May 4, 2006

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the recipients of this year's Governor's Awards for Historic Preservation, in honor of national Historic Preservation Month.  Department of History, Arts and Libraries Director William Anderson will present the awards at a ceremony in the State Capitol rotunda on Thursday, May 18, at 9:30 a.m.

The award program was created in 2003 to recognize outstanding historic preservation projects throughout the state. Individuals, developers, corporations, academic institutions and units of government that have undertaken rehabilitation of historic resources or archaeological excavations or implemented sound public policy may be considered.  State Historic Preservation Officer Brian Conway said Michigan's historic resources hold unique potential for economic development and the Governor's Awards draw attention to the important role these resources play in defining our communities and protecting each one's distinctive character.

"Historic rehabilitation efforts transform our downtowns and neighborhoods every day, creating culturally interesting places for people to live and work and providing a catalyst for economic growth," Granholm said.  "This year's award winners all serve as exemplary models of collaboration and commitment to excellence for the historic preservation community."

The 2006 award recipients are:

Linda and Richard Mueller for the rehabilitation of the Loeb Farm Barn Complex (Castle Farms) near Charlevoix, the magnificent stone farm complex built by an early top executive at Sears, Roebuck, and Company and one of our state's most unique architectural treasures.  A popular place for entertainment events between 1969 and 1991, the 40,000-square-foot site is once again an events venue, but this time its historic character is a major attraction for the public.

City of Traverse City, City Opera House Heritage Association, City Opera House LLC, and Quinn Evans Architects for the rehabilitation of the City Opera House in Traverse City, among the largest and best-preserved early opera houses in Michigan.  Closed for more than 60 years, this community gem is once again open and available as a grand historic space that meets contemporary needs.

Michigan State University, East Lansing, for the excavation of Saints' Rest archaeological site. Saints' Rest was the first dormitory and one of only two buildings erected at the newly founded Agricultural College of Michigan in 1856.  The project provided a glimpse of early life at MSU and a unique opportunity for the greater university community to connect with its history.

General Motors Corporation and Building Conservation Associates, Inc. for the rehabilitation of the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, one of the pre-eminent corporate research and development centers constructed in the United States following World War II and an outstanding example of the work of internationally acclaimed architect Eero Saarinen.  The largest historic preservation project ever undertaken in Michigan, this endeavor demonstrated that the fulfillment of business goals can be achieved in tandem with historic rehabilitation.

Jon A. Carlson for the rehabilitation of the B & C Grocery Building in Royal Oak, a project that transformed one of downtown Royal Oak's main intersections by uncovering and restoring the building's vibrant Art Deco façade.  It now houses a restaurant, a wine bar and shop, a coffee house and a club.

Dearborn Public Schools and TMP Associates, Inc. for the addition to Fordson High School in Dearborn, hailed upon its dedication in 1928 as "one of the finest school buildings in the United States."  The spectacular addition not only reflects the detailing and materials of the original building but accommodates new, fully modern classrooms, a student-run spirit store, science and computer labs, and a state-of-the-art cafeteria and kitchen.

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

The 2006 Governors Awards for Historic Preservation are sponsored by Ed DeVries Properties, Inc., DeVries Development; the Michigan Historic Preservation Network; J. C. Beal Construction, Inc.; DTS Winkelmann, LLC; HH Inc. Construction Management, and the Michigan Historical Center Foundation.

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 strengthen the economy and enrich the quality of life for Michigan residents 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.  For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

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