May 9, 2008

Department of History, Arts and Libraries Director Dr. William Anderson and State Historic Preservation Officer Brian Conway today announced $90,300 in historic preservation grants to four cities for 2008. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) receives federal Historic Preservation Fund monies to operate the state's historic preservation programs, which include the federal historic preservation tax credit program and the National Register of Historic Places.

Each year 10 percent of the SHPO's federal grant is awarded to Certified Local Governments (CLGs), of which there are 19 in Michigan.

"The preservation of historic character benefits a community in many ways, including making it a destination and a place people want to live, said Dr. Anderson. "Simply by their efforts to become CLGs and be eligible to apply for historic preservation grants, Michigan's 19 CLG communities have shown real commitment to preserving their historic resources."

Communities meet the requirements for CLG status by adopting a local historic preservation ordinance consistent with the state Historic Districts Act (PA 169 of 1970 as amended); establishing a historic district commission; and establishing local historic districts.

"The National Trust for Historic Preservation declared 'This Place Matters' the theme for Historic Preservation Month," said Conway. "The 19 CLGs - and the 47 other Michigan communities that have historic preservation ordinances - recognize the validity of this theme and have taken steps to ensure that the places that matter locally will be preserved."

Communities receiving CLG grants are required to contribute 40 percent of the total project cost. The grant awards are as follows:

$30,000 - City of Detroit - Nominate Detroit Schools to the National Register and Prepare Two Model Adaptive Reuse Plans

Budgetary problems and dropping enrollments have caused the Detroit school district to plan the closure of many historic schools. The city will survey 180 Detroit Public Schools buildings built prior to 1960 and prepare a thematic nomination for the National Register of Historic Places. The city will also hire a consultant to prepare two model adaptive reuse plans for two closed schools that identify alternative uses for the building and identify economic development tools. The model plans can then be used by other communities seeking alternative uses for their closed school buildings.

$1,800 - City of Jackson - Signage Marking the Boundaries of the Oaks Historic District

The city will finalize design, manufacture and install eight boundary signs and19 intersection signs identifying the Oaks Historic District in downtown Jackson.

$23,500 - City of Kalamazoo - Architectural Plans and Specifications for the Repair of the Kalamazoo Water Tower

The Kalamazoo Water Tower once served the Kalamazoo Regional Psychiatric Hospital and stands today as a landmark on the Kalamazoo horizon. Public outcry over a proposed demolition of the tower followed by a successful local fundraising effort led to a restoration of the tower in the late 1970s. Ownership of the tower was transferred to the Michigan Historical Center at that time. The center is working with the city of Kalamazoo and a newly formed nonprofit group, Friends of the Kalamazoo Water Tower, to once again ensure a secure future for the unique resource. The CLG grant will enable the city of Kalamazoo to hire an architect to prepare plans and specifications for the repair of the tower based on recommendations from a recently completed Condition Assessment Report.

$35,000 - City of Ypsilanti - Protect the Ypsilanti Freighthouse from Water

The city of Ypsilanti will control storm water run-off by regrading, constructing an underground drainage system for roof storm water, repairing and replacing deteriorated wood decking, and painting exterior wooden platforms.

CLG funds are appropriated to state historic preservation offices nationwide through the Historic Preservation Fund, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. The SHPO receives federal financial assistance for identification and protection of historic properties.

Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability or age in its federally assisted programs. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire further information, please write to: Office of Equal Opportunity, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, DC 20240.

The SHPO assists in the identification, rehabilitation and interpretation of Michigan's historic resources. The SHPO is a division of the Michigan Historical Center, part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL). Dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity, HAL also includes the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Library of Michigan, and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. For more information about HAL, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

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