Information Guide
As you are new to Ann Arbor, this handout will provide you with information on:
1. Transportation
2. Shopping
3. Banking
4. Postal Services
5. Moving Companies
6. Cell-phones
7. Cable and Landline Phone Services
8. Renter’s Insurance
9. Accommodations
10. Police and Emergency
The following are some good general resources to start with that will get you
acquainted with Ann Arbor:
1) The local phone book that is located in the ECIR Café.
2) At the Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau you can find visitors
guides, area maps, and much more.
120 West Huron Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104-1318
Phone: (734) 995-7281
Web: www.visitannarbor.org
3) Google Maps can help you find nearby stores, attractions and more. You can
search stores nearby a specific address. You can choose to get directions by
car, by bus, by bicycle, or by foot.
Web: www.maps.google.com.
4) Finally, the U-M International Center provides useful workshops on banking,
help with visa issues, information on getting around Ann Arbor, and many services
that international students may need. Their website lists a lot of very useful
information such as preparing for winter in Ann Arbor, getting a Michigan State ID,
transportation, shopping in Ann Arbor and around campus, etc.
Main Central Campus Office
1500 Student Activities Building
515 E. Jefferson Street
Phone: (734)764-9310
Email: icenter@umich.edu
Web: http://internationalcenter.umich.edu/.
*** IMPORTANT: We do not endorse any of the companies listed here. You should
always research the companies’ dependability and reliability and look for the
best rates and prices when it comes to buying products or getting services.***
1. TRANSPORTATION
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Other than using Google Maps, the following is a list of transportation services that
may be useful. For any of the following resources with an address, there will be a
clickable link that will take you to Google Maps showing you how to get to the location
from ECIR. You can adjust your itinerary as needed and choose what mode of
transportation you would like.
Local Transportation
Bus Service
The Ann Arbor Area Transit Authority (AAATA) operates a bus system that services the
Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area. University of Michigan students, faculty and staff can
ride the buses for free by swiping a valid MCard (University of Michigan ID).
The AAATA operates two transit centers: Blake Transit Center (BTC) in downtown Ann
Arbor on Fourth Avenue between William and Liberty, and the Ypsilanti Transit Center,
located on Pearl Street at Adams Street. Most Ann Arbor routes originate at the BTC at
15 minutes after and 15 minutes before each hour.
For more information about routes and schedules, refer to the “Ride Guide” available
at the transit centers, on the AAATA buses, at the U-M International Center, or at the
AAATA web site: www.theride.org.
NightRide
NightRide is a $5 shared-ride taxi service within Ann Arbor. This program runs from
11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Monday through Friday and from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.
Saturday and Sunday.
To request a ride, call 734-647-8000 and select menu option 3.
SafeRide
SafeRide is a free service that transports students, faculty, and staff to their residence
or vehicle within a one-mile redius of campus. Riders may use this service once per
evening and must present a valid U-M ID.
To request a ride, call 734-647-8000
Taxis
Taxis are a convenient but more expensive way to get around Ann Arbor. It is usually
necessary to telephone for a taxi. Call any of these cab companies to bring a taxi to
you within 5-15 minutes. To get to the airport and back, airport shuttles offer door to
door service to the airport and are less expensive than cabs. However, the fare is per
person and you usually need to schedule a pick-up ahead of time.
The following are just a few of the companies that can pick up and drop off within the
city of Ann Arbor.
A-1 Airport Cars
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Phone: (877)276-1335 or (734)642-0010
Web: https://www.a-1airportcars.com/
Amazing Blue Taxi
(734) 846-0007
Custom Transit
(734) 971-5555
Yellow Cab
(734) 663-3355
For a complete list, please visit the Ann Arbor Visitors Bureau page:
http://www.visitannarbor.org/index.php/plan_a_visit/search/taxi/.
Uber
Uber is a service that lets you get a taxi/ private car from your phone. The rates are
flat and include tip. Simply download the app "Uber" to your phone and put in your
payment information. Now you can request an Uber car from anywhere and it will
automatically charge you through the app, so you don't have to worry about not having
cash. For more information, visit https://www.uber.com/
U-M Blue Buses
The University of Michigan operates its own line of buses that anyone can ride free of
charge. Blue U-M buses have “University of Michigan” written in large letters on the
side, and run between Central, South, Medical and North Campuses. Blue buses and
smaller white U-M buses also run between the various buildings of the U-M Health
System (including the East Ann Arbor Health Center) and stop at nearby parking lots.
For a list of routes and schedules, refer to U-M Parking and Transportation Services:
http://www.pts.umich.edu/taking_the_bus/routes/.
Zimride
Zimride is a rideshare community open to all University of Michigan students, faculty,
and staff. Zimride works as a social networking web site connecting people who are
going to the same destination so they can ride together. Sign up for a free account and
add your ride offer or ride request. Zimride will match you with others going to the
same place.
For more information, please visit: zimride.pts.umich.edu.
Zipcar
Zipcar is a car sharing program that lets members use cars by the hour. The hourly and
daily rates include the car, gas, and insurance. To use this service, members need to
be 18 or older, have a valid driver's license and have been licensed for at least one
year. A U.S. driver's license is recommended but not required.
For more information, rates, and Zipcar locations, see www.zipcar.com/umich.
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Other Transportation:
Amtrak
The train can be a cheap and convenient alternative for long trips, especially if you
book in advance.
The train station is located at 325 Depot Street, Ann Arbor. For schedules, fares and
reservations, call (734) 994-4906 or 1-800-872-7245 or visit their website:
www.amtrak.com.
Biking
There are several bike stores around campus:
Ann Arbor Cyclery
1200 Packard St # 2
Ann Arbor, MI 48014
Phone: (734) 761-2749
Campus Student Bike Shop
336 Maynard Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 327-6949
Web: www.campusstudentbikeshop.com
You can also find bikes at department stores (Meijer, Target, etc. – see information for
these stores in the Shopping section) but they are not located within walking distance.
Megabus
Megabus offers daily convenient and safe bus service to Chicago for a low price. The
earlier you book your ticket the cheaper it is. For more information and reservations
visit www.megabus.com.
Michigan Flyer
Michigan Flyer is a luxury motorcoach service providing frequent shuttle trips to and
from East Lansing, Jackson, Ann Arbor and Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The trip will
originate in U-M’s Central Campus Transit Center (CCTC). The Flyer will make 2 stops.
One in at the Blake Transit Center (BTC) in downtown Ann Arbor and another at
Kensington Court Hotel near Briarwood Mall. Advanced reservations are required for
travel from Ann Arbor to East Lansing.
For additional information please contact Michigan Flyer at 517-333-0400 or visit
http://www.michiganflyer.com/.
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2. SHOPPING
Here is a list of shops essential for you to buy the basic necessities. Shopping malls and
discount stores are listed first, then one-stop shopping stores. Grocery stores and
convenience stores are next, followed by some ethnic food stores. Electronics and
hardware stores are last.
Shopping Malls
Arborland Mall
Located on Washtenaw Ave at US-23. Stores include Old Navy (clothing), Marshall’s
(brand name clothes, shoes, and bedding at discount prices), Bed Bath and Beyond
(linens, dishes, small appliances), Hiller’s Market (groceries), and Office Max (office
supplies)
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #4 at Washtenaw Ave. and Hill Street.
Briarwood Mall
Located off State Street at Eisenhower Parkway. Stores include Macy’s (department
store with famous brands for clothes, shoes, cosmetics, furniture, kitchenware, and
appliances at regular prices), Sears (large and small appliances), JC Penney
(department store), Gap, Abercrombie and Fitch, Apple Store, and many more.
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #6 on State St. at Hoover.
Discount Stores
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Marshall’s
Find clothing, shoes, bedding and more from name brands at discount prices. See
Arborland Mall information above for directions.
TJ Maxx
Find clothing, shoes, bedding and more from name brands at discount prices. Located
on West Stadium Boulevard at South Maple Road within the Westgate Mall.
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #15 from Blake Transit Center (on Fourth Ave. between
William and Liberty Streets).
Salvation Army
Find used clothes, books, music, furniture, appliances, and more. Proceeds benefit
programs such as disaster relief work, housing for homeless and the like run by this
organization. They take donations of reusable items. It is located on State Street at
Stimson.
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #6 on State St. at Hoover.
Ann Arbor PTO Store
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Find used clothes, books, music, furniture, appliances, and more. Proceeds benefit the
Ann Arbor Public Schools. They take donations of reusable items. It is located on 2280
S. Industrial Hwy, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, (734) 996-9155.
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #6 on State St. at Hoover.
Kiwanis
Open to the public on Saturdays from 9AM to 12PM (noon). Find used clothes,
hardware, sporting goods, toys, books, furniture, kitchenware, and appliances.
Proceeds support Kiwanis community service projects. It is located in downtown Ann
Arbor on 200 S. First Street, Ann Arbor, (734) 665-0450, www.a2kiwanis.org.
ReUse Center
A grassroots environmental organization that offers recovered and recycled household
and building materials at affordable prices. Located on 2420 South Industrial Highway,
Ann Arbor, MI 48104, (734) 662-6288, it also takes donations of reusable items.
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #6 on State St. at Hoover.
Value World
Find used clothing, and linens. It is located at
345 N Maple Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103.
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #15 or #12-B from Blake Transit Center (on Fourth Ave.
between William and Liberty Streets).
Dollar Tree. Most items in the store are priced $1. They have household goods, party
supplies, some groceries, bathroom kits, cleaning supplies, etc.
3590 Washtenaw St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-5249 (734) 477-0552
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #4 at Washtenaw Ave. and Hill Street.
One-Stop Shopping
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Meijer. A one-stop shopping center, selling groceries, clothes, furniture, medicine,
and much, much more. Open 24 hours. There are two locations nearby.
The one located on Ann Arbor-Saline at Waters Road is nearby Best Buy (computers
and electronics), Linens N Things, Target, etc.
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #16 from Blake Transit Center (on Fourth Ave. between
William and Liberty Streets).
The one located in Ypsilanti on Carpenter Road at East Ellsworth Road is close to
Target (Inexpensive clothing, home goods, and more) and Rave Motion Pictures (Movie
Theater).
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #6 on State St. at Hoover.
Target. Discount store selling almost everything you’ll ever need including groceries.
There are two locations: one near the Meijer on Waters Road at Ann Arbor-Saline with
an Office Max nearby.
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #16 from the Blake Transit Center (on Fourth Ave.
between William and Liberty Streets)
The one located on Carpenter Road at East Ellsworth Road is on the same road as
Meijer in Ypsilanti.
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #6 on State St. at Hoover.
Walmart. For budget shopping, you can go to 2515 Ellsworth Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
(734) 434-5620
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #6 on State St. at Hoover.
Grocery Stores
Kroger. There are several locations. The closest to ECIR is located on 2641 Plymouth
Rd (at Nixon). This one is close to the OM Market (Indian Food Market), and Way 1
Super market (Chinese Food Market with some Korean and Japanese products)
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #2 from the Central Campus Transit Center, aka CC
Little (on North University Ave. at Church Street).
Busch’s. Grocery store open 24 hours;
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South of Central Campus location on 2240 South Main Street (on South Main at Ann
Arbor-Saline)
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #16 or #7 from the Blake Transit Center (on Fourth Ave.
between William and Liberty Streets)
North Campus location on 2020 Green Rd (on Green at Plymouth Road)
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #2 from the Central Campus Transit Center, aka CC
Little (on North University Ave. at Church Street).
Hiller’s. Grocery store located in the Arborland Mall (see above).
Trader Joe’s. It carries produce, specialty foods, frozen foods, snacks, unique foods,
and some ethnic foods. 2398 East Stadium Boulevard, Ann Arbor, MI 1.4 mi SE
(734) 975-2455
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #4 at Washtenaw Ave. and Hill Street.
Whole Foods. Offer a variety of organic foods, health foods, and personal care items.
It also offers prepared food. There are two locations:
There is one on 3135 Washtenaw Ave. (734) 975-4500
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #4 at Washtenaw Ave. and Hill Street
The other one is located on 990 W. Eisenhower Parkway, (734) 997-7500. There is a
specialty outdoors sports store, REI, nearby.
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #16 from the Blake Transit Center (on Fourth Ave.
between William and Liberty Streets).
Lucky's Market. Sells locally grown and traditionally crafted foods, 1919 S Industrial
Highway (734)-368-9137
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #36 from Church St. (north of South University) or take
AATA bus #6 on State St. at Hoover.
Plum Market. Provides a wide selection of gourmet, organic, and local food/ produce.
Maple Village Shopping Center, 375 N Maple Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, (734) 827-5000
Directions from ECIR
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By bus: Take AATA bus #6 on State St. at Hoover and then take AATA Bus #9
from Blake Transit Center
Wolverine Grocery Online Shopping www.wolverinegrocery.com. They deliver over
4000 items. Fresh fruits and vegetables are available too.
Downtown Ann Arbor Convenience Shopping
Replenish Fresh produce and groceries.
619 East University Avenue, (734) 332-3366
Sgt. Peppers 1028 East University Avenue, (734) 662-0202
The Village Apothecary. Pharmacy and some groceries. 1112 South University
Avenue, (734) 663-5533
CVS Pharmacy. Pharmacy and some groceries. 209 South State Street, (734) 769-1804
Walgreens. Pharmacy and some groceries. 317 S State Street, (734)-352-3623
White Market 609 East William Street, (734) 663-4253
7 Eleven 318 S State St, (734) 913-2076
Ethnic Food Stores
European.
Copernicus European Delicatessen (at walking distance). 617 South Main Street,
(734) 222-9633 (closed)
Zingerman’s Deli (at walking distance). some gourmet European items, 422 Detroit St.
(734) 663-3354
Far East Asian
Manna International Market - Food from all over the world, especially Korean. 1149
Broadway St.
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #2 from the Central Campus Transit Center, aka CC
Little (on North University Ave. at Church Street).
Way 1 Super Market – Primarily Chinese but also carries other Far East Asian
products. It is on the corner of Plymouth and Nixon, across from Kroger.
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #2 from the Central Campus Transit Center, aka CC
Little (on North University Ave. at Church Street).
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Galleria Market - Primarily Korean but also carries Japanese and other Far East Asian
products. 3111 Packard Rd
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #5 on Packard at State St.
Hua Xing - Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai. 2867 Washtenaw Ave., Ypsilanti, MI 48197,
734-528-3388
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #4 at Washtenaw Ave. and Hill Street
Tsai Grocery - Chinese and Japanese food, 3115 Oak Valley Dr, (734) 995-0422
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #16 from the Blake Transit Center (on Fourth Ave.
between William and Liberty Streets).
Mediterranean, Indian, and Pakistani
Aladdin’s Market – Middle Eastern food, halal meats and baked goods, 3188 Packard
St, (734) 971-2150
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #5 on Packard at State St.
Foods of India –1168 Broadway St, (734) 332-0500
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #2 from the Central Campus Transit Center, aka CC
Little (on North University Ave. at Church Street).
OM Market – Indian and Pakistani products, 2713 Plymouth Rd, (734) 883-9995
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #2 from the Central Campus Transit Center, aka CC
Little (on North University Ave. at Church Street).
Jerusalem International Market - Mediterranean foods, halal meats, and bakedgoods, 1713 Plymouth Rd, (734) 668-7773
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #2 from the Central Campus Transit Center, aka CC
Little (on North University Ave. at Church Street).
Mediterranean Market - Mediterranean foods, halal meats, Argentinean products, and
baked-goods, 4019 Stone School Rd, (734) 477-8023
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #5 on Packard at State St.
Local Food Markets
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*Ann Arbor Farmer's Market (Kerrytown). Outside market with a diverse selection of
locally grown foods, 315 Detroit St, (734)-794-6255
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #5 on Packard at State St.
*Sparrow Market (Kerrytown). Nearly 30 years ago, Bob Sparrow and his wife started
an Ann Arbor meat market, aiming to offer more than the typical boxed-meat
selection available at some stores. The market has since grown to include fresh
produce, specialty items, everyday groceries, and a lunch counter. Sparrow offers
free-range air-chilled poultry, duck breast, whole duck, certified organic lamb, free
range pork, prime veal, veal shanks, aged prime beef, homemade free-range pork &
chicken sausages, Cajun sausages, crawfish etoufee, crawfish pies and more. 407 N.
5th Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104, (734)-662-5008
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #5 on Packard at State St.
*More specialty shops and markets available in the vicinity
Electronics and Hardware Stores
Computer Showcase. Located in the basement of the Michigan Union
Best Buy.Computers, TVs, audio, video, 3100 Lohr Rd, (734)741-1357
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #16 from Blake Transit Center (on Fourth Ave. between
William and Liberty Streets).
Jack’s Harware. Located at walking distance, they carry a wide array of plug
adapters. 740 Packard Street, (734) 995-0078.
3. BANKING:
TCF Bank: If you would like to help ECIR, you can take a referral form from us and
take it to TCF bank to open an account. We receive a donation for each person that
we refer. 1123 S University Ave, (734) 213-2265
PNC Bank. 101 South Main Street, (734) 995-7802
University of Michigan Credit Union. 333 East William Street, (734) 662-8200
Chase Bank. 125 South Main Street, (734) 995-8088
Bank of Ann Arbor. 125 S. Fifth Ave, (734) 662-1600
4. POSTAL SERVICES:
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US Postal Services. Two blocks from ECIR (inside a pink building). 1214 South
University Ave # S104, (734) 662-0481
We have an outgoing mailbox to the left of all resident mailboxes. If you have mail
with stamps, and it fits through the slot, you can send your items by using that box.
Another USPS office is located in downtown Ann Arbor: 200 East Liberty Street, (734)
662-2009
You can also visit their website: www.usps.com to track packages, set up mail
forwarding, and put vacation holds on your mail.
There are commercial package delivery companies:
UPS
http://www.ups.com/
DHL
http://www.dhl.com/en.html
FedEx
http://fedex.com/us/
5. MOVING COMPANIES:
Here is a short list of some of the moving companies around Ann Arbor.You can also
look into renting moving trucks or trailers from U-Haul (www.uhaul.com) or Penske
(www.pensketruckrental.com). We strongly suggest that all these services are insured
for your protection and the protection of your property.
Men on the Move is a Metro Detroit, Michigan based moving company, offering local or
long distance moves for home or business. 6544 Jackson Road, (734) 913-9966,
www.michiganmovers.com/
Handle With Care Moving and Delivery is a full service Michigan Moving Company
with packing service and affordable moving rates. 4646 Freedom Drive, (734) 677-2000
www.hwcmd.com/
A2 Global Shipping LLC: Commercial Shipping and Residential Moving. 321 S. Main,
(888) 260-3783
www.a2globalshipping.com/
6. CELL-PHONES:
There are several cell-phone carriers. Usually, contracts are for 2 years and the
penalty fees for breaking a contract depend on the service provider. Pay as you go
plans are the easiest for short-term use but they tend to be more expensive. Other pay
as you go options are Boost Mobile, Metro PCS. Here is a list of some companies that
provide mobile services:
AT &T. 407 East Liberty, (734) 669-8079
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www.att.com
Sprint. 1336 S Main St, (734) 663-1300
www.sprint.com
T-Mobile. 444 Briarwood Cir Ste F123 (inside Briarwood Mall – see Briarwood Mall
entry for directions), (734) 665-4954
www.t-mobile.com
Verizon. 3365 Washtenaw Ave, Suite E, (734) 973-8336
www.verizonwireless.com
Directions from ECIR
By bus: Take AATA bus #4 at Washtenaw Ave. and Hill Street.
Some phones can be unlocked for a fee so you can get service without needing to buy
a new device. You can find SIM cards, phones, accessories, and some other services,
at:
Wireless Toyz. 200 East Washington Street, (734) 332-0000
http://www.wirelesstoyz.com/
7. INTERNET AND LANDLINE PHONE:
Comcast. Cable & Internet Services: 1-888–266-2278
AT&T. Home Phone and High-Speed DSL Services: 1-800-288-2020,
www.att.com
8. ACCOMODATIONS:
If you or your visitors need accommodations for a few days in Ann Arbor, here is a list
of a few hotels in order of best value in terms of proximity to the University of
Michigan and cost. Most of them are not at walking distance. Extended stay hotels
offer you the option of paying weekly rates and come equipped with a kitchen. For a
more comprehensive list, please go to www.visitannarbor.org.
Lamp Post Inn. 2424 E Stadium Blvd, (734) 971-8000
http://www.lamppostinn.com/index.html
Red Roof Inn. 3505 S. State Street, (734) 665-3500
http://www.bestvalueinn.com/bestv.cfm?idp=756
Motel 6. 3764 S State St, (734) 665-9900
http://www.motel6.com/
Extended StayAmerica - Ann Arbor. 1501 Briarwood Cir. Dr., (734) 332-1980
http://www.extendedstayamerica.com/
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Days Inn of Ann Arbor. 2380 Carpenter Rd, (734) 971-0700
:http://www.daysinn.com/
Campus Inn. 615 East Huron St, (734) 769-2200
http://www.campusinn.com/home.html
9. RENTERS INSURANCE:
It is strongly recommended that residents get insurance coverage. It is relatively
inexpensive and it has low deductibles. Here is a list of some companies that offer
renter’s insurance:
Nationwide Insurance
1-877-669-6877
State Farm Insurance
www.statefarm.com
Farm Bureau Insurance. 5095 Ann arbor Saline Rd., (734) 944-1469, (800) 592-0540
10. POLICE:
For incidents occurring on University of Michigan property contact:
University of Michigan Police
1239 Kipke Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2036
http://police.umich.edu/
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Police, Fire and Medical Emergencies dial 9-1-1
For non-emergencies (734) 763-1131 or text 377911
Administration offices (734) 763-3434
Administration fax (734) 763-2939
For others, please contact:
City of Ann Arbor Police Department
301 E. Huron
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 794-6900
http://www.a2gov.org/government/safetyservices/Police/Pages/PoliceHomePage.asp
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Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency (734) 794-6911
Police Front Desk (734) 794-6920
You can find a crime map online at
http://www.crimemapping.com/map/mi/annarbor.
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