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| The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to Michigan.gov/DNR. |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 8, 2025 Contact: [email protected] Gov. Whitmer Honors Seven Historic Preservation Projects Across Michigan The annual Governor’s Awards recognizes historic preservation achievements in Michigan
LANSING, MICH. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced seven Michigan preservation projects were awarded Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation during a ceremony hosted by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Communities represented by the projects include Rogers City, Charlevoix, Niles, and Detroit. “It’s an honor to celebrate the 2025 Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation,” said Governor Whitmer. “These awardees are helping us build a stronger Michigan by preserving the places and stories that define who we are. Their work honors our shared past while creating vibrant spaces where people want to live, work, and invest. Historic preservation is key to our ‘Make it in Michigan’ strategy of supporting jobs, growing local businesses, and fostering pride across our communities.” Now in its 22nd year, the Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation program, held annually during National Historic Preservation Month, 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 places that represent our rich past. This year’s event took place in Heritage Hall at the Michigan State Capitol. “Each May, the State Historic Preservation Office is proud to recognize outstanding efforts to protect and celebrate Michigan’s rich history through the Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation,” said Ryan Schumaker, State Historic Preservation Officer. “This year’s seven awardees reflect a deep commitment to preserving places that matter, not just for their architectural significance, but for the stories they tell about the people and communities that shaped our state. These projects help ensure that Michigan’s history remains a source of pride, identity, and opportunity for generations to come.”
The 2025 Governor’s Awards recipients are listed below. For full details and videos of each project, visit here. Long-term stewardship of the Rogers Theater Rogers City, Presque Isle County
Awardees: Presque Isle District Library; Mr. Neon Lighting; Karl W. and Mary Ann Heidemann; Rachel Goodstein; and Richard and Janet Vogelheim
The Rogers Theater opened in 1937, providing a new entertainment venue and a touch of Art Moderne design to this northeast Michigan town. In an effort to broaden the types of entertainment which could be offered, a theatrical stage was added beneath the movie screen in the early 2000s. In 2016, the owners announced their plan to donate the theater to the Presque Isle District Library, where it would become another branch among the district’s five existing libraries, exclusively focused on arts, culture, and community programming. The Rogers Theater is a blueprint which illustrates how thoughtful property owners can partner with existing community assets to grow opportunities which benefit everyone.
Long-term stewardship of Charlevoix Historical Society Resources Charlevoix, Charlevoix County
Awardees: Charlevoix Historical Society; Freshwater Charch: a Design Build Firm; Smay Trombley Architecture; Richard Neumann Architect; Steven C. Seebohm Historic Paint Consultation; and the City of Charlevoix
The Charlevoix Historical Society was established in 1972 to enrich Charlevoix culture through preservation and education. Over the decades, the historical society has become the guardian of the 1892-built Harsha House, the 1892-built Chicago & West Michigan Railroad depot, and the 1948 Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse. The Harsha House is now the society’s History Museum, the depot is restored as an event venue, and the lighthouse remains the city’s most photographed landmark. Partnering with the City of Charlevoix and preservation specialists, the history and historic resources of this lakefront town will be in good hands for years to come.
“We in Northern Michigan have watched our region grow and change over the decades, so it is particularly important that we remember our heritage,” said state Senator John Damoose. “Nowhere is this truer than in Charlevoix. Anyone who knows the history of Charlevoix knows the unique interplay between industry and tourism that has defined the area from the beginning. I congratulate the recipients of today’s award for the rehabilitation and long-term stewardship of the Harsha House, Chicago and West Railroad Depot, and the South Pier Lighthouse. Your work will ensure the lessons of our own history are alive for generations to come.”
Rehabilitation of the Chapin Mansion Niles, Berrien County
Awardees: City of Niles; Niles History Center; and Mihm Enterprises, Inc.
Henry and Ruby Chapin built a highly decorative mansion in downtown Niles in 1884. The family later gifted the mansion to the city in 1932 to be used for civic purposes, and it became Niles’ City Hall. When city offices moved out in 2012, it was time for the mansion’s next chapter as part of the Niles History Center, the city’s municipally operated museum. Since 2012, more than $1.5 million has been invested into the repair and rehabilitation of the historic features of the mansion property from a combination of state, local, and private sources. The Chapin Mansion today hosts annual events, programming, and school and adult tours showcasing regional history. Niles has demonstrated a commitment to the mansion and gone above and beyond in its care, making it a true gem in southwest Michigan.
The collaborative Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project Niles, Berrien County
Awardees: Western Michigan University; the City of Niles; Niles History Center; and Support the Fort, Inc.
Fort Saint Joseph was established by the French in 1691 on the banks of the St. Joseph River. For nearly 100 years, it was a hub of colonial activity that brought together settlers, soldiers, fur trappers, and nearby Potawatomi and Miami settlements. After the United States claimed the territory in 1781, the fort was abandoned and eventually lost to time. Starting in 1998, a partnership between Western Michigan University and the local community has rediscovered the fort’s location, and helped inform the community about its past. This long-term collaboration today teaches aspiring archaeologists the field techniques needed for their future careers and shares what is found here through community events and a dynamic social media presence.
Rehabilitation of the Harry and Lucy Gordon House Detroit, Wayne County
Awardees: John and Victoria Lange; Terry Swafford, Inc.; McCarver Mechanical Heating and Cooling; and Koala Insulation of East Metro Detroit
Harry and Lucy Gordon were the first occupants of this 1926 Tudor Revival home in Detroit’s fashionable Sherwood Forest neighborhood. The Gordons’ house design featured decorative half timbering, dormers with diamond shingle cladding, and roofing tiles made from concrete. After nearly 100 years in service, the original roof of the home required repairs to address water damage and runoff. Owners John and Victoria Lange addressed this and other rehabilitation concerns by utilizing the new State Historic Preservation Tax Credit. Substantial effort was put into sourcing appropriate historic materials for the project, including a journey out of state to find matching historic roofing tiles. Historic materials and details contribute to the authenticity of a place. Homeowners such as the Langs exemplify the efforts of property owners across the state who live in historic districts, believe in their community, and are willing to go the extra mile, or in this case miles, to preserve the distinctive character of their home.
“The restoration of the Gordon House shows how thoughtful preservation strengthens the identity and legacy of our communities,” said state Senator Mallory McMorrow. “Nearly a century after it was built, this Tudor Revival home continues to tell Detroit’s story, thanks in large part to the dedication of homeowners like John and Victoria Lange. By utilizing Michigan’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit and going to great lengths to source authentic materials, they have not only preserved a remarkable piece of architecture, but demonstrated the profound role historic preservation plays in revitalizing our neighborhoods.”
Rehabilitation of the Book Tower Detroit, Wayne County
Awardees: Bedrock; ODA; Kraemer Design Group; and Brinker-Christman Joint Venture
During the height of the Roaring ‘20s, the Book Tower rose to briefly become the tallest building on Detroit’s skyline. For decades, it was a prestigious address for commercial enterprise. When the final tenant moved out in 2009, it became one of the tallest abandoned skyscrapers on the continent. Bedrock acquired the Book in 2015 and assembled a team of partners to rehabilitate the structure. Decorative exterior statues, masonry, and over 2,400 windows were cleaned, repaired or replaced. On the interior, the most challenging rehabilitation work involved reconstructing an ornate original glass and steel atrium dome. After eight years of work, the Book reopened to new residents and guests. The mixed-use redevelopment converted the 36-story tower and adjacent Book Building into a combination of apartments and hotel rooms, and includes office, retail, and event space. The project has brought new residents and round-the-clock activity to a once desolate corner. This signature building on the Detroit skyline is vibrant once again.
“The creativity and effort to restore the Book Tower and Michigan Central Station in Detroit was nothing short of extraordinary,” said state Representative Joe Tate. “These two gems should serve as testament of where Michigan can go when we all work together.”
Rehabilitation of the Michigan Central Station Detroit, Wayne County
Awardees: Ford Motor Company – Michigan Central; Quinn Evans; and Christman-Brinker Corktown Transformation Joint Venture
For much of the 20th century, millions of passengers from faraway places were welcomed to Michigan beneath the columns and archways of Michigan Central Station. But as modes of travel changed, the station languished. When the last train left in 1988, the building quickly spiraled into disrepair, left open to the elements and damaged by scrappers and vandals. The visionary leadership of Ford Motor Company saved the landmark and gave it new life. Ford acquired the property in 2018 to become the mixed-use centerpiece of a larger, 30-acre innovation and mobility hub. After six years of effort in a project that followed preservation best practices from start to finish, the station reopened in 2024. At the conclusion of the project, the Grand Hall, Ticket Lobby, Concourse, and other public spaces were thought to look as good as the day the building first opened, if not better. It has become a catalyst for new development and source of newfound civic pride. Learn More
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 have continued to educate residents and visitors about Michigan’s history. To learn more about the Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation program and explore prior year awards by region or by year on an interactive map, visit here. Focused on the historic preservation of culturally or archaeologically significant sites throughout the state, Michigan’s State Historic Preservation Office’s main function is to provide technical assistance to local communities and property owners in their efforts to identify, evaluate, designate, interpret and protect Michigan’s historic above- and below-ground resources. SHPO also administers an incentives program that includes state and federal tax credits, and pass-through grants available to certified local governments. For more information about historic preservation programs and services, visit www.michigan.gov/shpo. |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 8, 2025 Contact: [email protected] Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the following boards and commissions: Michigan Tax Tribunal; Michigan Historical Commission; Manufactured Housing Commission; Residential Builders’ and Maintenance and Alteration Contractors’ Board; Michigan Board of Real Estate Appraisers; Governor’s Educator Advisory Council; Board of Law Examiners; Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission; Organized Retail Crime Advisory Board; and the Michigan Natural Resources Commission.
Michigan Tax Tribunal Jason Grinnell, of Grand Rapids, has been a judge on the Michigan Tax Tribunal since 2021. Grinnell holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice with a minor in business from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and a Juris Doctor from Thomas Cooley Law School. Jason Grinnell will be reappointed as an attorney for a term commencing July 1, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2029.
The Michigan Tax Tribunal is an administrative court that hears tax appeals for all Michigan taxes. Most of the Tribunal’s appeals involve property tax; however, the Tribunal also hears business and individual tax disputes. This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Historical Commission Eric Hemenway, of Harbor Springs, is the director of archives and records for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. Eric Hemenway will be reappointed for a term commencing May 22, 2025, and expiring May 21, 2029.
Laura Ashlee, of Okemos, is retired from the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office, where she served as a certified local government coordinator, historian, and communications liaison. Ashlee additionally served as manager of the Michigan Historical Marker program for 21 years of her 30-year career. Ashlee holds a Bachelor of Arts in humanities and a Master of Arts in American studies from Michigan State University. Laura Ashlee will be reappointed for a term commencing May 22, 2025, and expiring May 21, 2029.
The Michigan Historical Commission was established in 1913 and advises the director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources on the museum, archival and other programs of the Michigan Historical Center. It approves Michigan Historical Markers and each year; the Michigan Historical Commission presents the Governor John B. Swainson Award to state and local government employees who do not work in the field of history but have made exceptional contributions to preserving and interpreting the stories of Michigan’s past. These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Manufactured Housing Commission Victoria Policicchio, of Birmingham, is the associate counsel at Champion Home Builders, Inc. Policicchio holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Italian from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law. Policicchio will be appointed as a representative of manufacturers of mobile homes for a term commencing May 10, 2025, and expiring May 9, 2028. Policicchio succeeds Daniel Grant, whose term has expired.
The Manufactured Housing Commission is responsible for establishing uniform policy relating to all phases of manufactured housing, business, manufactured housing parks, and seasonal manufactured housing parks. The Commission has the legal authority to approve local governmental ordinances which would regulate manufactured housing, grant variances to the Manufactured Housing Commission Rules, approve licenses for manufactured home installer/servicers and retailers, and impose penalties on persons who have violated the Mobile Home Commission Act or Rules. This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Residential Builders’ and Maintenance and Alteration Contractors’ Board Kenneth Stahl, of Brighton, is a construction superintendent at AUCH. Stahl previously served as a construction manager at Corby Energy, an assistant superintendent at Charyl Stockwell Academy, and a project coordinator at DTE Energy. Stahl is also a licensed residential builder and attended Macomb Community College for law enforcement and business management. Kenneth Stahl is reappointed to represent licensed residential builders for a term commencing May 8, 2025, and expiring March 31, 2029.
Donald Wood, of Ypsilanti, is the regional director of construction and qualifying officer for Certified Flooring Installation, Inc. Wood holds a Bachelor of Arts in fine arts from Eastern Michigan University. Donald Wood is reappointed to represent licensed builders for a term commencing May 8, 2025, and expiring March 31, 2029.
The Michigan Residential Builders’ and Maintenance and Alteration Contractors’ Board was created to license and regulate persons engaged in the construction of a residential structure or combination residential and commercial structure, or persons who undertake the repair, alteration, addition, subtraction, or improvement of a residential structure or combination residential and commercial structure for compensation other than wages for personal labor.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Real Estate Appraisers Jake Lew, of Birmingham, is the founder and chief executive officer of Aivre and a certified residential real estate appraiser. Jake Lew will be reappointed as a certified residential real estate appraiser for a term commencing July 1, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2029.
Catherine Quayle, of Gwinn, is a certified residential real estate appraiser at Appraisal Associates of Marquette. Quayle holds an associate’s degree in business from Northern Michigan University. Catherine Quayle will be reappointed to represent certified residential real estate appraisers for a term commencing July 1, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2029.
The Michigan Board of Real Estate Appraisers works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of approximately 6,011 limited real estate appraisers, state licensed appraisers, certified general appraisers, and certified residential appraisers. These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Governor’s Educator Advisory Council Joseph Sbar, of Sault Ste. Marie, is a school psychologist for the Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District in Sault Saint Marie. Sbar is also an adjunct professor of ballroom dance at Lake Superior State University, an adult career and technical education job coach, and radio DJ at Eagle Radio 95.1 FM. Sbar holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and a master’s degree in psychology from Michigan State University. Sbar currently serves as an advisory board member for Project Hi2LD, as lead organizer for the Eastern Upper Peninsula PREPaRE Crisis Response Team, as a member of the Eastern UP Intermediate Education Association Bargaining Team, and as a member of the Chippewa/Mackinac/Luce County Youth Mental Health Committee. In 2021, Sbar received the Michigan School Psychologist of the Year Award from the Association of School Psychologists. Joseph Sbar will be reappointed to represent counselors for a term commencing May 10, 2025, and expiring May 9, 2029.
Benedict Pineda, of Lansing, is a middle school social studies, life skills, and drama and speech teacher at Haslett Public Schools. Pineda also previously served as an adult education teacher for Holt Public Schools. Pineda holds a Bachelor of Arts in social science teaching and English from Michigan State University. Benedict Pineda will be reappointed to represent teachers for a term commencing May 10, 2025, and expiring May 9, 2029.
Glenn Martin, Sr., of Farmington, is the director of the Upward Bound program at Mott Community College. Martin holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, a Master of Arts in education specializing in curriculum and instruction from the University of Washington, and an education specialist degree from Central Michigan University. Glenn Martin, Sr. will be reappointed to represent specialists for a term commencing May 10, 2025, and expiring May 9, 2029.
The Governor’s Educator Advisory Council was created by Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order No. 2019-09. The Council will review and make recommendations regarding legislation relevant to this state’s public education system, identify and analyze issues impacting the effectiveness of Michigan’s public education system, identify best practices in public education and recommend corresponding changes and improvements to Michigan’s public education system, and provide other information or advice relevant to public education. These appointments are not subject to advice and consent of the Senate.
Board of Law Examiners Andrea LeGendre, of Grand Blanc, is the managing assistant prosecuting attorney for Genesee County. LeGendre serves on the boards of the East Central Bay Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Women and Girls Fund Advisory Committee of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. LeGendre holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and history from the University of Michigan – Flint and a Juris Doctor from Cooley Law School. Andrea LeGendre will be appointed as the nominee of the Michigan Supreme Court for a term commencing July 1, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2030. LeGendre succeeds Jeffrey Stuckey, whose term is expiring.
The Board of Law Examiners is responsible for investigating and examining all persons who initially apply for admission to the Michigan Bar. The Board may adopt suitable regulations, subject to approval by the Supreme Court, concerning the performance of its functions and duties. This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission Sheriff Michael Poulin, of North Muskegon, currently serves as the Muskegon County Sheriff. Poulin also serves as president of the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association and is a recipient of the Richard H. Austin Traffic Safety Award and the M.A.C.P. Award for Excellence in Traffic Safety. Sheriff Michael Poulin will be reappointed as a representative of local units of government for a term commencing May 28, 2025, and expiring May 27, 2028.
The Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission shall identify traffic safety challenges and develop, promote, and implement strategies to address those challenges. The Commission shall develop comprehensive solutions to traffic safety challenges through partnerships with all levels of government and the private sector, while maximizing and coordinating the use of existing financial resources. This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Organized Retail Crime Advisory Board Chad Baugh, of Canton, is the police chief and director of police services for the Canton Police Department. Baugh holds a certification from the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from Madonna University, and a Master of Science in technology from Eastern Michigan University, where he also graduated from the University’s School of Police Staff and Command. Chad Baugh is appointed as a member representing a city, village, or township police department or a county sheriff’s department for a term commencing May 8, 2025, and expiring March 30, 2029. Baugh succeeds Vernon Coakley, whose term has expired.
The Organized Retail Crime Advisory Board was created to develop a database of organized retail crimes, compile annual statistics on organized retail crime acts, recommend actions to be taken by the department and law enforcement to further combat organized retail crime, and to submit an annual report to the director of the department on the effectiveness of this act in reducing organized retail crime. This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Natural Resources Commission Rebecca Humphries, of Lowell, recently retired as chief executive officer of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. Before that, Humphries served as the chief executive officer of the National Wild Turkey Federation. Humphries began her career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before joining the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). While at DNR, Humphries held several high-level roles, including chief of the Wildlife Division, and became the first woman to be appointed as director. Humphries also currently serves on the boards of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. She previously held leadership roles with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, where she led the National Fish and Wildlife Health Initiative. Humphries holds a Bachelor of Science in wildlife biology from Michigan State University. Rebecca Humphries is designated to serve as chair for a term commencing May 8, 2025, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. Humphries succeeds Dan Kildee as chair, who has resigned.
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has exclusive authority to regulate the taking of game and sportfish. It is additionally authorized to designate game species and to establish the first open season for animals through the issuance of orders.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. |
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Following a severe ice storm in northern Michigan, the Department of Natural Resources is assessing damage and conducting cleanup at several state parks, state park campgrounds, state forest campgrounds, boating access sites and state-managed trails. Find up-to-date information about closures, volunteer opportunities and more on the DNR storm recovery page. |
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Late spring and early summer are times when turtles are moving en masse across the landscape. The females are actively looking for nesting sites, and males also just kind of wander this time of year, moving between the lakes, ponds and streams they call home.
As a result, the conservation of these animals really hinges on the protection and survival of the adults, who have already survived the gauntlet of predator threats as juveniles themselves.
Michigan’s native turtle species are:
The public can help by taking the following small steps:
There’s not much the DNR, the Michigan Department of Transportation, county road commissions or other agencies and groups can do to keep these slow-moving animals from wandering onto roadways, but as professional natural resource managers, we can do our best to share their story and highlight this annual threat to turtle populations.
Susan Howard, policy and government relations director for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), returns to the podcast to share what she’s hearing in conversations on Capitol Hill.
Late last month, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves released a