, president

Interior Dynamics Inc. 20.3 22.4 -9.6 48 50 Knoll NA 1742 Crooks Road, Troy 48084 5. (248) 244-8910; www.interiordynamics.com Ronald Waring, CEO and president

Interior Systems Contract Group Inc. 19.4 20.9 -6.9 29 32 Haworth, Kimball, National Kelly Services, Plante & Moran, 28000 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak 48067 Charter One Bank, University of 6. (248) 399-1600; www.isginc.com Michigan, Auto Club Group Mary Ann Lievois, CEO

Michigan Office Interiors 16.0 14.0 14.3 3 4 NA NA 2723 S. State St., Ann Arbor 48104 7. (734) 929-9400; www.wmoi.com Thomas Schaap, president

American Interiors Inc. 15.2 14.0 8.6 NA 17 Knoll, DIRTT, Kimball NA 30553 S. Wixom Road, Suite 200, Wixom 48393 8. (248) 624-2255; www.aminteriors.com Lisa Shumway, vice president of sales

Airea 13.0 12.0 8.3 22 22 Haworth, Gunlocke, Paoli, Martin, Indiana William Beaumont Hospital, 23231-B Industrial Park Drive, Farmington Hills 48335 Desk, Nienkamper, Wieland, David Edwards Compuware, Oakland County, Wayne 9. (248) 426-0100; www.aireainc.com State University, LaSalle Bank, Bosch Vinnie Johnson, chairman

Interior Environments 12.7 10.2 24.5 18 17 NA NA 29566 Northwestern Highway, Suite 100, Southfield 48034 10. (248) 213-3010; www.interiorenvironments.com Randy Balconi and Steve Cojei, principals

Space Care Interiors Inc. 12.4 13.2 -6.1 14 14 Teknion, Davis, National, Halcon, Harter, JPM Chase, Unisys, IBM, Alliant 2222 W. Eleven Mile Road, Berkley 48072 Krug Insurance, Speedshape 11. (248) 541-9060; www.spacecareinteriors.com Kevin Lewis, CEO and Alan Kroll, president

Kentwood Office Furniture L.L.C. 11.0 10.0 10.0 6 6 Hon, Remanufactured Herman Miller, NA 34712 Plymouth Road, Livonia 48150 National, Global 12. (734) 422-5555; www.kentwoodoffice.com Art Hasse, president

Corporate Express Business Interiors 8.0 8.0 NC 100 60 Allsteel, HON and others NA 23300 Northwestern Highway, Southfield 48075 13. (248) 936-6600; www.cexp.com John Jones, division president

Office Express 5.6 5.3 6.7 27 20 HON, Trendway, OFS and others NA 1146 Rankin, Troy 48083 14. 248-307-1850; www.officeexpressnow.com Michael Carr, president

The Casper Corp. 5.2 4.5 15.6 20 20 Spacesaver Michigan State University, University 24801 Research Drive, Farmington Hills 48335 of Michigan, Plante & Moran, Ford, 15. (248) 442-9000; www.caspercorp.com Ernst & Young, Honigman Miller James Casper Jr., president

McMillan Bros. Inc. 5.0 5.0 NC 14 16 Herman Miller, Geiger, Mayline, National, NA 11800 11 Mile Road, Warren 48089 OF-USA 16. (586) 759-4300; www.mcmillanbros.com Joseph McMillan, CEO and president

Detroit Office Interiors 3.0 B 3.0 NC 7 8 HON, Knoll MotorCity Casino, Wayne County 407 E. Fort St., Detroit 48226 Clerk 17. (313) 961-9556; www.detroit-office.com Joe Washington, vice president and general manager

All Star Desk Co. 2.8 3.4 -17.6 15 16 Kathy Ireland Home by Martin, La-Z-Boy, NA 29111 Telegraph Road, Southfield 48034 Aspen, HON, Hekman 18. (248) 357-2020; www.allstardesk.com Michael Allmond

Intramode L.L.C. 1.3 1.4 -8.8 7 7 Trendway, Watson, Humanscale Google, NTH Consultants, Detroit 400 Grand River Ave., Suite 150, Detroit 48226 Renaissance, MGM Grand Detroit - 19. (313) 964-6990; www.intramode.com Stroud Group, Hotel Baronette Maureen Kraemer, managing member

Better Business Systems Group Inc. 1.1 1.2 -8.3 10 11 Hon, Lacasse, Jasper Desk, Paoli, IOF Flagstar Bank, Powerhouse Gym, 30835 W. 10 Mile Road, Farmington Hills 48336 Remax, Wayne State University 20. (248) 548-6404; www.betterbusinesssystems.com Edward Chudnow, president, and Evan Chudnow, vice president This is a list of office-furniture dealers in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw and Livingston counties. Companies with headquarters in the Detroit area are listed with their total net fee income, and companies with headquarters outside the area are listed by revenue of their local operations only. This is not a complete listing but the most comprehensive available. Unless otherwise noted, information was provided by the companies. NA = not available. NR = not relevant. B Crain's estimate. LIST RESEARCHED BY ANNE MARKS AND JOANNE SCHARICH