Living in Northville

Michigan Philharmonic Spring Home Tour May 21-22 including a Very Impressive Plymouth Garage and Car Collection!

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The Michigan Philharmonic (formerly the Plymouth Canton Symphony Orchestras) is sponsoring HOME AGAIN! – bringing back the Symphony Home Tour – May 21 and 22. Featured on the tour are 6 homes throughout Plymouth and Canton, including a unique and spectacular garage and a 19,000 square foot home with a geo-thermal system which is Green Certified. Hours for the tour are 12-6 pm on Saturday, May 21 and 12-5 pm on Sunday, May 22. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

Tickets are available at the Symphony office at 774 N. Sheldon Road in the Plymouth Art Center, Magnolia’s and the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce in downtown
Plymouth and Garden Views in Northville.

This is a great opportunity to tour some of the area’s most spectacular and unique homes. From a beautifully renovated and enhanced historic home in downtown Plymouth, to a custom home with one of South East Michigan’s most impressive garages and car collections. Proceeds benefit the Michigan Philharmonic based in Plymouth.  For more info and how/where to buy tickets, please call 734-451-2112 or click here.

Announcing the New Michigan Philharmonic (formerly the Plymouth Symphony)

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Currently entering its 66th Season, the Michigan Philharmonic has a new name and begins a new era.  For 65 years, the orchestra was known as the Plymouth Symphony and also, for its smaller presentations, Orchestra Canton.  A unique feature of the Michigan Philharmonic is the adventuresome programming which has garnered the orchestras 4 ASCAP awards. By highlighting new music at each concert, our audiences have the opportunity to meet composers and gain an appreciation of the wonderful, new repertoire in the classical music genre.The Philharmonic also sponsors the Michigan Philharmonic Youth Orchesta, formerly known as the Celebration Youth Orchestras.

We attended a recent concert at the Village Theater in Cherry Hill Village (Canton) and sat in the few remaining 1st row seats.  The music and musicians were close enough for us to see and hear every movement, emotion, and instrument. It was truly an amazing experience and I would recommend it to all.  The Michign Philharmonic is an incredible to asset to our community and worth your time to explore.

 

For mor information about the Michigan Philharmonic, you can visit their website at www.michiganphil.org.

What to do on a blustery winter day if you are minding the children…

| Carrie

The Plymouth-Canton, Northville area has a lot to offer families, but it takes awhile for things to take hold around here.

One event that has is on its 2nd or 3rd year is the “Saturdays at the Penn” musical/variety shows at the historic PENN Theater on Kellogg Park in Downtown Plymouth.  Sponsored by the Plymouth-Canton Arts Council (PCAC), The Wilcox Foundation and some other sponsors who care about the arts, it is a great way to spend a couple of hours with the kids taking in some entertainment for all ages.  Many a child will be found dancing in the aisles or even getting called to participate on the stage.  Jugglers, children-oriented bands, magicians, classical Instrument Demos, and all kinds of acts have performed at this event.

This event was intended to act as an indoor continuation of the Concerts in the Park that happen throughout the summers on Wednesdays.  The next concert is on Saturday, February 5th.  Doors open at 11:05am and the show begins at 11:30am.  You can arrive late if you wish, as it is a casual atmosphere.  Tickets are $5 per person.  Also available for purchase are popcorn, candy and beverages.

The February 6th concert will be hosted by the ever-popular musician Guy Louis, with featured performances by funny-man juggler Joel Tacey and a special performance of Peter and the Wolf by members of the Celebration Youth Orchestra and Plymouth Uptown Players.

This is also a fun event for Brownie, Girl or Boy Scout Troops and Birthday Parties.  Call about group discounts!  For advance tickets, call 734-416-4278 or purchase tickets at the door.

City of Northville Real Estate Values Increasing Year over Year

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The City of Northville Real Estate market showed relative strength in 2010 vs. 2009 as the economy began to recover in western Wayne County. The resurgence of Automotive and the overall stabilization of the region, combined with the Federal Tax Credit in 2010, all contributed to stronger consumer confidence and better values.

For 2010 vs. 2009, we’ve seen approx. 9 % fewer homes sold (31 vs. 34) but the average selling price increased from $232,313 in 2009 to $277,532 in 2010. Given the relatively small number of sales in the City and the effect of a few high value sales in 2010, the data can be a little misleading. Nevertheless, the trend does show an increase in both average and median sales prices year over year.  During the early part of 2010, the Tax Credit seemed to drive an increase in buying activity although some of this can be explained as ‘pull ahead’ sales.  The City of Northville Real Estate market has always remained attractive due to the historic homes, downtown shopping and restaurants, school system, parks, and much, much more.

To see more homes available for sale in Northville, please visit www.bobbake.com or simply contact Carrie, Northville REALTOR, at 734-788-2398 –  carrie@bobbake.com or Patrick, Northville REALTOR,at  734-272-8375 – patrick@bobbake.com.  If you have a home to sell in the Northville area and would like a private consultation, please feel free to contact us to discuss your needs in confidence. We are specialists in the Northville area with the experience and knowledge to assist you throughout your home buying and selling process.

Marvin Architect’s Challenge: California Craftsman, Palo Alto Family Home

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You’ll find a diverse range of architectural styles in our community. The Arts and Crafts style home is definitely one of the more popular choices with its clean lines and pleasing proportions. I recently came across this attractive California Craftsman style home online that seemed worthy to share.  To learn more about it and see more pictures, you can click on the following link:

Marvin Architect’s Challenge: Palo Alto Family Home.

Snow and Culture: See the Plymouth Symphony Chamber Ensemble this Sunday, January 16th, 2011 for Sunday Soiree

| Carrie

Now that you’ve dug out from beneath our latest snow storm, why not spend a delightful Sunday afternoon with the Symphony Chamber Ensemble featuring Harp, Strings & Flute?  The program includes a multitude of small, spectacular works from past to present and around the world.  Featured will be Danses Sacree et Profane,  a lush, beautiful piece by Claude DeBussy written for Harp and Chamber orchestra to be performed by Symphony Harpist, Maurice Draughn

The PSO is one of our community’s valuable cultural assets and worthy of your support. “Sunday Soiree” takes place on January 16, 2011 at 2:00 pm, First Methodist Church – Plymouth. To further enhance your day out, High Tea will be served afterwards for an additional fee and please note: reservations are required.

For tickets and information please call 734 451-2112 or online www.plymouthsymphony.com

Northville Township Real Estate Values Stabilizing

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Northville Township continues to be the destination of choice for many families in Western Wayne County with its larger, and newer homes on generous lots. Home prices are stabilizing as updated, well-presented homes with desirable locations command significant premiums.

For 2010 year to date vs. the same period last year, we’ve had approx. 19% more homes sold. Average selling price year to date has been $380,285 vs. $390,786 during the same period in 2009. During the early part of 2010, the Tax Credit seemed to drive an increase in buying activity although some of this can be explained as ‘pull ahead’ sales.  The Township of Northville Real Estate market has remained relatively strong throughout the economic downturn. The ‘pull factors’ that have kept Northville Township pricing strong include the treed settings, larger and newer homes, proximity to downtown Northville and Plymouth as well as major roads and highways, acclaimed school system, and much, much more.

To see more homes available for sale in Northville Township, please visit www.bobbake.com or simply contact Carrie, Northville REALTOR, at 734-788-2398 –  carrie@bobbake.com or Patrick, Northville REALTOR,at  734-272-8375 – patrick@bobbake.com.  If you have a home to sell in the Northville area and would like a private consultation, please feel free to contact us to discuss your needs in confidence. We are specialists in the Northville area with the experience and knowledge to assist you throughout your home buying and selling process.

Northville Historical Society’s Cemetery Walk at Oakwood Cemetery Sunday, October 3, 2010

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There are plenty of events and activities throughout the year in Northville but as Hallowe’en approaches, some unique experiences present themselves. The Cemetery Walk at Historic Oakwood Cemetery takes visitors back in time with costumed citizens sharing stories about life in the early days of Northville. For more information about this event, click here.

Le George Mediterranean Bar and Restaurant Now Open in Downtown Northville, MI

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Le George Northville

Updated January 13th, 2010: it’s been several months now and Le George continues to impress. We stop by there for lunch quite often and the service is always top notch.  Ask for the recommended specials which we do or just go for a sandwich. 

Update August 13, 2010: Le George is now open!  If you are looking for an upscale bar/restaurant specializing in Middle Eastern cuisine, Le George might be worth a try. The interior is very nicely decorated and there’s even an outdoor seating area! We had lunch there today and the place was very busy. There is also a convenient take-out menu if you are on the go. For more information, call Le George at (248) 924-2016.

Le George Bar and Restaurant, Northville MI

Walking in downtown Northville today, we noticed the new Le George Mediterranean Bar and Restaurant under construction. The sign on the window suggests a Spring 2010 opening so let’s look forward to a new business downtown. le George is located at 124 E. Main St. in downtown Northville.

City of Northville, Michigan Video

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Here’s a video about the City of Northville Michigan that I thought would be worth sharing. It gives a very good overview of the City and what you can expect to find living here. Whether it’s the Town Square, theater, galleries, stores, restaurants, race track, walkable tree-lined streets, and historic homes, you’ll find something to enjoy in this classic American small town.

CELEBRATION YOUTH ORCHESTRAS , a sponsored project of the Plymouth Symphony, will be holding auditions for the 2010-2011 season on Friday, August 27, at Evola Music on Haggerty in Canton

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The CELEBRATION YOUTH ORCHESTRAS , a sponsored project of the Plymouth Symphony, will be holding auditions for the 2010-2011 season on Friday, August 27, at Evola Music on Haggerty in Canton.   Under the direction of conductor Nan Washburn, the Celebration Youth Orchestras provide a unique, enriching and exciting musical experience for aspiring young players throughout southeast Michigan, especially in Plymouth, Canton, Northville, Novi, Belleville, and Westland.

The CYO currently offers a full program of three orchestras and a flute choir, workshops and master classes with prominent guest soloists and composers, as well as yearly side-by-side performances with the professional musicians of the Plymouth Symphony and Orchestra Canton. Anyone interested in auditioning should contact Jane Libbing at the Plymouth Canton Symphony Orchestras office at 734-451-2112 or e-mail her at jane@plymouthsymphony.org . Check out the CYO web site: www.celebrationyouthorchestras.org

Richard Gere and Topher Grace Filming Movie “The Double” in Northville Michigan

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There’s a new movie filming in Northville, MI right now starring Richard Gere and Topher Grace.  The filming is taking place along Eaton and Grandview during the evenings and there have been plenty of star sightings. One of our clients even met Topher Grace yesterday.  “The Double” is a political thriller that stars Gere as a retired CIA operative who joins an FBI agent (Topher Grace) to investigate a senator’s assassination.