Contact: Mary Lou Keenon
Communications
Telephone: 517/373-0011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2010

MSHDA's  Michigan Main Street Center and
State Historic Preservation Office
Unveil Latest Main Street Design Services for Scottville

LANSING – Keith Molin, executive director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) today announced that the Michigan Main Street Center in partnership with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), recently unveiled renderings for proposed façade improvements for a building in downtown Scottville. Locals consider the currently vacant building at 130 S. Main Street as key to Scottville's efforts toward revitalizing its downtown. 

Michigan Main Street Architect Kelly Larson, who works for the SHPO, created the renderings after meeting with a representative from West Shore Bank and the Scottville Main Street program and taking numerous photos and measurements. She then provided them with two options, both of which recommended removing the existing wood siding and canopy in order to expose the original brick façade and removing infill from the original storefront openings.  New storefronts would then be installed with large display windows, transom windows, and doors.  Also recommended were two different paint schemes with canvas awnings, unique signage and lighting. 
"The intent of the proposed design is to return the building to one that contributes to Scottville's identity as a historic community by exposing and highlighting the existing original portions of the building," stated Larson.  "The design will also allow a new business owner the flexibility he or she would need in order to open a new business in the building." 

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 businesses and residents."

West Shore Bank applied for this no-cost service through the Scottville 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 Center 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.                                                                    

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