Ypsilanti is making another effort to put a better face on its downtown, but this year local officials are taking that cliché literally. They are rallying local stakeholders to make plans to improve building facades in the city's downtown and Depot Town.

The Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority is hoping to harness part of $400,000 in state money to jump start its façade improvement program. That money could lead to a 50 percent match for stakeholders who make significant improvements to their building's exteriors. Think: bigger windows or restoration of brick façades.

"We have had a few businesses come and make inquiries," says Tracy Lewis, interim director of the Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority.

If successful, Ypsilanti could rope in between $25,000-$100,000 in state funds. Applications are due later this month and the decision is expected by spring.

Source: Tracy Lewis, interim director of the Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority
Writer: Jon Zemke