The Ypsilanti Freighthouse is one of the city’s most historic locations, built in 1878 as a freight distribution center for the Michigan Central Railroad. Recognized as part of the Ypsilanti Historic District, the Freighthouse, now entering its 147th birthday, is finding new life with its role in Ypsi culture, functioning as a community center, hosting public and private events in the area.
“It’s still evolving. It has this great history, and it’s gone through many different phases,” said Jennifer Collins, events and facilities supervisor for the city of Ypsilanti, who oversees the Freighthouse and city-planned events.
The Freighthouse, located at 100 Market Place next to Frog Island Park in Ypsilanti’s Depot Town, began its current iteration in Ypsilanti following the building’s closure in 2004 due to its then-worsening conditions. However, according to its written history, the building received a proper revival by The Friends of the Ypsilanti Freighthouse (FOYF), a non-profit organization dedicated to the facility’s restoration.
In April of 2020, the Friends of the Freighthouse handed over control of the facility to the City of Ypsilanti. According to Collins, “We try to keep to the historic portion of the Freighthouse.”
“They (FOYF) did a lot of renovations on it, bringing it back to what it is now. The city took it over, made it available for different events.” Collins says, “We have community events, private rentals and different groups that are in and out of the freight house.”
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According to Collins, the current iteration of the facility focuses on various events, including markets, weddings and educational classes.
The city has also expanded its outreach to include partnerships such as its multi-year contract with University Musical Society (UMS), which transforms the Freighthouse into a performing arts center in September and April.
“Being a city-owned property, everything has to go through our city council,” Collins said. “We are always looking for suggestions. We always want to listen to what the residents have to say, and whatever direction it will wind up going in goes through our city council.”
The partnership is an arts program designed for Ypsilanti residents, families and schoolchildren, with a pay-what-you-wish payment system for anyone who looks to attend. The program this year included events such as sonic meditation guided by looped cello and singing bowls, and family-friendly dance performances.
“UMS, they will take over the Freighthouse. It is amazing.” Collins says, “It turns into a performing arts mini center. You have activities from jazz bands to school programming. It’s a great partnership. We are always looking for what the city of Ypsilanti residents want from it as well, because essentially, it’s the city’s, and it’s for the residents.”
For the remainder of this year, Collins said the Freighthouse will dedicate its efforts to assisting the Ypsilanti homeless population by transforming the facility into a daytime warming center, starting November 10 and running until March, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. A yearly program that proved successful last year under the management of the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County.
Regarding any future programming, Collins encourages everyone to host events at the historic location, noting the city-owned building wants to do everything in its power to highlight the events happening throughout the Washtenaw area.
“Being a city-owned property, everything has to go through our city council. So as much as I would love to say everything that should go on at the Freighthouse.” Collins says, “It is the city of Ypsilanti’s decision to make. We are always looking for suggestions. We always want to listen to what the residents have to say.
For more information on the Ypsi Freighthouse, visit the CityofYpsilanti.com or call 734-482-9825.
Antonio Cooper is a freelance journalist from Detroit, Michigan. His coverage of music festivals and interviews with local celebrities appeared in The E-Current Magazine, The Detroit Metro Times, XXL Magazine, RichMagDigital, The Ann Arbor Observer, and Pop Magazine.
