Neighborhoods: Time for the 10-year paint job at Washtenaw Dairy

Posted on Fri, Aug 14, 2009 : 7:11 p.m.

Customers keep coming to the Washtenaw Dairy because it's traditional, it's comfortable and the ice cream cones are big. So Jim Smith, co-owner, says he's not about to mess with one of Ann Arbor's favorite fixtures.

But every 10 years or so, the place needs a paint job. This decade's new decor is tan paint on the exterior walls, set off by just-the-right-red on doors and windows. On Friday, in the mid-day sun, Smith and employee Rick Wyniemko were applying the new look.

Since it was established in 1934, says Smith, the Washtenaw Dairy has worn several shades —including mustard, purple, silver and white. Otherwise, not much has changed at the Old West Side gathering spot for conversation, coffee, donuts and ice cream.

Photos by Julie Wiernik 1. A young customer enjoys every bit of her ice cream cone at the Washtenaw Dairy. 2. Jim Smith, co-owner, takes time out from painting to talk to customers.

Julie Wiernik is part of the Community Team at AnnArbor.com. You can reach her by calling 734.358.2809 or e-mailing juliewiernik@annarbor.com.