The Ypsilanti Freighthouse, as part of the Michigan Central Railroad complex, played avital role in the growth and development of the City of Ypsilanti and all of southeastern Michigan. The Michigan Central Railroad (MCRR) completed its first major railroad line in the State from Detroit to Ypsilanti in January 1838, with the first train arriving on February 8. Ypsilanti was founded in 1823 on the Huron River, which provided anabundant source of waterpower. It was the second incorporated village in Michigan and was selected as the terminus of this first rail line because the MCRR, as it pushed the railroad west toward Chicago, viewed it as a location with great potential for growth. http://foyf.org/?page_id=2
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When Friends of the Ypsilanti Freighthouse took over management of the historic structure in Depot Town four years ago, they had hoped to restore the building and reopen it to the public quickly.
But the deterioration of the 129-year-old Freighthouse was worse than predicted, and raising the $365,000 needed to repair the building proved difficult in a slow economy.
Instead of giving up, the Friends have become more resilient. They continued to raise funds and to marshal support for repairing and reopening the building after the city closed it in 2004 over safety concerns.
he Friends already have done some of the repairs, conducted an assessment study and have raised about $80,000, including a $35,000 grant that the state awarded the Freighthouse on May 9. The Friends say they're also confident about getting a $15,000 grant from a General Mills' Hamburger Helper program later this month.
The Friends staged a fundraiser last week at Frenchie's restaurant in Depot Town, attracting more than 600 people and raising another $5,000, said Bonnie Penet, co-chairwoman of the Friends group. Several people pledged to help with the construction, she said.
"The momentum is growing,'' Penet said. "We feel great.''
Linda French, owner of Depot Town's Sidetrack Bar and Grill and a member of the Friends, said funds raised will be used as seed money to apply for grants. "We have a lot of support and we're working together to save the Freighthouse,'' she said.
The group is scheduled to discuss the Freighthouse with the Depot Town Downtown Development Authority this month, she said.
Penet said most of the money raised this year will go toward stopping deterioration of the building. Repairs include regrading the land and replacing deteriorated wood decking to stop water damage to the building, she said.
The city selected the Friends to be caretakers of the Freighthouse in 2004, but that agreement has expired. Mayor Paul Schreiber said the city and the Friends plan to discuss a new agreement in the coming months to save the historic structure.
The Freighthouse was built in 1879 to store railroad shipments. By the 1940s, trucks were replacing the railroads and the Freighthouse was no longer needed. It was acquired by the city in 1979 and has been used for events and gatherings.
The city closed the building in 2004 after learning of its deteriorating condition. A study revealed that $365,000 was needed for critical repairs to obtain a certificate of occupancy. The study also indicated that more than $1 million would still be needed after the building reopens.
"Financial support takes time in this economic climate, but we're positive the doors will open soon,'' Penet said. http://www.mlive.com/annarbor/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-5/1211092811305800.xml&coll=2
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