Michigan Main Street Center and State Historic Preservation Office @ MSHDA Unveil Latest Main Street Design Services for Manistee

LANSING, Mich., May 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michigan Main Street Center, a part of the Specialized Technical Assistance and Revitalization Strategy (STARS) Division, in partnership with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) at the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), recently unveiled renderings for proposed facade improvements for buildings in downtown Manistee.

The buildings, located at 435 & 437 River St. on the west end of the downtown, are occupied by the Manistee Variety and Manistee Artist's Mall.

The SHPO's Main Street Architect, Kelly Larson, created the renderings after meeting with the property owner to discuss ways to address the needs of the existing businesses while considering the historic character of the buildings.

"The main facade of 435 River St. is virtually intact, appearing just as it did when it was built in 1893," noted Larson.

Larson recommended removing vines and vegetation from the building, repointing and repairing masonry where needed. She also suggested installing a new storefront on the east side of the building, and installing new windows for the upper floor apartments on the west side of the building. Recommendations for 437 River St. include installing new storefronts, a cornice, awnings, and lighting, and removing the ice house located on the back of the building.

"The intent of the proposed design is to outline a long-term plan for improvements to the buildings that will benefit the businesses as well as retain and enhance Manistee's identity as a community with an outstanding historic downtown," Larson said.

"The goal of these renderings is to help communities envision what they can be in the future."

MSHDA's Michigan Main Street Manager Laura Krizov explained, "Historic rehabilitation is a tool for revitalizing communities and creating the types of places Michigan's downtowns and neighborhoods need to be in order to retain and attract businesses and residents."

The property owner applied for this no-cost service through the Manistee DDA and its local Main Street program. Such renderings are just one of the benefits communities receive by being part of the Selected Level of the Michigan Main Street program. Before receiving these design services, property or business owners must have participated in the "Main Street Building Basics" training provided by the Michigan Main Street Center and the SHPO.

For more information on the Michigan Main Street program and other benefits communities receive as part of the program, go to www.michiganmainstreetcenter.com.

The Michigan Main Street Center and State Historic Preservation Office are part of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority is dedicated to building a thriving and vibrant future for Michigan. MSHDA provides tools and resources to improve people's lives through programs across the state. These programs assist with housing, build strong neighborhoods, and help create places where people want to live and work. MSHDA's programs work in four areas: affordable rental housing; supporting homeownership;  ending homelessness; and creating vibrant cities and neighborhoods. For further information on this or other MSHDA programs, go to www.michigan.gov/mshda.*

*MSHDA's loan 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.

SOURCE Michigan State Housing Development Authority

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED