Expect downtown Ypsilanti to continue its makeover as another wave of
building facade and interior improvement grants surfaces this spring.
This marks a continuation of a program in place since 2010 that's been funded by the
Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the
Eastern Leaders Group. Applications will be available likely this spring, with funds to be awarded to commercial property owners after June 30, says Ypsilanti DDA Director Tim Colbeck.
While the previous two rounds were earmarked for businesses on W. Cross Street, the funding will now be opened up to the entire downtown district of Ypsilanti, says Colbeck. The funds available in this go-around have increased to $45,000, up from the last two $30,000 tranches.
"The county was pleased enough that they actually doubled the amount that they gave the DDA... it was a one-to-one grant for the DDA, now it's a two-to-one grant," Colbeck notes. The Eastern Leaders Group's contribution is now $30,000, with the DDA continuing to match $15,000.
Past improvements utilizing those grant funds include a refurbished interior and exterior for the Crossroads Bar & Grill at 517 W. Cross Street and a renovation of the former Ted's Campus Drugs at 729-735 W. Cross Street into three storefronts with residential apartments above. The
Ypsilanti T-Shirt Company has opened there, and a lease has been signed with a Subway outlet. Renovation of that property is about 80% complete, Colbeck estimates.
In addition, the $1 million Cross Street streetscape project that has brought new stamped concrete crosswalks and asphalt, rain gardens, and traffic bump-outs to Depot Town is nearly completed. The city's first LED lights are in and trees have been planted, leaving just a few punch-list items for spring, Colbeck says.
Source: Ypsilanti DDA Director Tim Colbeck
Writer: Tanya Muzumdar
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