Historic District

 State Historic Tax Credit Program

Capacity has been reached for the program for commercial properties, but owner-occupied properties that contribute to the local or National Register districts are still eligible.  Watch the info session presented by  architect Mara Lancaster. Please contact the preservation planner with questions or assistance. 


Old House Ypsi, 11/5/23, Freighthouse

Free, Registration required here 

For owners and lovers of old buildings, Old House Ypsi will offer three presentations:

• 12:30 pm: “Maximize Your Old House’s Energy Efficiency," Daniel Schneider, AIA

• 2:00 pm: “Understand Your Old Wood Windows,” James Turner

• 3:15 pm: “Easy Shortcuts to Old House Research,” Bill Nickels, Connor K. Ashley, and Ellen Thackery

Come for all presentations or just one, and bring old photos or postcards of Ypsilanti buildings or neighborhoods you’d like to share electronically. Volunteers will scan your pictures between presentations, and we’ll share the images with the Ypsilanti Historical Society for posting in their online archive.

Walking or biking is best, but there is free parking at the Rice Street (Frog Island) lot, metered parking at the Maple Street lot, and scattered parking throughout Depot Town.

The Historic District Commission (HDC) guides development and renovation in the Historic District, safeguarding Ypsilanti's built resources according to the provisions of the local Historic District Ordinance.

Any work proposed on the exterior of a structure within the Historic District must be reviewed by the HDC. This includes new construction as well as the reconstruction, renovation, restoration, or painting of any property or historic landmark within the Historic District. It also includes work on site features such as driveways, retaining walls and fences.

Property owners seeking guidance on upcoming work plans are strongly encouraged to attend an HDC meeting as a study item before submitting a final application.

Meetings & Applications

For meeting information, see the Historic District Commission page. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on the Friday 11 days prior to the meeting.  Applications can be turned in at the Building Department on the third floor of City Hall.

Residents can view the Historic Resource Council Member Directory for a list of preservation professionals and contractors that work with historic buildings.

Applications

  1. HDC Work Permit Application
  2. Historic District Demolition Permit Application

Sample Applications

  1. Sample Application 1
  2. Sample Application 2

Fact Sheets

The Historic District Commission is providing these policy statements for the purpose of assisting property owners and building contractors in planning an appropriate rehabilitation of structures located within the Historic District. Your building permit application, made at the Building Inspection Department, will be forwarded to the Historic District Commission for review and must be approved by the Commission before any work can begin.

  1. Windows
  2. Signs and Awnings
  3. Roofing and Satellite Dishes
  4. Porches
  5. Masonry Repair and Cleaning
  6. Lighting
  7. Graffiti Abatement
  8. Historic District General Information
  9. Fencing
  10. Doors
  11. Demolition and Moving
  12. Alternative Materials
  13. Alternative Energy

Historic Studies

  1. City Wide Historical and Architectural Survey (1983)
  2. Edison Power House Historic Study
  3. HDC Study Committee Report, 1972

Resources

  1. Lead Resource Guide by MHPN
  2. Saving Windows, Saving Money: Evaluating the Energy Performance of Window Retrofit and Replacement
  3. Vinyl is Not Final by the Kansas State Historical Society
  4. Why Say No to Vinyl Windows by Albany's Landmark Advisory Commission
Access the YHF Architectural Style guide here for more information on the building styles that can be found in Ypsilanti.