May 15, 2008

Michigan Historical Center Director Sandra Clark welcomed developers, public officials, architects, contractors and preservationists from around the state to celebrate the Governor's Awards for Historic Preservation, presented this morning in the Capitol rotunda. Projects from Allegan, Calumet, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Holland, Jackson and Lansing were honored.

"Leveraging and protecting our historic resources is an important component in our ongoing efforts to ensure that Michigan communities are vibrant, interesting places to live, work and play," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm.

The award program was created in 2003 to recognize outstanding historic preservation achievements that reflect a commitment to the preservation of Michigan's neighborhoods, downtowns and countryside, the state's unique character, and the many cultural resources that document Michigan's past. Previous recipients have included General Motors for the rehabilitation of the General Motors Technical Center and Western Michigan University for the excavation of the Fort St. Joseph archaeological site.

"The challenging yet rewarding work of rehabilitating historic structures goes on every day throughout Michigan. That work - representing millions of crucial investment dollars for Michigan - showcases the efforts of developers, public officials and people in the building trades working together," said Department of History, Arts and Libraries Director Dr. William Anderson. "What begins as the renewal of a single building often leads to the transformation of streets, then neighborhoods and, eventually, entire communities."

Michigan Historical Center Director Clark noted, "These projects are 'Pure Michigan.' From Calumet to Grand Rapids to Detroit, people see the potential historic structures have to offer, and they recognize that these buildings are assets in communities and vital to preserving our sense of place."

The 2008 Governor's Award for Historic Preservation recipients are:

• Main Street Calumet for the Main Street Façade Rehabilitations;



• Inner City Christian Federation, Cornerstone Architects and Rockford Construction Company, Inc. for the rehabilitation of the D. A. Blodgett Children's Home, Grand Rapids;



• Lino and Guadalupe Ortiz, the City of Holland and Design Plus Architects for the rehabilitation of 168 West 13^th St., Holland;



• The People and City of Allegan for the rehabilitation of the Regent Theatre;



• Harry Hepler, Turner+Callaway and the Mannik & Smith Group, Inc. for the Prudden Motor Wheel Factory Building rehabilitation, and Richard Karp, the Peabody Group and Prater Development Ltd. for the Arbaugh Department Store Building rehabilitation, which together transformed Lansing's vision of historic preservation;



• Excel-Artswalk LDHA LP, the Enterprise Group of Jackson, Quinn|Evans Architects and Fryling Construction Company for the rehabilitation of the Former Michigan State Prison Cell Blocks and Dormitory, Jackson; and



• Cynthia F. Reaves for the rehabilitation of the Michelson-Young House, 918 West Boston Blvd., Detroit.

Nominations are recommended to the governor by the State Historic Preservation Review Board in consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office, Michigan Historical Center.

To see previous Governor's Award projects visit www.michigan.gov/shpo.

In addition to the State Historic Preservation Office, the Michigan Historical Center comprises the Michigan Historical Museum and its 11 field sites, the Archives of Michigan, the Office of the State Archaeologist, Michigan History magazine and Records Management Services.

The Michigan Historical Center is part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries, whose mission is to enrich quality of life and strengthen the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity. The department also includes the Library of Michigan, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/hal.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).