LANSING, MICH. – Six Michigan preservation projects today were awarded Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation during a special ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda hosted by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) at MSHDA.
“Historic structures and archaeological sites help to anchor our communities,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “These projects contribute to our economy and strengthen the neighborhoods we call home. When we can educate people about our state’s unique past and inspire curiosity in new skills that could lead to job opportunities, we are helping to build a stronger Michigan.”
Now in its 16th year, the award program was created by SHPO to celebrate outstanding historic preservation achievements that reflect a commitment to the preservation of Michigan’s unique character and the many archaeological sites and historic structures that document our rich past.
“Each year during National Historic Preservation Month the Governor’s Award program gives us an opportunity to recognize and thank just some of the people responsible for preserving Michigan’s rich cultural heritage,” said State Historic Preservation Officer Brian Conway. “The projects we recognize are a fraction of the work being done throughout the state to transform communities through the preservation of historic buildings and archaeological sites.”
National Historic Preservation Month was established in 1973 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to help local preservation groups, historical societies, and communities promote historic places and heritage tourism and to demonstrate the social and economic benefits of historic preservation. This year’s award recipients spearheaded projects that saved special places, increased economic activity and continue to educate residents and visitors about Michigan’s history.
“From passionate homeowners to large collaborative projects, these recipients exemplify some of the highest standards of historic preservation,” said MSHDA Acting Executive Director Gary Heidel.
The 2019 Governor’s Award recipients are:
- Mitchell Cobbs Building LLC and the city of Cadillac for the rehabilitation of the Cobbs and Mitchell Building, Cadillac
- Roxbury Group, Artisan Contracting Co., Infuz Ltd. Architects and Kidorf Preservation Consulting for the rehabilitation of the Cadillac House, Lexington
- Friends of the Capitol Theatre LLC, The Christman Company, and DLR Group for the rehabilitation of the Capitol Theatre, Flint
- New GAR LLC, Integrity Building Group and Sachse Construction for the rehabilitation of the Grand Army of the Republic Building, Detroit
- Tim and Kerry Bennett for the restoration of the Warner Historic Homestead and associated archaeological education program near Brighton
- Michigan Historic Preservation Network for its innovative Preservation Trades Programs, statewide
To learn about previous recipients of Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation, go to www.michigan.gov/SHPO and click on SHPO Programs & Projects.
(FLINT, Mich. – May 7, 2019) The historic Capitol Theatre is a recipient of this year’s Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation. The richly detailed, ornate theatre – which reopened in December 2017 after a $32-million renovation – has emerged as the crown jewel of the performance arts and entertainment scene in the ongoing revitalization of downtown Flint.
The history of the theatre is not only important for the sense of place and pride it promotes but is critical in the overall vision of a resurgent city.
“This is truly an honor for the City of Flint and for all of the hard work and craftsmanship that went into restoring this gem to its original splendor,” said Tim Herman, president of Uptown Reinvestment Corp., which redeveloped the facility and supervised its renovation. “The Capitol Theatre is a real hit for Flint & Genesee, and it would not have been possible without the great partnerships that were forged to make it all possible.”
Mark Sinila, chief operating officer of the Flint Cultural Center Corp., echoed Herman’s remarks.
“The Capitol, along with being an architectural jewel, is a state-of-the-art performance arts theatre. It is a tremendous addition to our portfolio of entertainment venues in Flint,” said Sinila, interim director of The Whiting, which manages theatre operations.
The Michigan State Historic Preservation Office selected the Capitol Theatre project for:
- Showing a commitment to “doing the job right” reflecting the highest preservation standards and ethics;
- Reflecting a spirit of cooperation and teamwork by bringing together varied partners;
- Leveraging the SHPO/State Archaeology programs or expertise or other state incentive programs;
- Having strong support from and/or direct involvement from community members.
“The collaboration between the nonprofit sector, Michigan Economic Development Corp. and private foundations underscores the hard work needed to bring a complex project such as the Capitol Theatre rehabilitation to fruition,” said State Historic Preservation Officer Brian D. Conway. “Careful attention was paid to restoring many of the historic features of the building and auditorium while modernizing it for today’s audiences. This project has brightened the community and the Flint area has a new destination for education and entertainment.”
The Capitol was designed by the world-renowned architect John Eberson and constructed and developed by WS Butterfield Theatres, Inc. in 1928. Built in Italian renaissance style, one ceiling was designed after the outer vestibule of St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome and interior walls recreate views of buildings that evoke old Italy.
The Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation are presented in May during National Historic Preservation Month and recognize, among others, developers who transform underutilized historic structures into vital economic assets while striving to preserve Michigan’s important historic and cultural resources.
For the Governor’s Award news release, click here.
Flint native Jason Trice is not only a businessman in fashion, but he is all about lifting up Flint and supporting what it stands for. Born and raised on Flint’s North-side, he graduated from Flint Northern and went on to Grand Valley State University to play football. After graduating, Trice taught and coached for GVSU, and was inducted into the GVSU Athletic Hall of fame, discovering his interest in business and fashion while helping the athletic department develop its attire.
The brand was featured in nationwide “InStyle” magazine as the must-have comfy sweatshirt for actress Gabrielle Union. With its unique design, Trice first developed the Bedrock brand – a sweatshirt with multi-colored lettering spelling out Bedrock across the chest.
Bedrock isn’t only about clothes – it’s about Flint, and its strong roots, surviving and thriving. “ A brand built on moral integrity. The Contents of One’s Character Carried out in One’s Clothing. Stay Rock Solid,” is what the Bedrock site is all about. Bedrock is about “being strong, having a strong foundation and being able to go for it without fear of failure.”
Read the full story here:
https://www.flintside.com/inthenews/BedrockApparelgainingnationalattention.aspx
Located at the corner of Second Street and Brush Alley, The Eberson opened this summer on June 4th, making it the first official arcade bar, including stand-up arcade games, pinball, shuffleboard, as well as old fashioned tabletop card games.
The Eberson highlights a full bar with mixed drinks, craft cocktails and a 16 tap draft beer list. The Eberson was named after John Eberson, the original architect of the Capitol Theatre building by co-owner Spencer Ruegsegger.
This new and unique bar scene brings an interesting and exciting prospective to Flint and the already successful bar scene and is expected to draw a very mixed crowd, from college students to business professionals, to an after-venue crowd.
Read the full story here:
https://www.mlive.com/news/flint/2019/06/new-flint-arcade-bar-opens-with-16-vintage-games-craft-beers-on-tap.html
