May 19, 2005

Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL) Director Dr. William Anderson today presided over the ceremony for the 2005 Governor's Award for Historic Preservation.  The awards, which were presented to recipients in a ceremony in the State Capitol rotunda, recognize outstanding historic preservation projects throughout the state.

"Historic structures across Michigan play an important role in making our communities vibrant, interesting places to live and work," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm.  "This year's winners have demonstrated commitment, collaboration, cooperation and the highest degree of excellence in preserving these important parts of Michigan history."

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 these resources play in defining our communities.

The 2005 award recipients are:

n       In Benton Harbor and Battle Creek - Finlay Development, L.L.C. for the rehabilitation of Benton Harbor's Fidelity Building and Battle Creek's Youth Building;

n       In Niles - The City of Niles Planning Department, the Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance, the Niles Downtown Development Authority and the Greater Niles Community Development Corporation for the removal of metal covering from historic buildings on Main Street;

n       In Grand Rapids - David and Barbara Huyser for multiple rehabilitations in the Fairmount Square Historic District;

n       In Saginaw - Samuel and Peter Shaheen for the Temple Theatre-Elf Khurafeh Complex rehabilitation project;

n       In Chippewa County - the DeTour Reef Light Preservation Society for the DeTour Reef Lighthouse stabilization and restoration; and

n       In Detroit - Schostak Brothers and Company and the Sterling Group for multiple rehabilitations on Woodward Avenue in an area now known as Merchants Row.

James E. Tomczyk, chairman of Cornerstone Alliance, the economic development organization serving Benton Harbor, stated, "The rehabilitation of the historic Fidelity Building was critical to all of the redevelopment efforts under way in the Benton Harbor community.  The building was vacant for over 25 years, so the project not only created new housing opportunities in the city limits, it also created additional customers for area businesses, made the downtown area more eye appealing - which aids in all of our economic development efforts - and, more importantly, saved a historic structure that played a key role in the creation of the history of our community."      

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

In addition to the State Historic Preservation Office, the Michigan Historical Center comprises the Michigan Historical Museum and its nine field sites, the State Archives of Michigan, the State Records Center, the Office of the State Archaeologist and Michigan History magazine.  For more information on the State Historic Preservation Office, please visit www.michigan.gov/shpo.

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

The 2005 Governors Awards for Historic Preservation are underwritten by the Friends of Michigan History.

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