The quirky shops that used to define downtown Ann Arbor decades ago are either moving into or expanding in Ypsilanti's downtown and Depot Town areas.

 

Fantasy Attic Costumes, long a favorite of local actors, is moving from Ann Arbor to Depot Town in the former Quinn's Essentials space. The Ypsi Studio, a small family owned fitness and wellness center, is also moving into a larger space into the recently renovated Kresge Building in downtown from its longtime space on North Washington Street.

 

A little more surprising is the new What Is That art gallery is expanding its space in downtown Ypsilanti. The didn't-it-just-open gallery is doubling its space on Michigan Avenue by expanding into another 1,500 square feet of retail space.

 

The space will be used to display more art and will triple the room for art classes, such as ceramics and painting. The new owners, David and Leslie Austin, hope to open the new space by later June or July.

 

The pair choose downtown Ypsilanti because of its emerging bohemian atmosphere and matching low prices. David Austin pointed out that opening an art gallery in a place that's nearly as vibrant as downtown Ypsi would cost about four times as much.

 

"This seems to be one of the last vestiges of reasonably priced retail spaces left in Washtenaw County," David Austin says.

 

Source: Brian Vosburg, director of the Depot Town and downtown Ypsilanti development authorities, David Austin, co-owner of What Is That art gallery
Writer: Jon Zemke