As a fundamental goal of the Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority (YDDA), the YDDA has determined that it is in the best interest of the public to halt property value deterioration, to eliminate that deterioration, enhance the overall appearance, and to promote economic growth and vitality within the Downtown Districts. In response to this stated objective, the YDDA has created the Building Rehabilitation and Façade program to rehabilitate and reuse older buildings in the Downtown Districts. The program is focused on providing financial assistance for upgrading older buildings to meet modern building code and accessibility requirements as well as to create consistency in design, materials and architectural character thereby enhancing the physical appearance of the Downtown. The buildings, once rehabilitated, must   make a positive contribution to the overall character and architectural integrity of Downtown Ypsilanti. A successful rehab program will also leverage additional private capital results in continued growth and development within the borders of the DDA.

Applicant must match funds requested.

There is currently $19,000 available for funding for a Downtown project. The project must be complete by June 1, 2026. Applications will be accepted through February 25, 2026.

Applications for FY 2026/27 (project must begin after July 1, 2026) will be accepted through May 31, 2026 for the Downtown District and the West Cross Districts. Funding for the fiscal year has not yet been allocated.

Example of Scoring Rubric
Grant Details and Eligibility
Grant Application Checklist

Please download the application at the link below and send completed application to elize@ypsilantidda.org.
YDDA Building Facade and Rehab Grant Application 

2026 UPDATE: INTERIOR WORK IS LIMITED TO ADA IMPROVEMENTS.

PAST RECIPIENTS

2025 FACADE AND REHAB GRANT RECIPIENTS:

• 705 W. Cross Street – Complete Facade Renewal
• 126 W. Michigan Ave. – Interior ADA compatible staircase with lift.

2024 FACADE And REHAB GRANT RECIPIENTS:

• 107 W. Michigan – Complete Facade Renewal
• 501 W. Cross St. – Floor replacement

2023 FACADE AND REHAB GRANT RECIPIENTS:

• 17-21 E. Cross St – Brick repair and awnings
• 10 N. Washington St – Reopening a boarded up window to create a walk-up window, awning
• 36 N. Washington St – Awning Replacement
• 118 W. Michigan Ave – Exterior trim, lighting, paint, brickwork.

2022 Facade and Rehab Grant Recipients:

• 406 W. Michigan – Interior and exterior renovation.
• 114 W. Michigan – Unicorn Feed and Supply – Roof replacement
• 19 S. Adams – Growing Hope Marketplace –  Removal and reconstruction of the top 24-28’ of parapet wall.

2021 FACADE AND REHAB GRANT RECIPIENTS:
GRANT PROGRAM WAS STILL ACCEPTING COVID OUTDOOR EXTENSION SUBMISSIONS IN 2021

• 206 W. Michigan Ave- Ziggys-  ADA hallway to the back door, outdoor patio extension.
• 212 W. Michigan Ave- Interior restoration to original state circa 1920s .
• 432 W. Michigan Ave-  Facade improvements including a mural painted by local artist Narooz Soliman.
• 9-11 S. Washington St- Window restoration, tuckpointing, commission of mural by CW Creatyv
• 124 Pearl St- Ypsi Alehouse-  Large outdoor tents

2020 FACADE AND REHAB GRANT RECIPIENTS:

• 217 W. Michigan Ave- Window replacement and repair
  The rest of the June 2020 Facade grant funds were redirected to a COVID-19 Relief fund for storefront and patio extensions. Find more information here.

2019 FACADE AND REHAB GRANT RECIPIENTS:

• Bona Sera Restaurant- New Flooring
• Go Ice Cream- New Flooring – Complete
• 133 W. Michigan – Upper Floor windows – facing Washington St.
• 50 N. Huron- Cornice Restoration
• Ypsilantique- Facade upgrade
• Thrift Store of Ypsilanti- foundation support repairs
• Hyperion Coffee- Window installment
• Ypsilanti Auto Museum – Historical Marker

OCTOBER 2018 FACADE AND REHAB GRANT RECIPIENTS:

• 117 Pearl St- Facade restoration – complete
• 100 W. Michigan- Facade removal
• 101 W. Michigan- Facade restoration
• 209 Pearl- Alleyway conversion into a restaurant patio
• Veg-o-rama- Interior renovations- complete
• Sidetrack- First floor window installation – complete
• Ypsilanti Food Co/op- ADA accessible front door replacement

COMPLETED PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS