Half a dozen Michigan communities are getting a boost to safeguarding their local histories with new funding through a state, local and federal collaborative.
The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) gave out $211,000 in grants to Flat Rock, Jackson, Lansing, Linden, Niles and Pontiac, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Michigan Strategic Fund said in a July 22 news release. The funds are going to hiring staff and supporting local planning efforts as part of the cities' historic preservation initiatives.
The funding comes from the Historic Preservation Fund Certified Local Government program, a partnership among local, state, and national governments, administered by the National Park Service in coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office,
per the release.
“Every year through the Certified Local Government grant program, SHPO is afforded the unique opportunity to be able to financially support local preservation efforts, said State Historic Preservation Officer Ryan M. Schumaker. “This grant funding in addition our larger CLG program provide key tools to help local communities preserve what makes them unique. We are pleased to support this year’s awardees as they continue to work to tell a more complete story of their communities.”
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Here's what to know about Michigan's new historic funding.
How much historic funding is the state giving?
Michigan's State Historic Preservation Office has given $211,000 worth of grants to six Michigan communities for historic preservation efforts, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Michigan Strategic Fund said in the release. The funding comes from the federal Historic Preservation Fund Certified Local Government program.
What communities are getting the funds?
The historic grants went to Flat Rock, Jackson, Lansing, Linden, Niles and Pontiac, the release noted.
How will the funds be used in Flat Rock?
In downriver's Flat Rock in southeast Michigan, a grant to the city will fund hiring a qualified preservation consultant to make a set of comprehensive historic preservation design guidelines for Flat Rock's future local historic district and outline best practice guidance documents for the historic district commission, per the release. These documents will prepare city staff and commission members to guide historic preservation activities give current and future property owners a better understanding of preservation best practices, the release said.
How will the funds be used in Jackson?
A grant to the city of Jackson in south-central Michigan will be used to coordinate with the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions to host a Commission Assistance and Mentoring Program for Jackson's historic district commission and staff, and other regional partners, the release said. The training will include best practice guidance to improve Jackson's management of its local historic districts and its preservation activities.
“The City of Jackson is excited to receive funding from SHPO as part of the CLG grant program,” said Cory Mays, grant coordinator for the City of Jackson. “Funds will be used to support training for our historic district commission members, helping to enhance our work in the City. We are proud of the continued partnership with SHPO and humbled with this award.”
How will the funds be used in Lansing?
In mid-Michigan's Lansing, a grant to the city will fund the hiring of a qualified contractor to do a historic resource survey of properties within the Espanore subdivision, among the Westside Neighborhood's original subdivision plats, per the release. This survey will initiate data collection on local historic resources to guide future decision-making and efforts to recognize, promote and tell the community's story, the release said.
“The City of Lansing is excited to accept and utilize the Certified Local Government grant, its first since 2007, to complete a reconnaissance survey of the Espanore plat of the historic Westside neighborhood,” said Andy Fedewa, principal planner for the City of Lansing. “The survey will document the neighborhood's architectural and cultural resources, improve understanding of its historic significance, and provide an updated foundation for preservation planning. This effort will help inform future decision-making, educate property owners, and ensure the neighborhood's unique character and history are recognized and preserved for future generations.”
How will the funds be used in Linden?
A grant to the city of Linden in southeast Michigan's Genesee County will fund the hiring of a qualified preservation consultant to make an updated set of comprehensive historic preservation design guidelines that would better align with preservation best practices, the release noted. The document is set to include clear guidance to historic district commissioners, city staff and the public and create a consistent approach to protect the historic character of Linden's local historic district, per the release.
"We are honored for receipt of this grant and for the important investment within the City of Linden! Working with a qualified consultant on a comprehensive update of Linden's Historic District Design Guidelines will provide improved guidance to our Historic District Commission,” said City Clerk Kristyn Kanyak. “In addition, this grant will also ensure design standards are better aligned with current preservation standards and best practices for residential and commercial building enhancements, to better support property and business owners, residents and contractors within our Historic District."
How will the funds be used in Niles?
A grant to the city of Niles in southwest Michigan will fund accessibility improvements at the Fort St. Joseph Museum, the former carriage house for the Historic Chapin Mansion and part of the Niles History Center, the release said. These updates will improve Niles' ongoing stewardship of the region's history and its ability to host events and programs at the site, including educational programs for all ages, per the release.
“The City of Niles is thrilled to be a recipient of the Certified Local Government grant,” said Christina H. Arseneau, director, Niles History Center. “These funds will allow us to make one of our community’s historic landmarks more accessible. More people will visit as a result and have a chance to experience the Historic Chapin Mansion and Fort St. Joseph Museum. Thank you to MEDC and SHPO for this opportunity!”
How will the funds be used in Pontiac?
In metro Detroit's Pontiac, a grant will fund the hiring of a qualified preservation consultant to make an updated set of comprehensive historic preservation design guidelines for the city's downtown historic district, per the release. This document will offer clear, updated guidance to historic district commissioners, city staff and the public in correspondence with future developments in the historic commercial core of Pontiac with preservation best practices, the release said.
"Participation in the Certified Local Government program provides our community with the critical resources and technical expertise needed to establish design guidelines that protect Pontiac’s historic character, guide property rehabilitation, and foster long-term economic vitality downtown," said Lisa P. Campbell, director of strategic partnerships for the City of Pontiac.
How will the funds be used by the Old Town Commercial Association?
Through the city of Lansing, the Old Town Commercial Association is getting a grant to fund the hiring of a qualified contractor to prepare a set of updated design standards that can be used to support development activities and facade grant programs in the North Lansing Historic Commercial District, per the release.
“The Old Town Commercial Association is honored to receive this Certified Local Government grant in partnership with the State Historic Preservation Office,” said James Lenon, Executive Director, Old Town Commercial Association. “Old Town's historic buildings and unique character are at the heart of what makes this district special, and these design guidelines will help ensure future investment respects that legacy while supporting thoughtful growth. This project is about providing clear, practical guidance for property owners, developers, and the community so that Old Town can continue to evolve without losing the historic identity that has made it one of Michigan's most recognizable commercial districts. We are grateful to SHPO and the MEDC for investing in the preservation and future of Old Town.”
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: State awards historic preservation funding to these cities. See where
