Ypsi has one of the oldest and largest historic districts in the State of Michigan, including Category:Downtown Ypsilanti, Category:Depot Town, and several of the neighborhoods around those business districts.

Within the historic district, exterior changes to buildings require review by the city's Ypsilanti Historic District Commission, a group of seven appointed citizens, to ensure that the proposed changes are compatible with the character of the historic districts. The HDC tends to be willing to hear all reasonable requests, and additionally can serve as a resource for citizens interested in renovating / restoring older buildings.