A number of businesses that once called Ann Arbor home but struggled with rising rents are finding safe harbor in Ypsilant’s historic central business districts.

Among the refugees are longtime Tree Town staples like Fantasy Attic Costumes
and Ann Arbor Alive Radio. Old World Bakery also recently made the move to Ypsilanti.

"Their most famous thing is the Ann Arbor style cheesecake, which can now be found in downtown Ypsilanti," says Brian Vosburg, executive director of Ypsilanti’s Downtown and Depot Town development authorities.

Fantasy Attic, a longtime Ann Arbor institution on Main Street, has become the victim of reverse manifest destiny, moving from downtown to its current Packard and Platt location and early next year to Ypsi's Depot Town.

Ann Arbor Alive, or A3 Radio, also made the move to Depot Town into the former home of Esquire Interiors. Zingerman’s, arguably downtown Ann Arbor’s most famous business, is also exploring the idea of setting up shop in Ypsilanti.

Vosburg points out that downtown Ann Arbor is probably becoming a victim of its own success. As Tree Town’s historic central business district becomes more popular, rents have increased with that popularity. Higher rents often mean it's easier for restaurants to move in and much harder for more eclectic businesses to stay.

On the flip side Ypsilanti finds itself in an interesting position. The perception of Ypsilanti as sort of the red-headed stepchild to Ann Arbor’s golden boy has played a big role in keeping Ypsilanti’s rents significantly lower. Combine that with a largely intact historic district yearning for the sweat-equity of budding entrepreneurs, close proximity to Eastern Michigan University and that creates an attractive place to do business.

"Ypsilanti is a great deal and a great place to do business," Vosburg says. "It’s becoming a very vibrant place."

Source: Brian Vosburg, executive director of the Ypsilanti Downtown and Depot Town development authorities
Writer: Jon Zemke