We enjoyed a pleasant lunch today in Plymouth’s Old Village. With Spring here (at last), it was nice to get out and take a few pictures of some of the historic structures around this part of town. The historic Old Village 
of Plymouth is a city within a city. There’s a diverse range of businesses offering everything from books, art, and music lessons. For more information about Old Village and everything it has to offer, www.plymoutholdvillage.com.
Living in Plymouth
Announcing the New Michigan Philharmonic (formerly the Plymouth Symphony)
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…
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.
Plymouth Township Real Estate Values Improving Year over Year
Plymouth Township continues to be a relatively strong real estate market as the economy begins 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. The area also offers a wide range of newer and older homes with plenty of space for growing families.For 2010 vs. 2009, we’ve had approx. 8 % fewer homes sold (234 vs. 254) but the average selling price increased from $224,531 in 2009 to $239,116 in 2010. 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 Plymouth Real Estate market has remained relatively strong throughout the economic downturn. The ‘pull factors’ that have kept Plymouth Township pricing strong includes the diversity in homes, proximity to downtown Plymouth as well as major roads and highways, school system, local parks and much, much more.
To see more homes available for sale in Plymouth Township, please visit www.bobbake.com or simply contact Carrie, Plymouth REALTOR, at 734-788-2398 – carrie@bobbake.com or Patrick, Plymouth REALTOR,at 734-272-8375 – patrick@bobbake.com. If you have a home to sell in the Plymouth area and would like a private consultation, please feel free to contact us to discuss your needs in confidence. We are specialists in the Plymouth 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
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:
What Happened to the old Amoco Gas Station in Downtown Plymouth? Proposed New Building at Ann Arbor Trail and Main Street – 789 W. Ann Arbor Trail
I attended a highly charged Planning Commission meeting last night at Plymouth City Hall. The developers of the above new construction commercial building presented their plans while the residents and business owners of Plymouth voiced their concerns. The corner of Ann Arbor Trail and Main Street where the old Amoco gas station used to be has been vacant for some time. The old station has just been demolished and the new building above is planned. The space will be used for restaurants and potential retail too. Some of the issues raised include the size and density of the building and the split level concept of the interior. A motion was passed to postpone further discussions until the applicant decides to resubmit updated plans. There was a lot of emotion and passion about the project – all part of the give and take required to preserve and grow a vibrant downtown of a great American small town!
Snow and Culture: See the Plymouth Symphony Chamber Ensemble this Sunday, January 16th, 2011 for Sunday Soiree
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
The Restoration of Historic Pumpkin Hill, Plymouth, Michigan
Updated: Pumpkin Hill has been transformed into one of Plymouth most distinctive homes after many months of painstaking restoration. Please see the slideshow below for images capturing the various stages of the renovation.
Plymouth’s Pumpkin Hill is one of the town’s oldest (if not the oldest) homes dating back to 1834. After falling into disrepair, Pumpkin Hill was bought and is going through an extensive and architecturally accurate restoration. I’ll post more pictures as the work progresses.
To see more pictures, go to the Plymouth Preservation Network photos at: http://plymouthpreservation.org/5-07inside.html
Historic Plymouth home lives on – The Detroit News
The restoration of Pumpkin Hill in downtown Plymouth has shown how remarkable determination and vision can preserve our history and build communities. Here is a link to the Detroit New Articale published on December 20th, 2010.
Historic Plymouth home lives on | detnews.com | The Detroit News.
Holiday Decorations Around Town
It’s the season… so I thought I’d share some December blizzard pics from around town. Although there are fewer Real Estate transactions during the winter months, there is still a very active market. And often those buyers in the market are looking for a reason – they usually want or need to move and move quickly due to relocation or other reasons. If you are searching for your next home in Northville or Plymouth, please feel free to give us a call at 734-788-2398 (Carrie) or 734-272-8375 (Pat). Also, please check our company website at www.bobbake.com for more listings and information about Northville and Plymouth. Thanks!
Opening Soon: Espresso Elevado, Artisan Coffee Roaster and Brew Bar in Downtown Plymouth
Espresso Elevado Artisan Coffee Roaster and Brew Bar is coming soon to Downtown Plymouth. Located in the former Suburban Harvest building at Wing and Main, Espresso Elevado promises to provide an exciting experience for coffee drinkers!
The 16th Annual Great Lakes Regional Chili Cook-off and Motorcycle Bike Show will take place on Sunday October 9th, 2011 in Downtown Plymouth Michigan
Get ready to rumble! It’s that’s time of year again when the Bikes come to town for the annual Great Lakes Regional Chili Cook-off and Motorcycle Bike Show. The event will be held this Sunday October 9th, 2011 between 11 and 5pm. For more info, please visit: http://www.greatlakeschili.com/.