Hollander's expanding in Kerrytown

There's been a lot of loud construction going on at the second floor of Kerrytown Market & Shops lately, where Everyday Cook used to be.

Crews are preparing the space for Hollander's to expand. The decorative paper, stationary and bookbinding supply shop on the first floor of Kerrytown is taking over Everyday Cook's old space and plans to sell kitchen items and home decor there, said owner Cindy Hollander.

It's planned to be called Hollander's Upstairs, and it's tentatively set to open in April. The stores will be connected by an internal staircase.

"We think we can bring in some unique things and serve the community there, too,'' Hollander said.

Tios needs a new home

Tios Mexican Cafe on East Huron Street in downtown Ann Arbor now has less than six months to find a new home.

The small restaurant's lease expires at the end of June. Owner Tim Seaver said he's "searching rather desperately'' for a space. Right now, the old Metro Cafe space off Detroit Street in the Kerrytown area is his first choice, because the space is larger and has a liquor license associated with it.

Last year, the city of Ann Arbor bought the property at 331 E. Huron St. where Tios is located. At the time, city officials pledged to work with the Seavers. City Administrator Roger Fraser said the city is making informal inquiries about available space that Tios could move to, although Seaver said he wasn't aware of that.

It will be up to the City Council to decide whether to take down the one-story building, Fraser said.

Demolition could give the city 16 new parking spaces. With current parking spots giving way to new construction on the city hall property next door, those spaces could ease the pinch.

Ypsilanti infrastructure

Ypsilanti city officials are exploring infrastructure work east of downtown to prepare the Water Street project for development.

Last week, the City Council and administrators discussed the installation of water and sewer lines on the 38 acres along Michigan Avenue.

Several people have expressed an interest in the site and the city hopes to demolish some buildings this year to make way for at least two projects.

The city embarked on the Water Street project in 1999 and has been looking for a developer to build condominiums and retail space there since then. Ypsilanti owes about $15.6 million on loans it used to buy the land and clean up environmental contamination. The first payment of about $850,000 is due this summer.

Judy McGovern and Khalil Hachem contributed to this report. Is there a project you would like to know about? Do you have a development tip to pass along? Contact Business Team Leader Stefanie Murray at 734-994-6932 or smurray@annarbornews.com.