A Response from Dahlmann

After seven letters and some four and a half years, the Dahlmann's write back.

Mr. Dahlmann says he is taken back by the tone of the last letter by Mr. McKeever. Dalhmann indicates that he has wonderful properties in Ann Arbor like the Bell Tower, Campus Inn, and the seven-story City Center Office Building. He speaks glowingly of their latest project of restoring a dilapidated, rundown old hotel in Madison, Wisconsin.

In his letter, Dennis Dahlmann indicated there is nothing left to save of the Depot, that he has discontinued discussions with his own architects about the Depot, and he has instructed that all further correspondence regarding this matter be sent to his attorney. (Letter Page 1, Page 2)

Letter of Support for the Dahlmann's

This email message from William Wheeler who is the Major Projects Manager at the City of Ann Arbor is very complementary of the Dahlmann's and their attorney. In this letter Mr. Wheeler says, "One thing I know for certain is that no matter how well you build something, you MUST commit the resources to properly maintain it over time or your investment will surely deteriorate. If you keep on top of maintenance you can make a sound building last a long, long time.

This email was provided by Dahlmann as an indicator of the quality of work he does at his other properties in Ann Arbor. (Letter)

Letter 3 of 3 from DTA President

To: Ben Dahlman
Dahlman properties
300 South Thayer
Ann Arbor, Mi. 48104

Dear Sir,

A lot of water has flowed beneath the Cross Street Bridge and you have yet to communicate to us what, if anything, you may have decided to do toward renovating the Depot. We spoke more than a month ago and you indicated to me that you would be discussing possibilities with an architect.

Your silence speaks a lot louder than the words you used when we last communicated with each other on those prospects. I do not plan to contact you further at this time. However, that should not indicate to you that this community will sit back and hope. We are not going to wait while the Depot is demolished by neglect of the owner. I had confidence from our conversation that you and your company were prepared to do something positive. This does not appear to be the case.

We, in Depot Town, are willing and able to assist you and your firm in many ways that could make it a lot easier for you to do business in Ypsilanti. As the saying goes, “the ball is in your court”.

Sincerely,

Gary McKeever,
President
Depot Town Association

Cc: Mayor Cheryl Farmer, City Manager Ed Koryzno, Robert Bruner, Councilman Barry LaRue, Councilman Brian Filipiak