Gov. Whitmer Honors Seven Historic Preservation Projects Across Michigan

The annual Governor’s Awards recognizes historic preservation achievements in Michigan

Award recipients for the Charlevoix Historical Society stewardship. L-R back: Ryan Shumacher, SHPO, Rep. Fairbairn staff, Trevor Dotson, Mark Heydlauff, Bob Jess, Steve Seebohm. L-R front: Lindsey Dotson, Denise Fate, Michelle Smay

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.” 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer

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 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.” 

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.  

Let Her Speak

Thanks to an opportunity through the Small Business Association of Michigan's Small Business Support Hub Grant Program, I have been participating in a class called "Let Her Speak," taught by the INCREDIBLE Dana Black. This class is meant to help female-identifying business leaders learn how to speak in their authentic voice and have fun doing it - and boy, has it done that and MORE in the short time I've been participating. I have met some of the most INSPIRING and intelligent women who have made me cry every month with their raw, powerful, heartfelt speeches, and all of our stories are so unique and wonderful I feel fate brought us together for a reason.

Last night, we had a make-up class because snow messed with our regular December class schedule, and with a small turnout, we still learned SO much. The participants presented remarks about our business in front of a camera, with no notes in hand, all in under 3 minutes, and it was glorious!  We all survived to tell the tale. Heather (who I now call Denise because she looks like Denise Jonas - the mother of the Jonas Brothers LOL) even brought Santa earrings, and we put them on for the class. Jack, our videographer, even got into the action! Then we all went out to celebrate.

I am so grateful for this experience, and we aren't even halfway through the course! I will cherish this photo forever - we all have our Santa earrings on and are looking fly!  This is the community that I have been needing, the tribe that I have been missing since I moved to Northern Michigan.

Pictured: (In summary - a bunch of badasses) Cortrice (who drives from Detroit every month), owner of Meal Prep by Cort, Jenny who works in Real Estate but is also a life coach (www.jennybremercoaching.com); Heather, who is a real estate broker but will be opening up a boutique with her daughter soon, Dana who is a public speaking and performance coach, TEDx Chicago speaker delivery coach, emcee, moderator, SAG-AFTRA actor, and Jack, filmographer and create of Flabocce which is made in Traverse City!

And then little ole me, Co-Founder and CEO of G. D. Placemaking. I've learned that my strength in speaking and using my authentic voice is when I use humor to connect with my audience.

The state of housing in northern Michigan.

Currently in Emmet County: according to the Housing Needs Assessment conducted in June of 2023, 3,370 housing units are needed through 2027, which includes 865 rental units and 2,505 for sale units. While SEVERAL projects are underway throughout the county (YAY!!!), those in the "building" and/or selling/leasing phase only account for 242 homes and 270 apartments. Other units are in the planning phase, and others are seeking approvals and funding. Still, the remaining gap is 226 rental units and 2,263 for-sale homes through 2027.

Our population is aging - 33.3% of Emmet County's population is older than 60. That means fewer people are in the workforce to support a population with a higher demand for healthcare, retirement support services, restaurants, recreation, etc. Currently, the following occupations cannot afford to rent OR buy a home in Emmet County (this list is not exhaustive): Bookkeepers, Office Administrators, School Teachers, Registered Nurses, Medical Assistants, Accountants, Landscapers, Construction Laborers, Carpenters, Electricians... the list goes on.

Do we want our communities to be places where our kids and grandkids can choose to live like we had the luxury of doing a few short years ago? Our economy has changed completely, and the working class can no longer sustain itself in our region. Regardless, people of all socioeconomic statuses will keep moving here. So, do we want to plan, help manage, and guide that inevitable change in our communities? Or do we want to let it happen to us?

Donate to Housing North because our work out in the field helps our local governments manage the change happening in a way that will work best for their communities. This allows us to continue to prosper as a place for all to call home.

Review the Housing Needs Assessment Summary here:

Housing Needs Assessment Summary - Emmet County.pdf

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