LANSING, Mich. - Six Michigan preservation projects were awarded Governor's Awards for Historic Preservation during a ceremony hosted by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Governor Whitmer announced today. Communities represented by the projects include Clarkston, Coldwater, Detroit, Isle Royale, Lansing, and Northfield Township.

"It's an honor to celebrate the 2026 Governor's Awards for Historic Preservation," said Governor Whitmer. "Across our two peninsulas, these awardees are helping us build a stronger Michigan by preserving the places and stories that define our state. They're creating affordable housing, honoring traditions, creating jobs and growing our economy. Today's awards are a reminder of Michigan's rich past and bright future. Let's keep working together to build a brighter future for Michigan."

Now in its 23rd 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.

This year's six awardees for the Governor's Awards for Historic Preservation represent the remarkable diversity of Michigan's historic resources," said Ryan Schumaker, State Historic Preservation Officer. "This year's honorees include a major adaptive reuse project in Detroit, an affordable housing project in Lansing, a family's stewardship of a drivein theater in Coldwater, significant survey efforts in Clarkston and Northfield Township, and a unique partnership supporting the stewardship of archaeological resources on Isle Royale. Each awardee reflects a strong commitment to preservation and to telling a fuller, more inclusive story of Michigan's past."

The 2026 Governor's Awards recipients are listed below. For full details and videos of each project, visit here.

Clarkston Historic District Resurvey Project Clarkston, Oakland County

Awardees: City of the Village of Clarkston; and the Clarkston Historic District Resurvey Committee

The Clarkston Village Historic District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and established as a local historic district the following year. Early historic district documents did not require the same level of detail as today, making them less useful when making present-day preservation decisions. Several buildings constructed during the mid-20th century were considered to be too new in 1980, and weren't included in the initial district, even though they would be considered historic today.

Over a period of four years the volunteer Clarkston Resurvey Committee documented and reevaluated all of the resources located within the village's historic district. Beyond simply documenting buildings, the committee sought to learn more about the village's shared history by researching deed and cemetery records and collecting oral histories and photos from their fellow citizens. Despite the challenges of continuing the project during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Clarkston Historic District Resurvey Project is a model for citizen-led efforts to better document and celebrate the historic buildings within our communities.

Long-term stewardship of the Capri Drive-In Theater Coldwater, Branch County

Awardees: The Magocs Family

In 1964, John and Mary Magocs opened the Capri Drive-In on the west side of Coldwater along highway US-12. The property included a single screen, folded plate roof ticket building, a concessions stand, a neon sign on the highway, and room for 800 cars. Operating the Capri was a family affair and the Magocs, along with their sons John Jr. and Tom, spent many nights together running the theater. In 1980, the family twinned the theater when they moved and installed a second screen tower from a former drive-in near Detroit.

Three generations of the Magocs family have led the Capri since its inception, nurturing the nostalgic vibe of what has become a regional destination. The Capri bills itself as a community theater and supports many activities in Coldwater, but the audience each night comes from miles around to enjoy the special experience. Fewer than a dozen drive-in theaters survive in Michigan today, and the Capri stands out for its long-term family ownership and investment.

"I would like to offer my full congratulations to the Magocs Family and The Capri Drive-In Theater on this award," said State Sen. Jonathan Lindsey (R-Coldwater). "The Capri Drive-In has been a community staple for many years and offers fond memories for many Michiganders. It has been a part of my entire life. I remember going to see The Lion King and many other movies with my family at The Capri Drive-In as a kid. I look forward to continuing to support the Magocs and the great work they do for the Southwest Michigan community."

"I am pleased to hear of the award that the Capri Drive-in received for their preservation of the outdoor movie theater," said State Rep. Jennifer Wortz (R-Quincy). "The Capri is an iconic treasure in Branch County. Many families, including mine, have made it a summer routine to go to the drive-in theater. We have many great family memories there, and I hope this award helps younger generations continue to do the same."

Rehabilitation of the Studebaker Service Building into Piquette Flats Detroit, Wayne County

Awardees: 411 Piquette, LLC; Kraemer Design Group; PCI Dailey Contracting; Grunwell - Cashero; and Graham Architectural Products

Albert Kahn designed a four-story reinforced concrete building for the Studebaker Corporation in 1920, in an era when car companies were expanding at a feverish pace. Studebaker used it as a tool and die shop, to assemble chassis, and for painting. After serving in a variety of other industrial uses, it was recently used for storage. A complete rehabilitation project began in 2023 to convert the building into 161 apartments, providing much-needed workforce housing in the historic Milwaukee Junction neighborhood.

Rehabilitation work restored the historic character of the exterior, while on the interior, careful wall placement preserves the architect's iconic 'martini' columns, celebrating the building's structural identity. Rechristened as Piquette Flats, the adaptive reuse of the former Studebaker Service Building has brought new activity to an area that had been largely vacant for years, and provides a new affordable housing option in this part of the city.

"The rehabilitation of the historic Studebaker Service Building into Piquette Flats is a remarkable example of how preservation and progress can work hand-in-hand," said State Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit). "This project not only honors Albert Kahn's iconic industrial design and automotive legacy but also breathes new life into the Milwaukee Junction neighborhood by creating much-needed housing units. Piquette Flats stands as a powerful model of adaptive reuse, demonstrating how historic preservation can strengthen communities, expand housing opportunities, and revitalize long-vacant spaces for future generations."

Collaborative Stewardship of Archaeological Resources Isle Royale, Keweenaw County

Awardees: Isle Royale National Park; Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa; and Grand Portage National Monument

For no less than five thousand years, people have made the water journey to Isle Royale, known as Minong to regional Anishinaabe cultures. Their time on the island and related activities left imprints on the rugged, wild environment. Isle Royale National Park was established in 1931. The archipelago is a continued place of significance to the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and its status as a Traditional Cultural Place celebrates the tribe's lasting connections to Minong.

Since 2012, the cultural resource program at Isle Royale has conducted archaeological survey work along the island's Nipissing beach, a relict Lake Superior shoreline approximately five thousand years old. The Relict Shoreline Survey project has enriched our understanding of Minong's human past, identifying new archaeological resources and placing them into the wider context of archaeology in the Lake Superior Basin. Among the successes of the project are the long-term connections forged between project research and the regional Ojibwe community. Strong, collaborative partnerships such as this help us all better understand and respect the people who came before us.

"The U.P. is full of picturesque water and landscapes that have great histories sometimes more than a thousand years old," said State Sen. Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan). The ongoing Relict Shoreline survey, which has expanded our understanding of this shared past, is uncovering invaluable archeological resources along the Lake Superior shoreline in the U.P., including Isle Royale. I commend the dedicated researchers and the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa for their collaboration and stewardship."

Rehabilitation of the Walter French School into The Residences at Walter French Lansing, Ingham County

Awardees: Capital Area Housing Partnership; Quinn Evans; Rohde Construction; and Housing Links, LLC

Walter French School was built in 1925 to offer a modern, state-of-the-art school for the young scholars of south Lansing. The building helped to usher in progressive educational practices and featured decorative architectural features including large banks of windows, intricate stone carvings, and multicolor brickwork designs. After the school closed in 2004, it spiraled into disrepair. The building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2014 as the first step in an adaptive reuse journey that would eventually span more than ten years.

Starting in 2023, the interior was strategically redesigned into 76 affordable apartment units, while retaining character-defining features such as terrazzo floors, large window openings, and wide interior stairways. The Residences at Walter French opened in September 2025 and has full residential occupancy. The property also provides office and commercial space, and is home to an on-site children's daycare. The renewed Walter French School addresses several needs in the Lansing community, which will keep the future bright long into its second century.

"The redevelopment of the 100-year-old Walter H. French Junior High School transformed a long-neglected building into an innovative multi-use building that includes affordable housing," said State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt). "Walter French was once a decaying eyesore, but with state funding that I helped get for the project, it's become a beautiful landmark and community space. I commend the awardees for their dedication and vision for this crucial investment in the heart of south Lansing."

Northfield Township Rural Survey and National Register Project Northfield Township, Washtenaw County

Awardees: Washtenaw County; Northfield Township Historical Society, Inc.; and Firefly Preservation Consulting, LLC

Northfield Township was established in 1832 and has long been known for its productive agricultural industry and rural character. Preserving these assets is a key part of the Township's master plan. In 2018, the Northfield Township Historical Society completed an extensive survey of more than 1,300 properties in the township. The next year, Washtenaw County received a Certified Local Government (CLG) grant from the State Historic Preservation Office to research historic contexts for agriculture and other themes in a survey report. Completed in 2021, the goal of this phase was to identify and prioritize farmsteads and other properties for preservation and provide a foundation for historic designation efforts.

In 2022, the County received a second CLG grant to build upon these efforts by completing a Multiple Property Documentation Form, and up to five individual nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. The nominations recognized several properties for their early architectural significance and two properties for their association with the township's German ethnic heritage. The project concluded in early 2026 with the completion of the form and listing of five new rural properties in the National Register of Historic Places. This multi-phase project to survey and designate rural properties is a model which could be followed in other townships across the state.

"This award - recognizing and promoting the preservation and restoration of historic structures in Northfield Township - not only helps protect the rural character of this community, but also models a thoughtful, phased approach other Washtenaw County Townships might follow to preserve their heritage," said State Rep. Jennifer Conlin (D-Ann Arbor).

"History surrounds the residents of Northfield Township, and the Northfield Township Historical Society has done an amazing job highlighting and honoring our history," said State Sen. Sue Shink (D-Northfield Township). "That our residents cherish our history is shown by how many have worked to list their historical properties. As a former long-time board member of the Northfield Township Historical Society, I know how well-deserved this honor is. Many people worked diligently over many years to gain local, county, state, and national support for this project."

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 .

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