Michigan State Historic Preservation Office

The rehabilitation of the Thompson Block, a Civil War-era building that endured long disinvestment and a devastating fire, was transformative for Ypsilanti's historic Depot Town neighborhood. Learn more about the project that won a Governor's Award for Historic Preservation from the state of Michigan in 2022: https://www.michiganbusiness.org/reports-data/success-stories/thompson-block-in-ypsilanti/

With support from our Michigan Community Revitalization Program, the historic Thompson Block has been transformed into a destination featuring new apartments and a restaurant, helping write a new chapter for a building that's been part of the community for generations.

Congratulations to the City of the Village of Clarkston and the Clarkston Historic District Resurvey Committee on receiving recognition from Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office for their outstanding preservation leadership!

Over four years, this volunteer-led effort reevaluated and documented Clarkston’s historic district, uncovering community stories through oral histories, photographs, deed research, and cemetery records while helping ensure the district reflects the full scope of the village’s historic character today.

Their work is a powerful example of how citizen-led preservation efforts can strengthen community identity, celebrate local history, and support thoughtful revitalization for future generations.