Preserving Detroit’s Architectural Heritage: A New Grant to Honor Nathan Johnson’s Legacy
LANSING, Mich. – A renewed focus on Detroit’s architectural history is underway as the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) receives a $75,000 boost from the Historic Preservation Fund’s Underrepresented Communities Grant program, as announced by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
These funds will be pivotal in hiring a preservation consultant to delve into the legacy of Nathan Johnson, a key figure in Detroit’s modernist architecture scene. The project involves a comprehensive study of Johnson’s work, the development of a historical context, and the nomination of a property designed by him to the National Register of Historic Places. Furthermore, the project aims to produce a Multiple Property Documentation Form to facilitate future nominations of Johnson’s works. Noir Design Parti, a Detroit non-profit committed to highlighting the contributions of Black architects, will play an advisory role.
State Historic Preservation Officer Ryan Schumaker highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “Funding from the National Park Service’s Underrepresented Communities Grant program will allow SHPO to further its work in bringing broader awareness to the histories of underrepresented communities across Michigan.” Collaborating with Noir Design Parti, SHPO intends to illuminate Nathan Johnson’s enduring impact on Michigan’s architectural landscape.
Nathan Johnson, a Kansas State University alumnus, moved to Detroit in 1950 and worked with notable architects before founding his own firm in 1956. Johnson initially gained recognition for his work with small Black congregations, with his modern design style becoming a defining trait. His firm expanded its portfolio in the 1960s, taking on larger projects, including churches, offices, and housing. Johnson also collaborated with the City of Detroit, notably designing the People Mover Stations and serving as the first Black architect on the Board of Education.
Saundra Little, FAIA, NOMA of Noir Design Parti, emphasized the significance of this project, saying, “Documenting the legacy of Detroit’s Black architects is essential to telling a fuller and more accurate story of our city.” Acknowledging Johnson as an influential architect who was awarded the AIA Detroit Gold Medal, Little noted the importance of including his story in Michigan’s architectural heritage.
Despite Johnson’s notable achievements, his contributions have yet to be officially recorded from a historic preservation standpoint. This initiative seeks to rectify this by raising public awareness and formally acknowledging his significance in Michigan’s architectural history. The documentation will also streamline future nominations of his works, thus enhancing access to preservation incentives to safeguard his legacy.
About the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office
The Michigan State Historic Preservation Office is dedicated to preserving culturally and archaeologically significant sites statewide. It offers technical assistance to communities and property owners in identifying and celebrating Michigan’s historic resources. SHPO also manages an incentives program, providing tax credits and grants to certified local governments.
About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
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