May 24, 2007

Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL) Director Dr. William Anderson today presided over the ceremony for the 2007 Governor's Award for Historic Preservation.  The awards, which recognize outstanding historic preservation projects statewide, were presented to recipients in a ceremony in the state Capitol rotunda.

"As we work to grow Michigan's economy, historic rehabilitation contributes to the revitalization of our downtowns and neighborhoods throughout Michigan," Granholm said.  "The 2007 award recipients and the rehabilitation projects they represent are transforming Michigan communities into vibrant, interesting places to live, work and play."

Created in 2003, the Governor's Award for Historic Preservation recognizes individuals, developers, corporations, academic institutions and units of government that have undertaken rehabilitation of historic resources or archaeological excavations, or implemented sound public policy to promote preservation.  Through these awards, the governor seeks to draw attention to historic resources' unique potential for economic development as well as to the important role they play in defining our communities.

"Now, more than ever, Michigan needs to invest in its historic resources," said Dr. Anderson.  "In 2006 alone, historic preservation tax-credit projects stimulated more than $165 million in private investment in historic building rehabilitation projects in Michigan.  Those are real dollars making a real, positive impact of $353 million on Michigan's economy."

The 2007 award recipients are:

Floyd and Todd Wright Builders, Main Street Properties of East Jordan LLC, the City of East Jordan, and Presley Architecture for rehabilitation of the Votruba Grocery and Porter Lumber Company buildings.  By recognizing the contribution the buildings make to downtown East Jordan, and by collaborating and pulling together resources - both human and financial - and rehabilitating these important buildings, they have demonstrated the value of historic rehabilitation and cooperation.

Boilerworks LLC, Hooker | DeJong Architects and Engineers, and the Muskegon Construction Company for rehabilitation of the Muskegon Boiler Works.  They demonstrated real vision and commitment to rehabilitating one of Muskegon's important industrial sites. They recognized a need in Muskegon for creative artist live/work spaces and saw the potential in the gritty former factory building.  They have returned an important historic resource to productive use that is spurring additional reinvestment in Muskegon's downtown area.

Uptown Developments LLC, G.A.V. Associates Architects, Cornerstone Architects, and Sorenson Gross Construction for rehabilitation of the First National Bank and Trust Building in Flint.  By converting the former office building to living space, they have demonstrated the value of historic buildings to the re-emergence of traditional downtowns as centers of urban life, and the impact of historic rehabilitation on the urban streetscape.

Joe Van Esley for rehabilitation of the Penney House in Canton Township.  Mr. Van Esley took a deteriorating farmhouse and transformed it into an asset that reveals that hard work and vision pay off for the community as a whole. The Penney House continues to be a tangible link to Canton Township's rural history.

Bill Swanson for resurrecting what he called "the worst house on the block" - 1754 Parker in Detroit's West Village Historic District.  He showed dedication, perseverance and hard work throughout the process.  The rehabilitation of this house had a positive impact on the whole neighborhood and has inspired other property owners to begin home repairs.

New Amsterdam Activation I LLC, Quinn Evans Architects, Rossetti Architects, and Jonna Construction Company for taking the abandoned Graphic Arts Building and transforming it into a glowing community asset providing unique housing opportunities near Detroit's New Center area and downtown.  This project will contribute to and benefit from the growing excitement in downtown 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.

The 2007 Governor's Awards for Historic Preservation are sponsored by the Christman Company, J. C. Beal Construction, National City, William Rutter, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Michigan Historical Center Foundation and the Michigan Historic Preservation Network.

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

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, Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Michigan Film Office.  For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

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