Originally built in 1927, this Art Deco landmark was once an ecosystem for the auto industry. It housed a showroom, repair shop, office spaces, and a gas station on its property. Over the decades, it has served as a WWII Dance Hall, Moose Lodge, and Antique Salvage Shop. It is now in a pre-renovation phase, stripped to its architectural bones.
The building’s exposed brick, steel, and concrete reveal its original craftsmanship, creating an authentic, cinematic setting — perfect for productions seeking a raw industrial aesthetic, a post-apocalyptic atmosphere, or a historic urban backdrop.
The space is part of the upcoming 2 West redevelopment, which is scheduled to become an arts and music ecosystem in mid-2026.
This is a rare opportunity to film inside a piece of Ypsilanti history before the building's transformation!
NEIGHBORHOOD:
Located at 2 West Michigan Ave in downtown Ypsilanti, the building sits directly along the Huron River and Riverside Park, connecting to the Border-to-Border Trail. There is a scenic, accessible path from the building to the Huron River and Riverside Park.
Within a few blocks are cafés, vintage shops, art galleries, and music venues, along with Ypsilanti’s vibrant Depot Town district.
Logistics
Ground Floor Size: ~6,500 sq ft open-floor main level with 18′ ceilings and little natural lighting.
1st Floor: ~4,900 sq ft open-floor with 20'+ ceilings and generous natural lighting
2nd Floor: ~ 2,300 sq ft with two antique, wooden walls with 12' ceilings and some natural lighting.
Condition: Gutted/unrestored (no electricity, plumbing, or HVAC)
Access:
Ground-floor entrance on the back of the building (North Side). The building has double doors for easy loading access for equipment.
On-site and nearby parking lots and public spaces for crew parking
Restrooms / Power: None currently on-site — productions must bring generators, lights, and portable restrooms as needed
Safety: Uneven surfaces, exposed structure. Please provide production insurance.
Permits: Exterior filming near Riverside Park or the trail will require a City of Ypsilanti permit (guidance available upon request).
SPECIAL RATES:
Hourly (4-hour minimum): $100/hr
Half-Day (4–6 hrs): $500
Full-Day (8–10 hrs): $1,000
Prep / Load-in Day: $400
Security Deposit: $500 (refundable after inspection)
PAST PROJECTS
This location has hosted music video filming and is newly dedicated to filming and photography for 2025 through 2026.