Contact: Kelly Larson
State Historic Preservation Office
Telephone: 517/241-0242

Mary Lou Keenon
MSHDA Communications Office
Telephone: 517/373-0011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 30, 2009

Michigan Main Street Center and
State Historic Preservation Office at MSHDA
Unveil Latest Main Street Design Services for Boyne City

Lansing - The Michigan Main Street Center, a part of the Specialized Technical Assistance and Revitalization Strategy (STARS) Division, in partnership with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) at the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), recently unveiled renderings for proposed façade improvements of what has recently become the home of the Boyne Arts Collective. Located at 210 S. Lake Street, the "old bus garage" as it is known, sat vacant for nearly thirty years before the Boyne Arts Collective breathed new life into the building.

Michigan Main Street Architect Kelly Larson, who works for the SHPO, created the renderings after meeting with a representative from the Collective and taking numerous photos and measurements. She provided the Collective with three options. The first addresses the immediate need for simple, inexpensive visual improvements such as signage, flagpoles, and repainting the window frames, doors, the removal of paint from brick painted in the past, and other features. The other two options are intended to illustrate a long-term vision for the building that capitalizes on the building's historic features and showing its full potential.

Recommendations include removing the existing shingled canopy and installing new storefront windows with transoms, a new entry, awnings, and lighting.

"Likely built during the 1920s, the former garage was altered during the 1960s or 1970s. Nevertheless, this building has much to offer," stated Larson. "Rather than guessing and proposing a façade based on what the structure might have looked like, I focused on maintaining and enhancing the surviving original features and improving the building to suit the needs of the Boyne Arts Collective."

Michigan Main Street Manager Laura Krizov explained, "The goal of these renderings is to help communities envision what they can be in the future. Historic rehabilitation is a tool for revitalizing communities and creating the types of places Michigan's downtowns and neighborhoods need to be in order to retain and attract business and residents."

The Boyne Arts Collective applied for this no-cost service through the Boyne City Main Street Program. Such renderings are just one of the benefits communities receive by being part of the Selected Level of the Michigan Main Street program. Before receiving these design services, property or business owners must have participated in the "Main Street Building Basics" training provided by the Michigan Main Street program and the SHPO.

For more information on the Michigan Main Street program and other benefits communities receive as part of the program, go to www.michiganmainstreetcenter.com.

The Michigan Main Street and State Historic Preservation Office are part of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority is dedicated to building a thriving and vibrant future for Michigan. MSHDA provides tools and resources to improve people's lives through programs across the state. These programs assist with housing, build strong neighborhoods, and help create places where people want to live and work. MSHDA's programs work in four areas: affordable rental housing; supporting homeownership; ending homelessness; and creating vibrant cities and neighborhoods. For further information on this or other MSHDA programs, go to  www.michigan.gov/mshda .*

*MSHDA's loan and operating expenses are financed through the sale of tax-exempt and taxable bonds as well as notes to private investors, not from state tax revenues. Proceeds are loaned at below-market interest rates to developers of rental housing, and help fund mortgages and home improvement loans. MSHDA also administers several federal housing programs.