Kalamazoo, Detroit receive historic preservation grants

Awards totaling $172,000 will help cities preserve historic resources

LANSING, Mich. – The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has awarded grants to two cities totaling $172,000, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today. The grants represent awards from the federal Historic Preservation Fund – Certified Local Government (CLG) program granted to the Michigan Strategic Fund and administered by the SHPO.

"We are pleased to support the preservation efforts in Kalamazoo and Detroit," said Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Martha MacFarlane-Faes. "By taking the step to become Certified Local Governments these cities have committed to identify historic resources in their communities and take active steps to preserve them."

Certified Local Governments are counties, townships, cities or villages that partner with the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service to preserve their historic and cultural resources. CLGs demonstrate ongoing commitment to historic preservation through the enactment of a historic preservation ordinance, the formation of a historic district commission, the ongoing survey and designation of properties, and public education.

The City of Kalamazoo is receiving a $90,000 grant to hire a consultant who meets federal professional qualifications to undertake a complete reconnaissance-level Historic Resource Survey of the Edison Neighborhood in the city of Kalamazoo. Located southeast of downtown, the Edison Neighborhood is home to a diverse mix of residential, commercial, and industrial properties, many of which exceed 100 years old.

The Model T Automotive Heritage Complex Inc., in partnership with the City of Detroit is receiving an $82,000 grant to hire a contractor to repair the floor decking and beams in sections 3B and 3C of the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant near New Center. This National Historic Landmark-designated building is the first purpose-built factory of the Ford Motor Company and was where the first Model T cars were produced in 1908. Today it is open to the public as the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant museum.

CLG grants are awarded annually on a competitive basis. Applicants may include active CLG communities or CLG communities in partnership with a non-profit organization or other public entity. The State Historic Preservation Office welcomes innovative proposals that promote historic preservation. The intent of the CLG grant program is to augment rather than replace existing local financial commitment to historic preservation activities. Grants are announced each year. For more information on CLG funding, visit www.michigan.gov/shpo.

The activity that is the subject of this project has been financed in part with Federal funds from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, through the Michigan Strategic Fund. However, the contents and opinions herein do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of the Interior or the Michigan Strategic Fund, nor does the mention of trade names or commercial product herein constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Department of the Interior or the Michigan Strategic Fund.

This program receives Federal financial assistance for identification and protection of historic properties. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in its federally assisted programs. Michigan law prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, or disability. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire further information, please write to:

Chief, Office of Equal Opportunity Programs
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
1849 C Street, NW, MS-2740
Washington, DC 20240

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.