T.S. Quatro is about to paint part of Ypsilanti in earthtones, as green roofs and brownstones pop up in the city's downtown.
The design-and-build contracting firm plans to renovate its headquarters at 201 North Park St., by adding an expansive green roof and then building a handful of brownstones behind it. The $1 million-plus project will begin on the headquarters in October and finish up by the end of November. Once complete, construction of the brownstones will start with the entire project wrapping up by next spring.
"This is a complete renovation for the whole block," says Todd Quatro, owner of T.S. Quatro. "When this is done it will reset the landscape."
T.S. Quatro has been in its building at Park and Lincoln streets --just east of downtown and Huron River-- for 14 years. The two-story structure was built in the 1950s and T.S. Quatro has been making improvements to it since moving in.
The intensive green roof will be the crowning achievement in the renovations. Covering 4,000 square feet, the roof will not only be walkable but will also feature a deck.
The group of four brownstones will be constructed on a Park Street lot behind the building. The all-brick structures will be approximately 2,000 square feet each with a one-car attached garage. Each will come with a balcony, front porch and hardwood floors. They will be offered first as rentals then sold as condos at a later date.
Inspired by the improvements to Ypsilanti's downtown, Quatro says he decided to go forward with the project to improve his neighborhood.
"I like it downtown," Quatro says. "I can see people living here, wanting to walk downtown."
Source: Todd Quatro, owner of T.S. Quatro
Writer: Jon Zemke
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