Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced recipients of the 2008 Governor's Award for Historic Preservation.  The recipients and preservationists from around the state will gather at an award ceremony in the state Capitol rotunda on Thursday, May 15.

The award program was created in 2003 to recognize outstanding historic preservation achievements reflecting a commitment to the preservation of Michigan's neighborhoods, downtowns and countryside, the state's unique character, and the many cultural resources that document Michigan's past. Previous recipients have included General Motors for the rehabilitation of the General Motors Technical Center and Western Michigan University for the excavation of the Fort St. Joseph archaeological site.

"Leveraging and protecting our historic resources is an important component in our ongoing efforts to ensure that Michigan communities are vibrant, interesting places to live, work and play," Granholm said.

"The National Trust for Historic Preservation has declared the theme - 'This Place Matters' - for National Preservation Month," said State Historic Preservation Officer Brian Conway.  "The projects recognized with 2008 Governor's Awards are compelling examples of that theme in practice.  It's gratifying to see increasing investment in our historic resources and a deeper appreciation for the role they play in strengthening our communities' economic well-being and 'Pure Michigan' sense of place."

The 2008 Governor's Award for Historic Preservation recipients are:

• Main Street Calumet for the Main Street Façade Rehabilitations;
   
• Inner City Christian Federation, Cornerstone Architects and Rockford Construction Company, Inc. for the rehabilitation of the D. A. Blodgett Children's Home, Grand Rapids;
   
• Lino and Guadalupe Ortiz, the City of Holland and Design Plus Architects for the rehabilitation of 168 West 13^th St., Holland;
   
• The People and City of Allegan for the rehabilitation of the Regent Theatre;
   
• Harry Hepler, Turner+Callaway and the Mannik & Smith Group, Inc. for the Prudden Motor Wheel Factory Building rehabilitation, and Richard Karp, the Peabody Group and Prater Development Ltd. for the Arbaugh Department Store Building rehabilitation, which together transformed Lansing's vision of historic preservation;
   
• Excel-Artswalk LDHA LP, the Enterprise Group of Jackson, Quinn|Evans Architects and Fryling Construction Company for the rehabilitation of the Former Michigan State Prison Cell Blocks and Dormitory, Jackson; and
   
• Cynthia F. Reaves for the rehabilitation of the Michelson-Young House, 918 West Boston Blvd., Detroit.

Nominations are recommended to the governor by the State Historic Preservation Review Board in consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office, Michigan Historical Center.  To see previous Governor's Award projects visit www.michigan.gov/shpo.

In addition to the State Historic Preservation Office, the Michigan Historical Center comprises the Michigan Historical Museum and its 11 field sites, the Archives of Michigan, the Office of the State Archaeologist, Michigan History magazine and Records Management Services .  The Michigan Historical Center is part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries, whose mission is to enrich quality of life and strengthen the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity.  The department also includes the Library of Michigan, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.  Learn more at www.michigan.gov/hal.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).