Friends of Ypsilanti's Freighthouse work to restore landmark

A little help from its friends is going a long way toward saving the Ypsilanti Freighthouse. A local group of volunteers is raising the $400,000 needed to restore the 19th Century structure and turn it back into a functioning community center.

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"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."  -- Margaret Mead

Just such a small group is trying to make changes in Ypsilanti's Depot Town. The Friends of the Ypsilanti Freighthouse are within a few grants (and about $400,000) of changing the local icon from a vacant, decaying structure to a symbol of resurgence.

"It's the heart and soul of the community," says Bonnie Penet, co-chair of the Friends of the Ypsilanti Freighthouse. "It's the one place the community gathers on a regular basis. The farmers market is there and our arts and crafts shows [too]. We voted there."

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