Michigan Awards $673K for Rural Historic Building Preservation

LANSING, Mich. – Rural communities across Michigan are set to benefit from a substantial financial injection aimed at preserving their historic structures. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has announced the distribution of nearly $673,000 in grants, focusing on the revitalization of buildings with historic significance. These grants are part of the Rural Heritage Partnership Grant Program, which is funded by the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants Program through the National Park Service.

The program aims to fill gaps in funding for historic properties in rural areas, often lacking resources for such initiatives. “Through the SHPO’s Statewide Preservation Plan engagement process, we consistently heard from rural communities about their need for financial support to preserve historic downtowns and community corridors,” stated Michigan’s State Historic Preservation Officer Ryan M. Schumaker. The funding is seen as a catalyst for economic development and community pride.

Grants ranging from $51,000 to $100,000 have been allocated to eight communities in Michigan, including Alpena, Benzie, Berrien, Calhoun, Iron, Keweenaw, Sanilac, and Shiawassee Counties. These funds will be used to preserve buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

Included in the funded projects are efforts to address structural issues such as foundation stabilization, roof replacement, and masonry repairs. These improvements will help protect against water damage and structural deterioration. Here are some of the projects receiving support:

Albion: Albion District Library Rehabilitation

The Albion District Library has been awarded $100,000 to tackle water infiltration problems threatening its historic Carnegie building. The project will focus on stabilizing and rehabilitating the library’s entry and foundation, marking the beginning of a broader effort to ensure accessibility and resilience.

Library Director Cynthia Stanczak expressed appreciation for the grant, stating, “It’s been painful to see the damage happening to our original Carnegie building, and we’re excited to see it remedied, with SHPO’s help.”

Alpena: 307 South Third Avenue Redevelopment

The Alpena Downtown Development Authority received $100,000 to stabilize the vacant former Pontiac and Cadillac building, enabling its redevelopment as the Alpena Food Co-Op. The grant will fund roof repairs and the initial phase of storefront rehabilitation.

“The Alpena DDA is grateful to receive a grant through this Rural Heritage Grant Program to protect and preserve a key mid-century building in Downtown Alpena,” said Anne Gentry, executive director.

Alpha: Alpha Porter Gymnasium Masonry Rehabilitation Project

A $100,000 grant will help the Alpha Porter Gym restore its exterior masonry, ensuring the building is weathertight and can serve as a community center once again.

Project Manager Lydia Novitsky noted, “Without this financial support, the project could not move forward with the integrity needed to prepare for a future of continued community use.”

Benzonia: Mills Community House Masonry Stabilization

The Mills Community House is receiving $51,000 to address masonry deterioration, helping to maintain its role as a community center and library.

Berrien Township: South Berrien Center Union Church Rehabilitation

Berrien Township has been awarded $57,000 to activate the 1857 South Berrien Center Union Church for future community use. The funding will support the installation of new mechanical systems and stabilize the entrance.

Trustee Cynthia Layman stated, “Restoring this landmark means welcoming visitors to our area and keeping a beloved gathering place alive for the families who call this community home.”

Eagle Harbor: Eagle Harbor Fog Signal Building Roof Rehabilitation

The Keweenaw County Historical Society will use a $100,000 grant to restore the 1895 Eagle Harbor Fog Signal Building’s historic roof, preventing further water damage and preserving its role as part of the maritime museum.

“This grant allows KCHS to restore the Fog Signal Building’s original 1895 iron-plate exterior,” said Gerald L. Hintz, Jr., project coordinator.

Owosso: Lebowsky Center Historic Masonry Rehabilitation

The Lebowsky Center is set to receive $80,500 to repair its masonry, addressing years of mortar failure and water infiltration. This effort aims to preserve the center’s ability to offer community programming.

“This grant is a gamechanger for the Lebowsky Center,” said Kathy Brooks, executive director.

Port Sanilac: Loop-Harrison House Rehabilitation

The Sanilac County Historical Society will use $85,000 to rehabilitate the Loop-Harrison House, addressing structural issues and enabling continued educational programming.

Administrator Dan Finn commented, “This grant opportunity has been long awaited. We have needed resources to provide serious attention to the rehabilitation of our cornerstone heritage building.”

Project Funding

These grants are made possible through the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants Program, administered by the National Park Service. The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

About the State Historic Preservation Office

Michigan’s State Historic Preservation Office is dedicated to safeguarding historically and archaeologically significant sites across the state. The office provides technical assistance to communities and property owners and administers incentive programs, including tax credits and grants.

For more information about the State Historic Preservation Office, visit https://www.miplace.org/historic-preservation/.