ANN ARBOR—In anticipation of the fall 2010 opening of the new North Quad Residential and Academic Complex, the University of Michigan has resurfaced Washington Street, from Fletcher to State streets.

Completed at no cost to the City of Ann Arbor, the resurfacing work will provide smooth egress for North Quad move-in, which will start in August. In the meantime, Washington Street?s new surface will provide an additional important just-in-time benefit even before that process begins.

Thousands of Ann Arbor Summer Festival patrons, from Ann Arbor and well beyond, will take advantage of the new “dance floor” at Ingalls Mall, which is home to the Festival?s Top of the Park (TOP) outdoor entertainment series.

From June 18-July 11, TOP patrons will tap and swirl to the music of eight guest DJs and 49 music and dance acts, such as Orpheum Bell, Twistin? Tarantulas, and Lady Sunshine and the X-Band. And for the first time since TOP?s move to Ingalls in 2006, they will do so without worries about irregular surfaces or stray pavement cracks and potholes.

“Thanks to the university, Ingalls Mall and the Rackham Stage on the steps of the Rackham School of Graduate Studies have flourished as the home of our Top of the Park events, all of which are admission-free,” said festival director Robb Woulfe. “To many, TOP’s easy mingling, music, and dancing represents the joy of the season and the Festival. The new Washington Street surface will make a tangible difference to the ambience and to everyone?s enjoyment.”

In 2010, the 27th annual Ann Arbor Summer Festival will again host some of the nation?s finest artists in music, dance, comedy, and children?s programming, including many who are new to the Festival stage, and some who are returning by popular demand. For more information, go to http://www.annarborsummerfestival.org

North Quadrangle Residential and Academic Complex is the first new U-M student residence opened since Bursley Hall in 1967. North Quad will serve as a residence hall for 450 students and a new hub for learning and collaboration. It is unique among higher education facilities by blending residential and academic spaces to immerse residents in a constant learning environment. The facility will feature state of the art classrooms and labs, faculty offices, a dining hall and abundant common areas.

North QuadrangleAnn Arbor Summer Festival