Ypsilanti Debates Future of Historic Peninsular Paper Dam and Power Plant Amidst Removal Plans
The city of Ypsilanti is grappling with the future of the Peninsular Paper Dam and its associated power plant, a site with significant local history. The dam, originally built in 1867 for the Peninsular Paper Company, is slated for removal due to concerns about dam failure and flooding, as highlighted by Katie Jones, Ypsilanti's community economic development and equity manager. However, the city council has decided to preserve the remains of the power plant, an Art Deco building, despite the challenges this presents. This decision has sparked debate among city officials, including preservation planner Carrie Malas, who advocates for its historical significance, and Jones, who raises concerns about economic viability and future utilization. The Peninsular Paper Company itself has a complex past, including its role in early papermaking, its specialty paper production, and the controversial actions of its former president, Daniel L. Quirk Jr., who engaged in blackface performances.