2 West
1927Art Deco, designed by Cuthbert & Cuthbert
RiversideOn the Huron River at Riverside Park
DowntownMichigan Ave, historic Ypsilanti
Now leasingThe Observation Deck and the Concourse

The spaces

Now boarding: the first two spaces.

From the river, the building reads like a 1920s train: two trains at the front with a boarding lane between them, passenger-car windows along the river side, a caboose at the back. Inside, each floor has its own kind of creative work. The first two are open to partners now, and layouts are still flexible, so an early partner can help decide how a space is finished.

First floor

The Observation Deck

The original 1927 car showroom, being reimagined as a performance hall with a podcast and radio studio. Big windows, an open floor and a street-level entrance on Michigan Avenue.

Suited to a concert or recital series, an ensemble in residence, a university performance program, student media, lectures and screenings.

Use
Performance hall, recording & broadcast studio
Size
On request
Status
Seeking anchor partner

Ground floor

The Concourse

Home of the Bodega, a year-round market for independent grocers and makers, with river light and a walkout to Riverside Park.

Market floor
About 2,325 sq ft
Stalls
From 80 sq ft, $150/week
Vendor application →

Floor plans and current square footages are shared on request or during a site visit.

Ways to work with us

Lease, partner, or both.

Many institutions partner before they lease. We're open to the model that fits your program.

01

Anchor lease

Take a floor or a signature space long term and help shape how it's finished.

02

Program partnership

A residency, a satellite program, a recurring series or co-produced events, without a full lease.

03

Naming & sponsorship

Put your name on a space or a season in a historic building as it reaches its 100th year.

04

Event rental

Book space for a one-time event or shoot. See booking →

Why 2 West

A landmark with a built-in audience.

  • Between two university townsAbout a mile from Eastern Michigan University and a short drive to the University of Michigan, Detroit and DTW airport.
  • On the river and the trailNext to Riverside Park, the Huron River and the Border-to-Border Trail, with kayaking, biking and park events at the door.
  • The Platform opens firstThe Tea Haus & Biergarten, with outdoor programming in the lot and along the east side, builds the building's audience before the interior opens.
  • A story people want to be part ofCar showroom, wartime dance hall, Moose Lodge, antique store, and now a home for the arts as the building turns 100 in 2027.

Where things stand

Renovation in progress.

We share progress plainly, so partners can plan with us.

  1. 2022New ownership. Years of listening to Ypsilanti's artists and musicians come first.
  2. 2024Funding secured. EGLE Brownfield Redevelopment Grant, $477,500, plus EPA and county assessment grants.
  3. 2025Clean and open. Hazardous materials removed; demolition reveals the original brick, steel and glass.
  4. NowBuilding infrastructure. Facade restoration, utilities and plumbing for the full buildout.

Backed by

Public partners and a qualified team.

Funding & public partners

  • City of Ypsilanti
  • Washtenaw County
  • Michigan EGLE
  • Northstar Bank

Project team

  • HBDS
  • SME
  • Geosyntec
  • Phoenix
  • Midwestern

Let's talk

Walk the building with us.

Tell us about your program and what you need. We'll set up a site visit and share floor plans, square footages and terms.

Request a site visit