State Historic Preservation Office Announces Winners of Preservation Photo Contest

Seven Winners to Receive Getaways and Gift Cards

LANSING, Mich., Aug. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) Interim Executive Director Gary Heidel and State Historic Preservation Officer Brian Conway announced the winners of the state's first historic preservation photo contest. The contest, held from May 1 through July 31, began as part of the recognition of National Historic Preservation Month in May.

"Clearly, people throughout the state who entered the contest value this state and its history," Heidel said. "We received nearly 150 entries that demonstrate the unique qualities of Michigan's architecture, and the importance of preserving it."

Preservation Month is sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which set this year's theme as "Old is the New Green." "We used the contest to spread the word throughout Michigan that preservation is inherently green by supporting sustainability. When you invest in older and historic buildings, reside in a historic house, support a preservation organization, or decide to rehab instead of tearing down and rebuilding, you are supporting a vision of environmental stewardship that is celebrated by the SHPO and MSHDA," stated Conway.

For the contest the state was divided into eight regions and photographers submitted their entries based on their region of residence. One photo was selected from each of the regions where photos were entered. No photos meeting the size specifications were submitted for the Bay Region. From the regional winners three names were drawn to receive one of three getaways donated by the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel in Detroit, the Park Place Hotel in Traverse City, and Stafford's Perry Hotel in Petoskey. The remaining regional winners will receive $50 Meijer gift cards provided by the Michigan History Foundation.

Photographers from Gwinn, Ypsilanti, Allegan, Holland, Shelby Township, Flint, and Cedar were named regional winners in the contest.

The winning photographers are:

• Patrick Cook of Ypsilanti won the Weekend Getaway at the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel in Detroit, and is the Mid-Michigan Regional Winner for his photograph of the Cobblestone Farm Corn Crib and Barn.
• Vicki Knuckles of Allegan won the getaway to Stafford's Perry Hotel in Petoskey and is the Southwest Michigan Regional Winner for her photograph of the Regent Theatre.
• Ken Cook of Holland won the getaway to the Park Place Hotel in Traverse City and is the West Michigan Regional Winner for his photograph of the Felt Mansion and Pond.
• Jacqueline Townsend of Shelby Township is the Southeast Michigan Regional Winner for her photograph of the Packard Proving Grounds.
• Tonya Walter of Flint is the Thumb Area Regional Winner for her photograph of winter in downtown Flint.
• Misty Manville of Cedar is the Northern Lower Peninsula Regional Winner for her photograph of the Point Betsie Lighthouse.
• Andy Perry of Gwinn is the Upper Peninsula Regional Winner for his photograph of the Marquette Ore Dock.

You can see the winning photographs and all eligible photos submitted by going to www.michigan.gov/celebratepreservation.

"The photos submitted show the variety of historic architecture in Michigan," said Conway. "The buildings in the photos reinforced what I believe – great preservation work is going on in Michigan, and historic resources are vitally important to communities. I can't wait to see what photos we get next year!"

The State Historic Preservation Office is 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