The structural and exterior/interior architectural drawings are complete and available for public viewing.  Mechanical and electrical systems drawings will be completed by the end of August.

The structural and architectural work was front-loaded to meet MDOT stimulus grant requirements.  The initial MDOT meeting is soon, at which time comments on designs from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) will be available.  Local reviews by our Ypsilanti Historic District Commission will also be required.  Following MDOT, SHPO and Ypsilanti HDC reviews, and after the completion of specification revisions and estimates required by MDOT, we anticipate bids to go out in the Fall and construction to commence this winter.

Per the original Condition Assessment Report (CAR), the prime focus is on exterior and interior structural corrections.  Of equal importance is the readiness of the old café interior, which is destined to become the SEMCOG- related passenger hospitality/rest area and a tourism info center.  Our target is to be open by mid-August 2010 to prepare for the commuter train in October/November of 2010.

As publicized, the SEMCOG passenger platform will be built on the West side (the Freighthouse side) of the tracks and connected to the Freighthouse at grade with sidewalk and/or decking.  Depending upon the MDOT budget and the additional finances required, completed renovation of the large hall make take more time.

Thanks to the support of the City to obtain the MDOT stimulus package we are financially more than half way to our original goal ... a tremendous step.  This was due in large part to the generous gift from the AAACF for site and building engineering and architectural drawings.  Current budget estimates for the project contingencies require that the FOYF raise $40,000 prior to December 1, 2009, plus additional funds to meet contingencies during the construction phase in early 2010. Funds to complete non-MDOT interior improvements, not including SEMCOG requirements, plus operational and initial marketing are yet to be secured.