M i c h i g a n H i s t o r i c P r e s e r v a t i o n N e t w o r k N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 0

“Just Add Water” Just Needs You!

If you haven’t been to the City of Saugatuck and the Village of Douglas for a time, or if you’ve never visited, our 2011 conference gives you an opportunity to get to know these two stunning historic lakeside communities.

Saugatuck-Douglas are new communities for the conference, which has been hosted in twenty-one different locations around Michigan over the past three decades. The conference title—“Just Add Water: The profound infl uence of Michigan’s lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams on its architecture, land use, and culture”—is a record–breaking number of words and concepts but has proven to be tailor–made for us.

The phrase “Just Add Water” is playful and fun, just as these sunny resort communities have been for the people of Michigan for decades. On the other hand, the presence of water for Michigan’s shoreline communities can be an ingredient in unsustainable land use practices spurred by powerful development pressures.

This tension is well-captured by the Saugatuck Dunes themselves. Artists quietly work plein air and kids toss beach balls in a stunning landscape while, at the very same time, these same dunes and their communities have been named one of “America’s Eleven Most Endangered Historic Places.” This conference delves deeply into this topic and its tensions, allowing you to form an opinion for your state and perhaps for your own community.

And there’s much more beyond this in an exceptional program bringing together almost 50 speakers. The conference theme really seemed to bring out the best in those submitting session and tour ideas, with the presence and infl uence of water creatively sparking the topics.

From Detroit comes a session on how storm water is recycled through the use of cisterns, public art, and rain gardens in a historic district identifi ed with Detroit’s early jazz scene. A modest home in Ann Arbor is a showcase of how traditional preservation techniques and cutting-edge technologies for energy and water effi ciency allow its owners to power their home completely off the grid. “Mission Zero Begins at Home,” they say.

Another session looks at Michigan Modernism and its West Michigan connections with many architects and designers deeply affected by their Michigan environment. And Michigan’s iconic lighthouses, many de-accessioned into non-profi t or private hands, are studied in another session to learn how they have positioned themselves to

capitalize on heritage tourism and the emerging “experience economy.”

Sessions featuring the communities of Muskegon and Marquette explore how they made their waterfront locations a key element in their revitalization. You’ll be transported to the shimmering archipelago created by the 450 islands of the Isle Royale National Park to see how fi shermen and private cottages coexist in a U.S. Biosphere Reserve. And of course, Saugatuck-Douglas is showcased as it maintains its small town charm and architectural riches while fi ghting the battle of its life to save its dunes against Goliath-sized developers.

Special to the program this year will be two double sessions, both open to the public. One will be a reprise of the popular “Incentives for Successful Preservation Projects,” an entire morning discussing the power of integrating the historic tax credits with other incentives such as new markets tax credits and brownfi eld development incentives to secure conventional fi nancing for your projects. (Continued on page three)

network news

The Michigan Historic Preservation Network Announces its 31st Annual Statewide Preservation Conference, May 19-21, 2011 in Saugatuck-Douglas

Headquartered at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts

Saugatuck’s famous hand-operated chain ferry, which will ferry conference goers across the river

(photo courtesy of Kristine Kidorf).

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By Julie Courtney, MHPN Event Coordinator. On October 1st, one hundred preservationists, supporters, and friends celebrated MHPN in Durand, a small town west of Lansing for the 2010 Fall Benefi t. Our wonderful site for the evening was the Durand Union Station, a picturesque c. 1905 train depot designed by Spier and Rohns for the Grand Trunk Western Railroad. Live harp music twinkled in the background as guests enjoyed scrumptious food and drinks, squeezed in some early holiday shopping at the Marketplace, and bid on a tempting assortment of silent and live auction items and packages. One of the most popular auction items was buying time

to support our hard working Nan Taylor, Greater Michigan Field Representative, and Ellen Thackery, Southeast Michigan Field Representative, who have collectively traveled thousands of miles to 65 counties in Michigan and responded to around 1000 inquiries and requests since mid-2008. Lots of fun was had by a challenging, but informative game on depots led by Ron Campbell and Jackie Hoist, authors of the recently published book entitled Preservation of Michigan Railroad Depots. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the MHPN Leadership Award to the key individuals who helped save the records of architect Minoru Yamasaki.

2010 Fall Benefi t Celebrated at Durand’s Union Station

Thank You!Our sincerest thanks to the many who helped make this year’s MHPN Fall Benefi t a success, including the event committee, auction coordination team and auctioneer, those who attended the event, donated or purchased auction items, the MHPN staff, and the following generous sponsors and donors:

Karp + Associates Nixon Peabody Plante & MoranBay View Handworks - Michigan Kidorf Preservation ConsultingCommonwealth Cultural Resources GroupEastern Michigan UniversityFarbman GroupOakland County Planning & Economic Development ServicesQuinn Evans ArchitectsMax and Julie CourtneyKathy Holtz, Preservation Consulting, LLCLeelanau Cellars

Malcolm and Marla CollumLisa DiChieraDon and Kathy Duquette Nancy FinegoodFitzpatrick Structural Engineering, P.C.Miners Den, Inc.Morton’s Fine CateringKaren NagherGary ScheurenNancy ThompsonTurner Restoration, LLCNorman and Ilene Tyler

Top: Union Station hosts Ron Campbell and Jackie Hoist quiz the audience.

Bottom: Executive Director Nancy Finegood and Rosalyn Johnson

enjoy the evening.

Top: Ellen Thackery, Nan Taylor, and Kristine Kidorf raise funding for the

fi eld representatives.Bottom: Board Member Randy Case makes

his selection from the catering table.

Auction Host Kristine Kidorf sells a special Michigan State package.

All photos courtesy of Frank Gregory.

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The words “eleventh hour” and “archives” are not often paired. But when faced with losing the records of Modernist architect Minoru Yamasaki (1912-1986), people moved quickly to save them. The 2010 MHPN Leadership Award recognizes what our friends and colleagues did.

Yamasaki had thrilled the world with his designs for New York’s World Trade Center, Century Plaza in Los Angeles, Wayne State’s McGregor Memorial Center, and Detroit’s Michigan Consolidated Gas Building. His Troy-based studio continued after his death, but succumbed this past year to the faltering Michigan economy. The doors were locked, leaving everything behind.

Ted Ayoub, the fi rm’s last Chair and CEO, was resigned to losing the records and shared his dismay with a friend. The friend contacted Pauline Saliga, Executive Director of the Society of Architectural Historians. On March 1, Pauline e-mailed Brian Conway, State Historic Preservation Offi cer, whom she knew because of the “Michigan Modern Project.” From his own staff, Brian alerted Amy Arnold and Todd Walsh. Brian also contacted Mark Harvey, State Archivist, who in turn involved staff member Matt Klein. Mark secured a van while he hurriedly determined who within Oakland County government could give them access. It was Treasurer Andy Meisner, along with Deputies Diane Roark and Bill Briggs and attorney Steven Nofar, who could help. The next morning, Amy, Todd, Mark, and Matt began their mission. By day’s end, they had saved everything from original drawings to Yamasaki’s personal library.

Brian refl ected: “For us to be able to…preserve materials related to one of the world’s greatest architects and his architectural legacy is just amazing.” Through its 2010 Leadership Award, the MHPN honors the team that made that statement possible.

MHPN Presents 2010 Leadership Award to Group

Who Saved Yamasaki’s Records

Nancy Finegood presents the Leadership Award to SHPO Representatives Todd Walsh, Amy Arnold, and Brian Conway

(photo courtesy of Frank Gregory).

MHPN/NTHP Welcomes New Part-Time Staff Member

Brenna Moloney, who calls Ludington her hometown, joined the staff of both MHPN and NTHP on October 19, 2010. Brenna will be serving part-time as a Preservation Specialist in Saginaw, Michigan. Her role there will be to provide direct services to the city in support of ongoing historic preservation activities with regard to current right-sizing efforts. Among her many duties are working with elected leadership, nonprofi t organizations, local preservationists and other stakeholders to ensure that planning is carried out in a thoughtful and participatory way with consideration of the historic merit of neighborhoods and landmarks.

Brenna received her undergraduate degree in Creative Writing and Public History from Western Michigan University, and will complete her Masters at Eastern Michigan University this fall majoring in Historic Preservation Planning. As a 2009 recipient of a university fellowship from the Michigan Department of Transportation, she worked with the Environmental Section, Bureau of Transportation Planning. Brenna is currently also working as an assistant at the State Historic Preservation Offi ce.

Brenna may be reached by calling her cell phone at 231-690-7221.

“Just Add Water” Needs You!

(Continued from page one)

The other will be a full afternoon program titled “The Outreach, Advocacy, and Development Services of the Michigan Historic Preservation Network and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.” Participants learn about easements, the MHPN Tax Credit Investment Program, the development of a revolving loan fund, and the services of two Field Representatives deployed in the state to help those working with their historic properties at the community level.

As in years past, the conference includes four tracks. Track One explores the conference theme of historic properties, the use of land, and cultural developments infl uenced by water. Track Two looks at the laws, policies, designations, and incentives needed to protect often-fragile resources. Track Three studies hands-on techniques that make preservation possible. Track Four presents tours of the host communities that will inspire you.

Also included is your invitation to the community open house, vendors’ showcase, a Twilight Walking Tour, Saturday sessions for historic district commissioners, and presentation of the MHPN’s annual preservation awards.

We invite you to come to Saugatuck-Douglas in 2011!

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Preservation Heroes Among Us By Nan Taylor, MHPN/NTHP Field Representative

Every day we are confronted with challenging preservation projects and issues that need our help to move forward. Projects range in size and complexity, and always require some level of leadership, partnership and expertise to be successful. Funding is commonly the biggest obstacle. Sometimes we ask ourselves, “How will they ever get this done?” But they often do. These are three grassroots projects that have recently inspired me. Melvin SchoolhouseAn elementary school teacher and her husband recently purchased a 1906 schoolhouse in Melvin, a town of 150 people in lower Sanilac County. It served as a school for seventy years, was abandoned, and then purchased by two different property owners over the next thirty years. She is only the third owner. She has never purchased or rehabilitated a historic building, but she fell in love with this building for what it was and what it could be.

Her goal: To rehabilitate the school into a personal residence, preserving the historic features and recreating those that are missing, i.e. an antique drinking fountain. Her family has roots in Melvin, and this will be a historical showpiece for them and the entire community. Her obstacles: Due to the current lending constraints, she cannot secure a bank loan for the rehabilitation work. She also lacks the knowledge of rehabilitation principles and resources. What we’re doing: We provided information to pursue a National Register listing, details of the state tax credits, and links to the One Room Schoolhouse Association and the HRC Directory for resources.

St. Ignace Mission/Museum of Ojibwa CultureShirley Sorrels, the Executive Director, has become very creative with rehabilitating the museum on a shoe string budget. The museum, the former St. Ignace Mission chapel, dates back to the 17th century and is a National Historic Landmark. It houses a large collection of Ojibwa artifacts and displays of their northern lifestyle, as well as educational programs for children and storytelling and ceremonial events for adults in the adjacent “lodge.” Locally made Native American crafts and jewelry are sold at the museum, as well as books, artwork and gift items. This is more than a museum; it is a learning center that showcases the rich Ojibwa culture.

Their goal: Complete a three year rehabilitation project of the museum’s interior and exterior, and construct an addition on the back for a cultural center. Their obstacles: Limited funds for the rehabilitation project and addition.Their accomplishments to date: Shirley has secured free labor and building materials whenever possible for the project, including using prisoners from nearby Kinross to prep and paint the exterior of the museum, engaging construction students from Bay Mills College to repair the existing windows and build storm windows, and attaining volunteer consultation services from preservationist Frank Pompa and an interior designer. She also secured free paint, brushes and discounted building materials from local retailers. It seems everyone is willing to help Shirley preserve this wonderful piece of Michigan’s history.

What we’re doing: Helping to fi nd grants to fund plans for the addition and future work.

Cheboygan Historical Buildings Preservation GroupMichael Cunningham is a new part time resident of Cheboygan and loves its community historic buildings. A GM engineer from Fenton, Michael has limited experience with preservation but is passionate about making it happen in Cheboygan. He has purchased three abandoned, historic buildings including a Carnegie Library, a school and a church and plans to rehab them, then gift them to a community nonprofi t group. He has already established the nonprofi t, “Cheboygan Historical Buildings Preservation Group,” and their charge is to oversee the rehabilitation projects and determine their future uses as community buildings.

Their obstacles: Securing funding for the planning and rehabbing of the buildings and determining viable, sustainable uses for them when the projects are complete.What we’re doing: We provided Michael and the group with information on how to start a preservation nonprofi t, how to get the buildings listed on the NRHP, help to fi nd grants to fund rehab plans and work, and connect to the HRC Directory for resources.

Southeast Michigan Stories from the Field

By Ellen Thackery, MHPN/NTHP Field Representative

We have been actively engaged with several communities in Southeast Michigan, and I wanted to share updates about a few of these communities.

FlintFlint (Genesee County) and its local historic district commission face many challenges, and, sadly, the city lost two important historic buildings to fi re in October. (continued on page 5)

Shirley Sorrels, Executive Director, in the Museum of Ojibwa Culture (photo courtesy of Nan Taylor).

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December 14 Executive Committee Meeting

January 11 Executive Committee

Meeting

February 8 Full Board Meeting

March 8 Executive Committee Meeting

April 12 Executive Committee Meeting

May 18 Full Board Meeting

May 19-21 31st Annual Statewide Conference

Saugatuck-Douglas

Anytime Do you know of any projects under construction that may be an interesting tour? A chance to show off and market your work? Please contact Jessica Farley at (734)–464–3800 or jfarley@ramservices.com to schedule a Bring Your Own Hard Hat tour or house party. Any size, any topic welcome!

For additional information about these or any MHPN activities contact us at info@mhpn.org or call (517)–371–8080

Upcoming MHPN Events and Activities

2010–2011 MHPNBOARD MEMBERS

OFFICERS

Elaine H. Robinson, JacksonPresident

Janet Kreger, East LansingVice President

Lisa Nuszkowski, DetroitSecretary

Nancy Thompson, BirminghamTreasurer

Pamela O’Connor, KalamazooImmediate Past President

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Cheryl Early, PlymouthGregory Jones, Ann ArborRuth E. Mills, YpsilantiMelissa Milton-Pung, YpsilantiGary Scheuren, East LansingSteve Stier, East Lansing

DIRECTORS

Sheila Bashiri, BirminghamRandy Case, Battle CreekJulie Courtney, PlymouthKenneth Czapski, MarquetteAmanda Davis, Mount ClemensSteve Fox, Traverse CityRichard Hosey, DetroitKathleen Holtz, Ann ArborMichael Kirk, DearbornMeredith Long, Oak ParkKaren Nagher, DetroitTom Roberts, WyandotteJennifer Rupp, MarshallJames Schmiechen, DouglasDavid Schon, Washington D.C.

MHPN STAFF

Nancy M. FinegoodExecutive DirectorKatie LargeAssistant to the Executive DirectorNan TaylorMHPN/NTHP Field RepresentativeEllen ThackeryMHPN/NTHP Field RepresentativeBrenna MoloneyMHPN/NTHP Preservation Specialist

(continued from page 4)

Goal: To assist Flint in its revitalization, capitalizing on its historic assets.What we’re doing: MHPN has organized two meetings with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Flint historic district commission and other local residents interested in historic preservation; the Flint historic district commission (HDC) will be participating in an upcoming MSHDA/SHPO-sponsored HDC training workshop facilitated by MHPN. MHPN has arranged for a meeting that Flint’s HDC requested that will help answer questions about lead issues and rehabilitation. Additional workshops are being scheduled to address the Commission’s and the City’s concerns and to assist them in their preservation and revitalization efforts.

Macomb County Schoolhouse at 31-Mile and Mound RoadsA researcher was looking for further information about a one-room schoolhouse in Macomb County for a client.

Her goal: To learn more about this schoolhouse and possibly the surrounding farmstead nearby.Her obstacles: Lack of resources.What we’re doing: We provided information about the Macomb County Historical Society, the Macomb County Historical Commission, the One-Room Schoolhouse Association and its survey of one-room schoolhouses, the link to a book about one-room schoolhouses in Michigan, and online links to research resources in Macomb County.

First-time Developer in DetroitA gentleman contacted us who had recently purchased a historic building in Brush Park with plans to rehabilitate it. He needed help to know where to turn and how to get things done.His goal: To rehabilitate a historic building.His obstacles: Trying to understand the incentives available and the kinds of designations his building has.What we’re doing: We provided contact information for the staff at the City of Detroit so that he could straighten out his designations, we provided information about the state and federal tax credits, and we provided information to him about professionals and the services available to him through MHPN’s Historic Resource Council. We also followed up with him at the end of the month to see if there is anything else we can assist with to help him complete his project.

Have You Seen Our New Website?

Go Towww.mhpn.org

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Michigan Modern UpdateOn October 18, 2010, the SHPO’s Michigan Modern team, along with staff from the Archives of Michigan, met with Wayne State University archivists to discuss the Minoru Yamasaki archival materials held at Wayne State University and the Archives of Michigan.

Later that day the Michigan Modern team met with the Yamasaki Advisory Board, which is made up of Wayne State University faculty and staff, architects, preservation professionals, historians, and other interested parties, to discuss the rehabilitation of the water features that were part of Yamasaki’s original designs for the McGregor Memorial Conference Center and Helen L. DeRoy Auditorium buildings on the campus of Wayne State University.

The SHPO staff fi nished their visit to WSU with a tour of the Archive of Labor and Urban Affairs at WSU’s Reuther Library led by library director Michael Smith.

New Weatherization Assistance Program Staff

Mollie Douglas and Jessica Williams are the new Weatherization Assistance Program reviewers for the Michigan State Historic Preservation Offi ce (SHPO). Mollie and Jessica review thousands of projects funded through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), for which Michigan will receive approximately $243 million under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Mollie and Jessica work with the Michigan Department of Human Services providing technical assistance and guidance to thirty community action agencies throughout the state as they administer the WAP program. (continued on page 7)

SHPO NewsGary Heidel Named

MSHDA Executive Director

On October 20, 2010, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority Board named Gary Heidel, former director of the Program Policy and Market Research division, the permanent executive director of MSHDA.

“I am honored to have this opportunity and look forward to continuing to work with the State Historic Preservation Offi ce and our partners as we move Michigan f o r w a r d ,” G a r y s a i d . G a r y indicated confi dence that with the support of federal, state, and local governments, developers, builders, lenders, realtors and nonprofi ts, we can continue creating fi rst-in-the-

country innovative public-private partnerships that align and leverage resources to invest in a New Michigan.

SHPO to Use Grant Money to Design and Implement Statewide Geographic Information System

The State Historic Preservation Offi ce (SHPO) has received a $778,407 federal Transportation Enhancement Grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to bring the SHPO’s electronic record keeping, and that of the Offi ce of the State Archaeologist (OSA), into the 21st century, and more in line with the National Park Service and other SHPOs nationwide.

The SHPO, OSA, and MDOT are partnering in the design and implementation of a new database and statewide Geographic Information System (GIS) for the management of Michigan’s historic resources. The GIS framework will allow SHPO and OSA to better manage and analyze data related to historic sites, economic incentives, and a variety of environmental review processes. It also will allow data to be delivered online for tourism, education, research, economic development, and planning purposes. Agencies like MDOT, local governments, universities, and consultants will be able to access up-to-date data relating to historic sites and projects and upload new data electronically. This technology will greatly streamline SHPO and OSA’s workfl ow and help provide a more effi cient service to our partners in the public and private sectors.

The project will be managed by the SHPO’s GIS coordinator Ted Grevstad-Nordbrock.

Gary Heidel (photo courtesy of MSHDA).

The McGregor Memorial Conference Center and water garden (photo courtesy of SHPO).

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----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For Individuals and Households: For other entities:_____$40 Basic Membership _____ $75 Organization/ Institution/_____$20 Student (enclose copy of student ID) Government_____$20 Senior (age 60 and older) _____ $120 Historic Resource Council_____$100 Patron (includes $60 gift) _____ $150 Historic District Commission or_____$250 Sponsor (includes $210 gift) Committee (up to 10 members)_____$500 Benefactor (includes $460 gift)Method of Payment:_____Check enclosed (payable to ‘MHPN’) Charge my: ____Visa ___Mastercard ___Discover

Name on Card ____________________________ Member’s Name __________________________Phone __________________________________ Street Address ____________________________Credit Card Number _______________________ City/State/Zip ____________________________Expiration Date M/Y ______________________ Email Address ____________________________

CVV (3 digit verifi cation code on back of card) ___________ (required to process card)

Card Holder’s Signature ______________________________________________________________

MHPN, 107 E. Grand River Ave., Lansing MI 48906 517-371-8080 fax 517-371-9090 info@mhpn.org

PleaseJoin uus!

Completeand rreturn

the aattachedmembershipform ttoday.

Mollie and Jessica are both graduates of the historic preservation graduate program at Eastern Michigan University. Mollie is a native of Michigan. She holds a Master of Science degree in historic preservation planning and a Bachelor of Arts degree in art history. Mollie gained technical conservation experience through her work with Building Arts & Conservation, Inc. and attained a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) professional accreditation through the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). Prior to joining the SHPO, Mollie assisted in a wide range of cultural resource management projects throughout the U.S. as an architectural historian and consultant with the architecture and engineering fi rm of Mead & Hunt, Inc.

A native of West Virginia, Jessica holds a Master of Science degree in historic preservation, a Bachelor of Arts in business administration,

Jessica Williams (l) and Mollie Douglas (r)(photo courtesy of SHPO).

While MHPN is always grateful for fi nancial donations, sometimes we just need stuff! Below is a recent list from the MHPN offi ce staff and board members on our current needs. • Safety deposit box, approximately 16” x 12”• PowerPoint projector (ours died a nasty death in 2009!)• Area rug (38” wide x 80” long) prefer brown or tan• Kitchen/storage cabinet with doors (24” wide x 36” tall or 48”

wide x 36” tall), • An upright vacuum (we do our own cleaning to keep costs down

and the one we have is a loaner on its last legs).

• Ink cartridges for two different printers (HP 96 black and 97 color; HP 56 black/ 57 color)

• Computer networking system (two or more computers and printers) and IT assistance for Lansing offi ce

• Pre-paid gas credit cards (Michigan is a big state and our staff travels to much of it every year!)

• Items for our annual Silent and Live Auctions. Used items/antiques must be clean and in good condition. Prefer delivery to Lansing offi ce, but pick-up may be arranged. Lodging/Travel is always a popular item in our auctions.

and an Associate of Applied Science degree in building preservation and restoration technology. Jessica has worked as a building pathologist and an architectural historian on a variety of cultural resource management projects throughout the U.S., including work with the U.S. Department of Defense. Most recently Jessica worked with numerous local governments and schools throughout Michigan as an energy effi ciency analyst in the Bureau of Energy Systems where she performed energy audits on new and historic buildings.

Mollie and Jessica have traveled the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of

Michigan educating weatherization directors, contractors, and technical assistants on how to appropriately weatherize older and historic homes. The Weatherization Assistance Program anticipates weatherizing 35,000 homes by 2012. Mollie and Jessica are passionate about raising awareness about the energy effi ciency potential of historic buildings.

MHPN Wish List

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Michigan Historic Preservation Network

107 E. Grand River Ave.Lansing, Michigan 48906517.371.8080

Address Correction Requested

Non-Profi t Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDLansing, MIPermit # 37

Printed on Recycled Paper

The State Historic Preservation Offi ce and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority are sponsoring ten training workshops for local historic district commissions around the state. The training workshops will be facilitated by MHPN. Communities who will receive the workshops for their commissioners are: Allegan, Detroit, Flint, Lansing, Muskegon, Owosso, Saginaw, and Saugatuck. Clarkston and Jackson have already received their training workshops. As Cara Catallo of Clarkston’s Historic District Commission explains, "The training workshop afforded a great opportunity to discuss pertinent HDC information and helped us tighten our operations as a commission. I'm the newest member, and Ellen helped me feel more up to speed. I hope she can return to speak at a community-wide event so residents can better understand why we should treasure what we have." Workshops for the other communities are currently being scheduled.

“We thank our partners at MSHDA and SHPO for this opportunity. We are thrilled to be able to provide these workshops at no cost for ten communities around the state who could not otherwise participate, and we’d love to facilitate more. There is defi nitely a strong need for these workshops right now,” says MHPN’s Executive Director Nancy Finegood.

In these diffi cult economic times, many Michigan communities are drastically reducing their budgets, of ten eliminating training opportunities for staff, elected offi cials, and volunteer

commissioners. In many communities, staff to local historic district commissions has also been reduced or eliminated. At the same time, many local historic district commissions are faced with an increased volume in applications for commissioners to review and applications for more complex work than commissioners have seen in the past. For all of these reasons, many local historic district commissions have turned to MHPN for assistance and support.

MHPN has offered Historic District Commissioner Training Workshops since 1989. To schedule a training workshop or for local historic district commission assistance, please contact MHPN at info@mhpn.org or at 517-371-8080. A training workshop for historic district commissioners has been scheduled as part of MHPN’s 2011 statewide conference in Saugatuck-Douglas on Saturday, May 21st from 9 am to noon.

MHPN’s Partners SHPO and MSHDA Assist Communities throughout the State

Resources for Local Historic District Commissions

MHPN: 517-371-8080 or info@mhpn.orgSHPO: Amy Arnold, 517-335-2729 or

arnolda@michigan.govNational Alliance of Preservation Commissions:

http://www.uga.edu/napc/

Michigan Historic Preservation Network 2011 Preservation Awards

The Michigan Historic Preservation Network is accepting nominations for the 2011 Preservation Awards.

The Awards Program will be held during the MHPN Annual Michigan Preservation Conference in Saugatuck-Douglas, May 20, 2011.

Award descriptions and nomination requirements are presented on the following pages. A nomination form and

instructions for its completion are also provided. Submission deadline: Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 5:00 p.m.

Required Documentation for all Submissions: All award submissions must be in digital format, submitted on a CD or DVD. Digital files must include the nomination form (a PDF version will be available on the MHPN website), supporting nomination text, support letters and other documentation, and 6-10 good quality (300 dpi) photographs in TIFF or JPEG format. Forms, text, and letters may be in Word or PDF format. Hard copies of submission materials are not required.

AWARD CATEGORIES

Building Award Awarded to an outstanding building preservation project completed within the past three years.

The project may be restoration or rehabilitation, must include exterior rehabilitation work and may also involve interior work.

Required Documentation Nomination information should include the building size, age, style and history of use, the

building owner and tenants, the work done, financing, local or state assistance received, name of contractor and/or architect, and any other special design considerations. Include before and after photos (6-10 each) and historic images, if available. Please designate if the project was residential or non-residential (commercial, government, etc).

Preservation Gem Award Awarded to an outstanding preservation project completed within the last three years that includes

restoration or rehabilitation of an element of a building, or of a structure or an object: for example, a front porch, major window rehabilitation, or single interior room, or a commercial facade, theater marquee or similar single commercial building element, or of a structure or object, or other project that does not include a complete building or landscape rehabilitation.

Required Documentation The nomination should include a detailed description of the project, including a history of the

object or element, the work done, the owner of the object or element, and relevant information on who carried out the work (conservator, contractor, etc). Include before and after photographs (6-10 each) and historic images, if available.

Citizen Award Reserved for an outstanding individual who, through personal effort and/or involvement in historic

preservation projects, has made a significant contribution to the preservation of Michigan's heritage.

Required Documentation Nomination information should include organizations of which the nominee is a member, tenure,

leadership positions held, and a list of accomplishments in historic preservation that were directly attributable to the nominee. Supporting documentation is very helpful. Photographs should include a closeup (head and shoulders) shot of the nominee and other relevant images.

Community Award Presented to a community; i.e. neighborhood association, business preservation group, historical

society, etc., that has engaged in a comprehensive plan for historic preservation related projects. Required Documentation Nomination information should include goals of the community or association, etc. and how these

goals were accomplished. Supporting documentation may include listings of public hearings or other informational meetings held, lists of publications distributed with copies attached, and before and after photographs of community rehabilitation projects, as applicable.

Government/ Institutional Award Presented to agencies, cities and/or institutions who by their actions have accomplished significant

positive changes in the historic preservation climate and activity in the State of Michigan.

Required Documentation Nomination information should include detailed documentation showing nominees'

accomplishments and/or involvement in historic preservation-related activities, including photographs of relevant projects.

Cultural Landscape Award Awarded to an outstanding cultural landscape preservation project completed in the last three

years. Cultural landscapes can include a wide range of special places ranging from gardens, parks, heritage areas or corridors, scenic byways and thousand-acre rural landscapes to quaint homesteads and front yards. The nominated project should be a restoration of a prior existing historic landscape or the preservation of a landscape of some historical or cultural significance.

Required Documentation Nomination information should include a description and history of the property(ies), the property

owner(s), photographs, plans and/or maps of the project and/or site, the work done, financing, local or state assistance received, name of contractor and/or landscape architect, if any, and any other special documentation.

Tax Credit Project Award Awarded to an outstanding building preservation project completed within the past three years.

The project may be restoration or rehabilitation, must include exterior rehabilitation work and may also involve interior work. Must include qualified use of federal and/or state tax credit programs.

Required Documentation Nomination information should include the building size, age, style and history of use, the

building owner, the work done, financing, local or state assistance received, name of contractor and/or architect, and any other special project. Include before and after photographs (6-10 each). Please designate if the project was residential or commercial.

NOMINATION PROCEDURES

We invite you to submit your nominations for any of the above categories. Please submit a separate nomination form and supporting documentation for each category. If you are unsure of what category your nomination might fall under, please contact the MHPN office at 517-371-8080. No supporting materials are returnable. Submission of photographs and other material authorizes the Michigan Historic Preservation Network to use them for judging and award presentation, and to publish such material in the course of its activities. These awards will be judged by the Awards Committee made up of members of the Michigan Historic Preservation Network Board, which will judge the nominations as to the degree to which the building, citizen, community, tax credit, cultural landscape, or government/institution has: 1) made a positive impact on historic preservation in their/its community or the State as a whole; 2) affected other communities, projects or individuals; and 3) deemed a success locally and/or statewide; and 4) adhered to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, where applicable The jury will evaluate each nomination on its individual merit. In the case of rehabilitation of existing structures, awards will be given for outstanding examples in which the integrity of the historic structures is retained or restored and in which alterations or additions are appropriate and the historic context is respected. The jury reserves the right to make multiple awards or no award in each category and to nominate projects it deems worthy of awards. Mailing and Delivery All nominations should be mailed to: Michigan Historic Preservation Network, 107 E. Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906-4348 Deadline. Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. Nominations received after that time (or incomplete nominations) will not be considered for this year's program. Nominations may be resubmitted in the following year.

GENERAL NOMINATION INFORMATION REQUIRED: NOMINEE:

(Organization or Individual Nominated) ADDRESS:

Street City Zip TELEPHONE: ( ) NOMINATED BY:

(Name)

Street City Zip

Telephone (work) (home)

a. Entry category (circle one):

Building Award (Residential or Non-Residential) Preservation Gem Award Citizen’s Award Community Award Cultural Landscape Award Government/Institution Award Tax Credit Project Award (Residential or Non-Residential)

b. Name of community:

c. Name of project:

d. Names, addresses and telephone numbers of two contacts who may be called for additional

information:

e. Additional Documentation. See Award Categories.

Attach or enclose required information with this form. No supporting materials are returnable.

Nomination and supporting documents must be received by Wednesday, February 23, 2011. Michigan Historic Preservation Network

107 E. Grand River Ave. Lansing, Michigan 48906-4348

ADDITIONAL NOMINATION INFORMATION REQUIRED:

For applicable nominated categories please provide the following additional information: Architect: Landscape Architect: Specialty Consultants: CM or General Contractor: Specialty Contractors: Others to be Recognized: