Renting to Riff-Raff
At 829 Davis Street, there aren’t any doors. No windows or walls either. The floor is littered with holes, looking as if they were designed perfectly to swallow a person to the cave-like basement below. A Harvest-Gold refrigerator is the only appliance left in the barren kitchen.
That doesn’t stop Scott Stoneburner from smiling. Stoneburner, 46, is a landlord serving the students of Kalamazoo. The house on Davis is his latest purchase, which he secured from an elderly couple in the fall of 2006 with a low offer.
“I had my eye on the house for over a year,” Stoneburner recalls. “They finally accepted my offer once they realized no one else wanted the dump.”
Originally a contractor, Stoneburner began purchasing rental houses in an effort to keep his crew busy while contracting work was slow. 829 Davis is a perfect example, as a two-man crew takes a break from refinishing concrete walls to hang some new sheets of drywall. Slowly adding houses as they become available, Stoneburner seems to be buying up the neighborhood. He currently owns 12 units, the smallest of which are 4 bedroom townhouses.
While many rental agencies and landlords have seen their units go vacant, Stoneburner has been lucky. “Most of my rentals are referrals from current tenants,” he says. “I actually care about who lives in my houses and try to make them happy.” Apparently, it pays off. Stoneburner is signing the lease on his final vacant property in the afternoon.
Down the road at 613 Davis Street, the lawn extension is littered with ratty furniture and other assorted garbage. In the street sits a black Ford Crown Victoria, unmarked but with the telling government “X” on the license plate. The tenant, a tow truck driver, is 5 months late on his rent. It’s eviction day.
“These guys destroyed the house,” Stoneburner says, as he points out repairs, ranging from small holes in the walls to the door he says was “kicked down in a drunken rage.” According to Stoneburner, renting to students can be hard, but it’s the late 20’s and 30’s crowd that really cause trouble. “A fair number of the students here have parents footing the bill,” he says. “Many send the check directly to me each month.”
(Kalamazoo College housing situation…..what is happening? Raising enrollment? More students living off campus? Future direction of on/off campus living? Creation of more dorms/on campus apartments? Have meeting scheduled with Dana Jansma Friday…)
In the fall of 2005, Kalamazoo was taken by surprise with the announcement of the Kalamazoo promise. The Promise, which would garuntee college tuition to any state school in Michigan for highschool graduates, forecasted big changes for the housing market. Described as “An economic and community development project” by Mayor Hannah Mckinney, the Kalamazoo Promise was slated to bring people back to the city from the surrounding suburbs.
It wasn’t always low income and student housing in Kalamazoo. The town was home to the Checker Automobile Company, who produced the majority of this country’s cabs for over 50 years. The Upjohn Company, which would later be succeeded to Pharmacia and then Pfizer, created thousands of jobs within the city. Gibson Instruments, most famous for their Guitars, held a factory that took up a whole city block. However, by 1981 the Gibson Company moved its headquarters and closed its Kalamazoo factory. In 1984 the Checker Company closed, leaving behind an empty factory that today is little more than a skeleton. By the late 1990’s, Pfizer was cutting jobs and outsourcing, a trend that continued well into the 21st century. People left. The city was left with was an abundance of empty housing and falling property values.While Mckinney remains optimistic about the return of families to the City of Kalamazoo, she insists that it is a long-term movement. “We’ve been seeing rising property values,” She says “It’s not going to happen overnight.” When asked if she thinks there will be sufficient housing for both students and returning families, she can’t help but laugh. “There is a huge abundance of housing in Kalamazoo, I think there should be enough for everyone.” She says with a smile.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Marketing, not Music
While the piece about Jonathan Coulton never really comes out and says it, much of what holds my attention as a reader is the constant attention that is given to the common problem with B list artists, regardless of which art form they practice.
The idea of the “struggling artist” has long existed, and for the most part is proven to be true. Artists that fail to make it to the mainstream stay relatively unknown and struggle economically. Coulton, however, has found a creative way around this problem. As a result, the entire piece works in multiple ways, offering a story, problem, and solution all in one flowing work. I feel that most features of this length might get boring and old, but this works well to really engage the reader in the piece.
One major difference I noticed throughout the piece is the prevalence of relevant details. For example, the price that Coulton pays for each CD from CD baby, along with the breakdown of how he makes his income and how much he brings in. These details not only work to keep the reader interested in the piece, but also create a strong, open relationship with the character. I find this piece to be as much about how the internet is changing the world as we know it as it is about artists. As a reader I found this appealing because of the many opportunities I have seen throughout the Internet, which creates a vast marketplace for any merchant. It’s not about the music Coulton creates, but rather the market and how it is changing, something that was a welcome surprise.
The idea of the “struggling artist” has long existed, and for the most part is proven to be true. Artists that fail to make it to the mainstream stay relatively unknown and struggle economically. Coulton, however, has found a creative way around this problem. As a result, the entire piece works in multiple ways, offering a story, problem, and solution all in one flowing work. I feel that most features of this length might get boring and old, but this works well to really engage the reader in the piece.
One major difference I noticed throughout the piece is the prevalence of relevant details. For example, the price that Coulton pays for each CD from CD baby, along with the breakdown of how he makes his income and how much he brings in. These details not only work to keep the reader interested in the piece, but also create a strong, open relationship with the character. I find this piece to be as much about how the internet is changing the world as we know it as it is about artists. As a reader I found this appealing because of the many opportunities I have seen throughout the Internet, which creates a vast marketplace for any merchant. It’s not about the music Coulton creates, but rather the market and how it is changing, something that was a welcome surprise.
Monday, May 7, 2007
"Barbeback Mountain"
Wow, what a mess.
I think the subject matter here is quite intriguing and the writer definately has some talent. The piece had great speed to it, read quickly, and easily kept the reader entertained.
I guess I just don't quite understand what the goal of the piece is. After reading the piece, I was left thinking "wow, that writer really is bitter." The subject matter was of little relevance, as the reader is constantly reminded of the author's negative attitude. It really is an odd medley of subjects, which seem to conclude the author's general dislike for everything and anything.
I think that sometimes poking fun and relying on sarcasm in a piece can work quite well, but this just seemed to go overboard. Instead of agreeing with or understanding the author and his opinionis, the tone of the piece has lead me to discredit much of what the author has said. Probably not the best way to go as a writer........
I think the subject matter here is quite intriguing and the writer definately has some talent. The piece had great speed to it, read quickly, and easily kept the reader entertained.
I guess I just don't quite understand what the goal of the piece is. After reading the piece, I was left thinking "wow, that writer really is bitter." The subject matter was of little relevance, as the reader is constantly reminded of the author's negative attitude. It really is an odd medley of subjects, which seem to conclude the author's general dislike for everything and anything.
I think that sometimes poking fun and relying on sarcasm in a piece can work quite well, but this just seemed to go overboard. Instead of agreeing with or understanding the author and his opinionis, the tone of the piece has lead me to discredit much of what the author has said. Probably not the best way to go as a writer........
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Some ride motorcycles while some ride Harleys
Walking into Perry Harley-Davidson, one instantly notices something very different from other motorcycle dealerships. There are no Honda’s, no Suzuki’s or Yamaha’s. Just Harleys. Tons of them. Big and small, in many different colors, but all with one thing in common: Chrome, and by the truckload.
Located at 5331 Sprinkle Rd, Perry Harley-Davidson’s 24,000 square foot facility is modern and large. Until 1999, Perry H-D was located on Portage Road, but increased business and service needs moved the company to its current 10-acre location. Comprised of a large showroom, clothing and memorabilia area, and a fully stocked parts and accessories department, Perry H-D offers the Harley enthusiast everything they could hope for under one roof. In the back, the service department offers warranty work and maintenance for the less hands-on Harley Davidson Owners.
Becoming a Harley Davidson dealer is no simple task, according to Richard Perry, the owner of Perry H-D. Unlike other power sports and automobile dealers, Harley-Davidson does not allow dealerships to sell other makes on the same premise as Harley’s are sold. Recently, facing competition from the Japanese and European companies in the sport bike category, Harley-Davidson acquired the Buell Company, also offering these sportier motorcycles on the same floors as the cruiser style Harley’s.
The advantages of picking one task and doing it well certainly show at Perry H-D. The showroom is clean and open, yet well stocked. Merchandise is clean and choices plentiful. The help in the parts department is knowledgeable and helpful, with great prices to boot. While I haven’t purchased a Harley Davidson or used the dealership for more than a few simple parts purchases, it is an experience much different than those seen at the other motorcycle dealers around town, which tend to be cramped, dirty, and outdated.
Steve Brumbaugh works in parts sales at Perry H-D has been working with Richard for longer than he can remember.
“I get paid to work with what I love all day” He tells me proudly. “And many of the guys here have it even worse than I do: You sure won’t see me riding when there is snow on the ground!”
Harley-Davidson motorcycles have long had a reputation of being relatively slow, expensive, and archaic in comparison to their competitors. Over the years, as competitors improved their products, Harley-Davidson kept many of their models much the same, making only minor changes. Today, when comparing models on paper, the Harley-Davidsons fall behind. Starting at over $7,000 for a base model Sportster and rising to $30,000 for a deluxe touring bike, H-D has seen trends of younger riders moving towards the more inexpensive Japanese models offered by makers such as Suzuki and Honda.
When asked why he chose to ride Harley Davidson rather than another brand, Brumbaugh already had his reply waiting.
“It’s a different feeling when you ride a Harley.” He reassured me. “It’s not about how much it cost or how fast it goes, it’s about what happens when you ride.”Harley-Davidson owners have long been noted for the waves they exchange as they pass each other on the road, noting an unspoken level of friendship and camaraderie.
Located at 5331 Sprinkle Rd, Perry Harley-Davidson’s 24,000 square foot facility is modern and large. Until 1999, Perry H-D was located on Portage Road, but increased business and service needs moved the company to its current 10-acre location. Comprised of a large showroom, clothing and memorabilia area, and a fully stocked parts and accessories department, Perry H-D offers the Harley enthusiast everything they could hope for under one roof. In the back, the service department offers warranty work and maintenance for the less hands-on Harley Davidson Owners.
Becoming a Harley Davidson dealer is no simple task, according to Richard Perry, the owner of Perry H-D. Unlike other power sports and automobile dealers, Harley-Davidson does not allow dealerships to sell other makes on the same premise as Harley’s are sold. Recently, facing competition from the Japanese and European companies in the sport bike category, Harley-Davidson acquired the Buell Company, also offering these sportier motorcycles on the same floors as the cruiser style Harley’s.
The advantages of picking one task and doing it well certainly show at Perry H-D. The showroom is clean and open, yet well stocked. Merchandise is clean and choices plentiful. The help in the parts department is knowledgeable and helpful, with great prices to boot. While I haven’t purchased a Harley Davidson or used the dealership for more than a few simple parts purchases, it is an experience much different than those seen at the other motorcycle dealers around town, which tend to be cramped, dirty, and outdated.
Steve Brumbaugh works in parts sales at Perry H-D has been working with Richard for longer than he can remember.
“I get paid to work with what I love all day” He tells me proudly. “And many of the guys here have it even worse than I do: You sure won’t see me riding when there is snow on the ground!”
Harley-Davidson motorcycles have long had a reputation of being relatively slow, expensive, and archaic in comparison to their competitors. Over the years, as competitors improved their products, Harley-Davidson kept many of their models much the same, making only minor changes. Today, when comparing models on paper, the Harley-Davidsons fall behind. Starting at over $7,000 for a base model Sportster and rising to $30,000 for a deluxe touring bike, H-D has seen trends of younger riders moving towards the more inexpensive Japanese models offered by makers such as Suzuki and Honda.
When asked why he chose to ride Harley Davidson rather than another brand, Brumbaugh already had his reply waiting.
“It’s a different feeling when you ride a Harley.” He reassured me. “It’s not about how much it cost or how fast it goes, it’s about what happens when you ride.”Harley-Davidson owners have long been noted for the waves they exchange as they pass each other on the road, noting an unspoken level of friendship and camaraderie.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
A response to Boys Who Like Toys
I think pieces like this are a lot of fun, similar in certain aspects to the one last week about the new trends in French fast-food. It shows the diversity of the market and what is possible with a little ingenuity and luck, and reminds me of the stories that were everywhere about the creators of YouTube when Google took over.
Considering the fact that these “fanboys” can make or break multi million dollar productions, I would like to see more about what they make. The article mentions that one group of writers makes a decent salary from adds on google, but there is no mention of real numbers, a surprise considering the number dropping that occurs throughout the piece.
The reference to the underperforming Grindhouse production was refreshing and pulled me back into the piece, although I had already lost much of my interest by the time I was reaching the end. It just goes on and on. I feel like there are too many examples, all of which feel very similar and not enough variation. I don’t need multiple sources of proof.
Earlier on there were a couple vivid descriptions, such as the first paragraph.
“He is the fanboy, the typically geeky 16-to-34-year-old male (though there are some fangirls) whose slavish devotion to a pop-culture subject, like a comic-book character or a video game, drives him to blog, podcast, chat, share YouTube videos, go to comic-book conventions and, once in a while, see a movie on the subject of his obsession. And he's having his way with Hollywood.”
I found this to be creative and telling. In a single sentence the author managed to paint a picture of the individuals he would talk about for the rest of the piece. Simple and effective.
Overall I find myself engaged and interested in the subject matter, but struggle to finish the piece. Something needs to change about half way through….
Considering the fact that these “fanboys” can make or break multi million dollar productions, I would like to see more about what they make. The article mentions that one group of writers makes a decent salary from adds on google, but there is no mention of real numbers, a surprise considering the number dropping that occurs throughout the piece.
The reference to the underperforming Grindhouse production was refreshing and pulled me back into the piece, although I had already lost much of my interest by the time I was reaching the end. It just goes on and on. I feel like there are too many examples, all of which feel very similar and not enough variation. I don’t need multiple sources of proof.
Earlier on there were a couple vivid descriptions, such as the first paragraph.
“He is the fanboy, the typically geeky 16-to-34-year-old male (though there are some fangirls) whose slavish devotion to a pop-culture subject, like a comic-book character or a video game, drives him to blog, podcast, chat, share YouTube videos, go to comic-book conventions and, once in a while, see a movie on the subject of his obsession. And he's having his way with Hollywood.”
I found this to be creative and telling. In a single sentence the author managed to paint a picture of the individuals he would talk about for the rest of the piece. Simple and effective.
Overall I find myself engaged and interested in the subject matter, but struggle to finish the piece. Something needs to change about half way through….
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Anti-Fast Food in France
I really enjoyed the angle that this writer took with his piece, concentrating not only on the changes in French food culture, but also the business side of things. I really loved the content of the piece.
It reminded me strongly of an article I read a little while back, which I think I originally spotted in the Economist.
http://www.latimes.com/features/lifestyle/la-et-pinkberryaug04,0,7985455.story?coll=la-home-style
It's about pinkberry, some trendy place that has become a small chain in the LA area. They have a simple, fresh menu and it seems to be booming.
I wish that the piece would have got more into depth as to what the resturant offered, including the menu, service, and prices. however, the aim throughout seemed to concentrate more about the trend of fresh and healthy food rather than the individual resturants serving it.
I personally found it very refreshing that a young entrepreneur can still have an idea, get a loan, and start a successfull small business. I think that small went a far way to show the attitude of the new fast food restaurants and why they seem to be successful over the stuffy, older resturants.
Overall the piece flowed well and I didn't want to stop half way. However, I noticed myself struggling at times to follow the story of Cojean, as it jumped around a little bit.
It reminded me strongly of an article I read a little while back, which I think I originally spotted in the Economist.
http://www.latimes.com/features/lifestyle/la-et-pinkberryaug04,0,7985455.story?coll=la-home-style
It's about pinkberry, some trendy place that has become a small chain in the LA area. They have a simple, fresh menu and it seems to be booming.
I wish that the piece would have got more into depth as to what the resturant offered, including the menu, service, and prices. however, the aim throughout seemed to concentrate more about the trend of fresh and healthy food rather than the individual resturants serving it.
I personally found it very refreshing that a young entrepreneur can still have an idea, get a loan, and start a successfull small business. I think that small went a far way to show the attitude of the new fast food restaurants and why they seem to be successful over the stuffy, older resturants.
Overall the piece flowed well and I didn't want to stop half way. However, I noticed myself struggling at times to follow the story of Cojean, as it jumped around a little bit.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Other blogs
I'm a gear head, and i realize most of these won't appeal to others...
http://www.autoblog.com/
http://thecarblog.com/
This is another one that I check now and again, just to make sure she's still alive. Some of you may have read the book that was composed completely of her blog essays, titled "Baghdad Burning" Written by the anonymous "river," the blog is a collection of accounts of life in Baghdad during the American Occupation.
http://www2.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=1974374527380725653
http://www.autoblog.com/
http://thecarblog.com/
This is another one that I check now and again, just to make sure she's still alive. Some of you may have read the book that was composed completely of her blog essays, titled "Baghdad Burning" Written by the anonymous "river," the blog is a collection of accounts of life in Baghdad during the American Occupation.
http://www2.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=1974374527380725653
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