ANN ARBOR, Mich. – A vacant storefront on Liberty Street has a new look thanks to a partnership between the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra (A2SO) and the State Street District.
The space used to house Orchid Lane Boutique, a clothing and jewelry store, but has stood empty for some time.
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As part of State Street District’s pilot “Storefront Connections” initiative, A2SO put its stamp on the storefront.
“The A2SO is Ann Arbor’s symphony orchestra, and we’re proud to present the majority of our concerts in historic downtown venues like Hill Auditorium and the Michigan Theater,” said A2SO Executive Director Sarah Calderini in a release.
“The brainchild of our wonderful partners at State Street District, this storefront adoption project means that we can place our message in front of the bustling downtown populace while also activating our mission to serve and celebrate Ann Arbor’s arts and culture landscape.”
As part of its contribution, A2SO cleaned and painted the building’s exterior and part of the interior. It installed window clings, pamphlet holders for information, and QR codes that led to the orchestra’s website at the 419 E. Liberty St. location.
Orchid Lane Boutique closed in 2017 but construction to building plumbing means that space cannot yet be leased, states a release.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra to bring new energy to an underutilized space. This innovative and affordable solution provides an interactive element to the community, offering fun and engaging pathways that connect everyone to the Symphony’s vibrant programming. We believe in the power of creativity to transform and inspire, and this collaboration is a testament to that vision, offering an engaging and inclusive experience for all,” said State Street District Executive Director Angela Heflin.
A2SO offices are currently located at 35 Research Dr. The new, interactive storefront brings the orchestra’s presence into the downtown Ann Arbor area.
Learn more about the Storefront Connections project at www.statestreetdistrict.org.