Five preservation projects around Michigan honored with Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation

Annual awards program recognizes historic preservation achievements in Michigan

LANSING, MICH. – Five Michigan preservation projects today were awarded Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation during a virtual ceremony hosted by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today. Communities represented by the projects include Pokagon Township, Dearborn, Flint, Detroit and Charter Township of Alpena.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to recognize the recipients of the Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “These historic places, spread across the state, demonstrate our state’s unique past and reflect the innovation, resiliency and pride we all share in calling ourselves Michiganders.”

Now in its 18th year, the Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation program, held every year during National Historic Preservation Month, was created by SHPO to celebrate outstanding historic preservation achievements that reflect a commitment to the preservation of Michigan’s unique character and the many archaeological sites and historic structures that document our rich past.

“Historic resources and archaeological sites tell us about the past and help us maintain Michigan’s unique identity. Their preservation is vital to Michigan’s present and future as they contribute to vibrant communities and our understanding of the past,” said Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Martha MacFarlane-Faes. “Each year during National Historic Preservation Month the Governor's Award program gives us an opportunity to recognize outstanding historic preservation achievements reflecting a commitment to the preservation of Michigan’s neighborhoods, downtowns, and countryside, as well as the state’s unique character, and the preservation of cultural resources that document Michigan’s past.”

The 2021 Governor’s Award recipients are (visit here for full details and videos of each project):

1. The Michigan Department of Transportation, Cass County Road Commission, Pokagon Township, OHM Advisors, and Hardman Construction for the rehabilitation and relocation of the M-86 Pony Truss Bridge in Cass County

2. Henry Ford Estate, Inc., Quinn Evans Architects, SmithGroup, Inc., The Christman Company, National Restoration, Inc., and Historic Surfaces, LLC for the restoration of the Fair Lane Estate in Dearborn

3. Communities First Inc., RAD Conversion Specialists, LLC, Asselin McLane Architectural Group, Siwek Construction, and Kidorf Preservation Consulting for the rehabilitation of the Calvin Coolidge School into Coolidge Park Apartments in Flint

4. Model-T Automotive Heritage Complex, Inc. for the long-term stewardship of the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit

5. Thunder Bay Island Lighthouse Preservation Society and Charter Township of Alpena for the long-term stewardship of the Thunder Bay Island Light Station in Alpena County

“Historic preservation is a vital component of our efforts to develop attractive, vibrant and resilient communities where talent wants to live, where businesses want to be and where people want to travel to,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Amanda Bright-McClanahan. “Today’s awardees have demonstrated their commitment to historic preservation in the true spirit of Pure Michigan, helping us preserve the historic places throughout Michigan that make our communities so attractive and meaningful to us all.”

National Historic Preservation Month was established in 1973 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to help local preservation groups, historical societies, and communities promote historic places and heritage tourism and to demonstrate the social and economic benefits of historic preservation. This year’s award recipients spearheaded projects that saved special places, increased economic activity and continue to educate residents and visitors about Michigan’s history.

To learn more about the Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation program and explore prior year awards by region or by year on an interactive map, visit here: https://www.miplace.org/historic-preservation/programs-and-services/governors-awards-for-historic-preservation/.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.