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Business & Tech

Looking Back: A Busy Year for Birmingham Businesses

The city saw the addition of 33 new restaurants, stores and retail services during 2010.

While Michigan's economy is still in trouble, Birmingham is ending the year on a economic high note and poised for what looks to be a bright 2011.

Boosted by Oakland County's AAA bond rating and low debt, Birmingham saw the addition of 33 new restaurants, stores and retail service businesses in 2010. There also were 10 stores closing and two relocations within town.  This boost in business has inspired optimism among residents, city leaders and retailers, according to John Heiney, director of Birmingham's (PSD).

Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson has said he expects Birmingham to thrive for years to come. "If Oakland County is the brightest galaxy in the state of Michigan, then Birmingham is the brightest star in that galaxy," he said during an event hosted at the  in October.

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Here are some of the 2010 highlights for Birmingham's business community:

  • Birmingham's retail occupancy rate is 92.6 percent, while it's office occupancy rate is 84 percent. "More firms are choosing Birmingham for its combination of Class A office space, walkable downtown, and the variety of restaurants and shops," said Heiney.
  • Oakland County and Birmingham have retained its AAA bond rating since 1998, giving the county access to the lowest possible interest rates to fund preojcts.
  • According to Heiney, lease rates for office and retail space is more affordable than it has been for years, making the downtown center more attractive than ever.
  • June saw the grand reopening of the Greenleaf Trust Building at the corner of Maple and Woodward. The building has two floors of residential space, two floors of office and the Italian restaurant Zazio's on the main floor.
  • In December, the . Felder works to bring independent and national retailers to downtown Birmingham. 
  • Heiney said the 2010 holiday season was the best downtown Birmingham has seen since 2007.

The list of new stores and restaurants ranged from new coffee shops to olive oil experts, jewelers to a wine bar. Here is the complete list:

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  • Blu Arch Collection, at 142 W. Maple
  • , at 282 W. Maple
  • , at 300 Hamilton
  • Scavolini by Cucina Moda showroom, at 202 E. Maple
  • Bec and Sam's, at 142 W. Maple
  • Ecology, at 239 S. Old Woodward
  • Luxe Bar & Grill, at 525 N. Old Woodward
  • MASQ Beauty, at 798 N. Old Woodward
  • , at 141 W. Maple
  • , at 237 Pierce Street
  • , at 34977 Woodward Avenue
  • , at 195 W. Maple
  • , at 210 S. Old Woodward
  • , at 746 E. Maple
  • , 400 E. Brown Street
  • , at 286 W. Maple
  • , at 284 W. Maple
  • , at 720 S. Adams
  • , at 112 S. Old Woodward
  • , at 297 E. Maple
  • , at 155 S. Bates Street
  • Real Ryder Revolution, at 555 S. Old Woodward
  • , at 255 S. Old Woodward
  • Schubot Jewelers, at 230 Merrill Street
  • Massage Green, at 34200 Woodward Avenue
  • Kate Neville Photographer, at 574 N. Old Woodward
  • , at 124 W. Maple Avenue
  • , at 35046 Woodward Avenue
  • Modern Monogram, at 798 N. Old Woodward
  • Perfect Image, at 730 N. Old Woodward
  • , at 100 S. Old Woodward

In addition, Quattro converted its existing location to a pizza and wine bar in May, while moved locations in September.

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