Ypsilanti Freighthouse digs deep during first phase of renovations

Wednesday, June 23, 2010 | Source: Concentrate

Construction on the Ypsilanti Freighthouse is in full swing, new roofs and deeper foundation included.

Ed Penet, chair of the building committee for Friends of Ypsilanti Freighthouse, says the first phase of construction has involved building a steel I-beam and cement ribcage to strengthen the inside of the building, some unexpected repairs to the roof structure, and digging a deeper foundation, restoring foundation stone, and removing all the dirt that came with it. Yet, "Everyone has been working together very well," he adds. "We're going to need some time to finish, but progress is being made."

Phase two will include outside work, such as building a deck; he hopes to see that finished by fall. That doesn't mean the Freighthouse cafe will be open for business right away, though. Winter or spring is a more realistic target date.

"Hopefully, we'll tie that in to when the commuter rail starts," he says, referring to the proposed Detroit-Ann Arbor commuter train line. And, just like from 1850-1880, "It's going to open up Ypsilanti as a regional center."

Penet attributes a lot of the Freighthouse's support to the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, which has been raising money for contingency funds to cover the unexpected costs that have been popping up during the restoration of the 6,500-square-foot structure. "It's a historical building," he says. "Everything has to be run through Lansing to be sure it's up to historical standards."

The total budget is more than a million dollars, but grants from the foundation have covered about half the costs. "We're more than halfway there," Penet says. "We're forging ahead."

Source: Ed Penet, chair of the building committee for Friends of Ypsilanti Freighthouse
Writer: Kristin Lukowski