Mark Hodesh, owner of Ann Arbor’s Downtown Home and Garden, believes in community. Offering local producers and growers an outlet for their wares – everything from Frog Holler Farm organic seedlings to Two Bees Candles– his store is an opportunity to find some of the best locally produced items around outside of the Farmer’s Market.

Mark also graciously opened his door to Avalon for our newest (and possible soon to be all-around-favorite!) event – the Hometown Hootenanny. Our first ever Hootenanny in May, 2007, was a great success that would not have been possible without Mark.

During a recent conversation with Mark about the upcoming event, I asked him about his interest in local growers and producers. He pondered for a moment as Lewis, Downtown Home and Garden’s resident cat, strolled across his laptop and stopped to take a quick bath.

“It’s what we do. We’re the community, and we interact with the community. I grew up here in Ann Arbor, and remember walking down Main Street with my mother when elm trees lined both sides of the street. When I bought this building in 1975 from the Hertler’s there was my place, Schlenker Hardware, and Ann Arbor Implement. Between the three of us we were more far-reaching than any big box store could ever be.”

Mark shared more of his memories and impressions of Ann Arbor, and the downtown area. It was incredible to see the city through his eyes, and experience if only for a moment, the changes he has seen.

“This used to be a not-so-nice part of town. Old Town used to the Union Bar, and they served shots and eggs starting at 7am. There was a line around the block. Now families stroll the streets, and you get to know people having a store downtown. Real people, real lives. That’s what makes it interesting.”

I shared with Mark how grateful Avalon Housing is for his support over the years – donations to our Silent Auctions and other events - but that I was also amazed at his willingness to let organizations like Avalon use his store for events.

“To be honest, I don’t know. I’m a funny guy like that. I’m not very charity oriented, but I have confidence in your organization. My business runs better if people have homes and places to live.”