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Grand Rapids Honors Historic Restoration Projects

The Grand Rapids Historic Preservation Awards Ceremony celebrates community efforts in restoring historic properties.

News Summary

Grand Rapids will hold its annual awards ceremony to recognize eight exemplary restoration projects, emphasizing the community’s commitment to historic preservation. Featured projects include Innovation Central High School and the former Marywood Academy Motherhouse. The event aims to promote compliance with historic district codes and celebrate the architectural integrity of local properties. Key figures and developers will be acknowledged for their efforts in restoring Grand Rapids’ historical appeal.

Grand Rapids will celebrate its commitment to historic preservation with awards recognizing eight exemplary restoration projects this week. The Grand Rapids Historic Preservation Commission will hold its annual awards ceremony at the Grand Rapids Public Library, acknowledging the significant contributions of local developers, homeowners, and community advocates in restoring historic properties within the city.

This year’s awards highlight a diverse array of projects, emphasizing the community’s dedication to maintaining the character of Grand Rapids while enabling progress. The awards not only honor outstanding restorations but also serve to incentivize compliance with historic district codes, reinforcing the importance of preserving architectural history and cultural identity.

Among the nominees, Innovation Central High School and the former Marywood Academy Motherhouse are set to receive accolades for their collaborative preservation efforts. Innovation Central High School, established in its current structure since 1911, has seen extensive renovations that enhance its aesthetic appeal, including repairs to brickwork, roofing, and window installations. The school’s notable auditorium, named after Betty Bloomer Ford, has hosted two U.S. presidents, and further renovations are underway, with plans for a second phase starting later this year.

Another major recognition will go to the Marywood Academy Motherhouse, which is being transformed into a senior living facility. This significant project maintains the building’s architectural integrity by reopening previously covered windows, allowing the historical elements of the property to shine through while repurposing the space to meet modern needs.

The property located at 800 Wealthy Street SE will be awarded the title of Most Outstanding Commercial Preservation Project. This restoration, led by Willink Construction Inc., has focused on revitalizing historical storefront elements that are integral to the building’s legacy.

In the residential category, four properties will be recognized for their outstanding preservation efforts. Notably, JDE & Associates and Eastown Construction are acknowledged for their work at 322 Fountain St. NE, where they tackled significant deterioration to restore the house’s former glory. Similarly, projects by homeowners Paul and Merideth Kuiper at 341 Charles Ave., and comprehensive renovations of 409 Prospect Ave. and 322 Union Ave. showcase the commitment of local residents to uphold historical appeal while upgrading utilities and structural integrity.

This year’s ceremony also acknowledges Peter Bruinsma for his exceptional commitment to historic preservation within Grand Rapids. As a key figure in community restoration projects, Bruinsma adds depth to the ongoing dialogue around historical significance and modern adaptation in urban settings.

The Grand Rapids Historic Preservation Commission oversees all historic districts within the city, which include six designated districts: Heartside, Heritage Hill, Cherry Hill, Fairmount Square, Wealthy Theatre, and the Ledyard Block. Overall, Grand Rapids is home to 79 landmarks and approximately 2,500 historic properties. Each year, the commission carefully evaluates nominees based on the renovation’s impact on the building and its broader significance to the community.

This year’s awards ceremony is an invitation-only event, with City Commissioner Milinda Ysasi and Historic Preservation Commission Chair Matt Dixon set to present the awards. The celebration not only serves to honor the hard work and dedication of all nominees but also reinforces Grand Rapids’ commitment to preserving its rich historical fabric for future generations.