Developer of senior housing at former Fremont High School earns state recognition
2016 Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation Announced
FREMONT, Mich. – (RealEstateRama) — Former students of the historic Fremont High School can now call their alma mater home thanks to the Home Renewal Systems LLC’s vision to rehabilitate the old school into senior housing. Now the developer is being recognized for bringing that vision to life.
Gov. Rick Snyder and Michigan State Housing Development Authority Executive Director Kevin Elsenheimer today announced six recipients of the 2016 Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation.
“Each year we recognize the contributions of people who devote time, energy and money into preserving Michigan’s historic structures and archaeological sites,” Snyder said. “These sites are irreplaceable and are important to maintaining a sense of place and our authentic Michigan identity.”
Home Renewal Systems used Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credits and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits to convert the school building into senior housing.
“The Gateway showcases the work ethic and creative thinking that makes Fremont a wonderful place to live and work,” said State Sen. Geoff Hansen (R-Hart). “Those who contributed to preserving the beauty of historic Fremont High School are truly a talented group and I applaud them on their success.”
Thirty-eight housing units and an adjacent community center that housed the school’s gym and pool have ensured that the landmark building remains a part of Fremont life. The apartments have become the preferred place to live for seniors in the city.
“It is amazing that this iconic building can remain a part of our community and still provide such an important service,” said State Rep. Jon Bumstead (R-Newaygo). “Congratulations to all of the groups that made the rehabilitation of Fremont High School a reality.”
The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) at MSHDA initiated the award program in 2003 to recognize 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 Michigan’s past. Previous recipient projects include rehabilitations of the Old Rugged Cross Church in Pokagon Township, the Richter Brewery in Escanaba, the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, and the archaeological investigations at Fort St. Joseph in Niles.
“We recognize partnerships, innovation, creativity and excellence with these awards,” said Elsenheimer. “Good historic preservation projects reflect a desire to connect the past with the future, they involve collaboration, and we are pleased to recognize 26 different organizations this year.”
The 2016 recipients are:
Mackinac Island State Park Commission for the ongoing archaeological investigation of Fort Michilimackinac
City of St. Joseph, Smay Trombley Architecture, Mihm Enterprises, the Heritage Museum and Cultural Center, the Lighthouse Forever Fund and the Citizens of St. Joseph for the rehabilitation of the St. Joseph North Pier Inner and Outer Lights
Home Renewal Systems LLC, Quinn Evans Architects, and Wolverine Building Group for the rehabilitation of Fremont High School, Fremont
The Saginaw-Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan; Central Michigan University Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work; and the City of Mount Pleasant for the Mount Pleasant Indian Industrial Boarding School archaeological investigation
City of Dearborn; Artspace Projects, Inc.; Neumann/Smith Architecture; the Monahan Company; and the East Dearborn Downtown Development Authority for the rehabilitation of Dearborn City Hall Complex
Indian Village Historical Collections, City of Detroit, Public Lighting Authority, DTE Energy, Offshore Spars, SS Stripping/CDS Performance Coatings, Corby Energy Services, and Consulting Engineering Associates, Inc. for the Indian Village Historic Streetlight Rehabilitation Project, Detroit
The awards will be presented at a public ceremony in the Michigan State Capitol Rotunda in May, which is National Historic Preservation Month.
To learn about previous Governor’s Award recipients go to Michigan.gov/shpo, click on Special Projects and Governor’s Awards.
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) provides financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve decent, affordable housing for low- and moderate-income residents and to engage in community economic development activities to revitalize urban and rural communities.*
*MSHDA’s loans and operating expenses are financed through the sale of tax-exempt and taxable bonds as well as notes to private investors, not from state tax revenues. Proceeds are loaned at below-market interest rates to developers of rental housing, and help fund mortgages and home improvement loans. MSHDA also administers several federal housing programs. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/mshda.
Contact:
Misty Miller
MSHDA Communications
517-373-1858
