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Resilient Lakeshore Heritage Grant Program

Historic Preservation Programs and Services

Resilient Lakeshore Heritage Grant Program

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Resilient Lakeshore Heritage Grant Program is a reimbursement grant program intended to support long-term investment in the irreplaceable heritage assets of Michigan’s rural lakeshore communities. The grant program is supported by funding from the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants Program, administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Program funding is specifically for building rehabilitation (i.e., “bricks and mortar”) projects and associated pre-development (e.g., plans and specifications) work in select communities along the Great Lakes (see below). Local units of government, non-profits, public entities, business owners, and non-residential property owners in these communities are eligible to apply for funding.

The program places a particular focus on projects that positively contribute to the economic, social, and/or cultural life of Michigan's lakeshore communities and promote continued or new investment in historic properties. Projects that benefit underserved or disadvantaged communities (see map here) are also a priority.  The minimum grant award is $30,000. The maximum grant award is $100,000. To stimulate local investment, grants require a minimum 10% match of the grant amount requested.

Questions about the program should be directed to Alan Higgins, CLG Coordinator, at higginsS3@michigan.gov.

Applications closed on September 1, 2022. No new applications are being accepted.

Applications are being reviewed. Applicants will be notified of their status in fall 2022.

PROGRAM BASICS

ELIGIBLE COMMUNITIES

Eligible communities are those that:

  • Have a population of less than 50,000 persons according to 2020 census data;
  • Are located within ten (10) miles of a Great Lake; and
  • Meet at least one of the three following criteria:
    • Participate in SHPO’s Certified Local Government (CLG) program;
    • Participate in the Michigan Main Street (MMS) program
    • Certified as a Redevelopment Ready Community (RRC).

As of June 1, 2022, applicants in the following communities are eligible for this program:

  • Alpena
  • Bay City
  • Boyne City
  • Calumet
  • Charlevoix
  • Cheboygan
  • Escanaba
  • Grand Haven
  • Hart
  • Holland
  • Houghton
  • Manistee
  • Mackinac Island
  • Marquette
  • Menominee
  • Monroe
  • Muskegon
  • Oscoda Twp
  • Petoskey
  • Rogers City
  • Saginaw
  • Sault Ste Marie
  • South Haven
  • Traverse City

Any additional community that meets grant program requirements and becomes a participant in one of the above-referenced programs before the application due date also becomes an eligible community. Applicants in communities not listed above are encouraged to confirm program eligibility before submitting an application.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

The following entities in the above-identified communities are eligible to apply for grant funding:

  • Local units of government (village, township, city, or county)
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Public entities
  • Business owners (Michigan-based)
  • Property owners who own an eligible property type

In all instances, properties must meet the following criteria:

  • Be located in an eligible community.
  • Be a commercial, industrial, civic, educational, or community-oriented building. Owner-occupied residential and religious properties are not eligible. Multi-family and mixed-use properties that include residential units are eligible.
  • Be located in a traditional downtown, along a prominent community corridor, or related area that contributes to the economic, social, and/or cultural vitality of the community.
  • Be listed in the National Register of Historic Places, either individually or as a contributing property to a historic district OR be determined eligible for listing by SHPO and have property owner consent, in writing, to list the property before the end of the project OR be a property that is currently non-contributing to a National Register district but would become eligible as a result of the project.

Properties that are not currently listed in the National Register or identified as a contributing resource to a historic district must confirm their eligibility prior to submission of the grant application, and the property must be listed in the National Register by the end of the project. Costs associated with listing a property can be included in the grant request.

ELIGIBLE PROJECT ACTIVITIES

Grant funds are for rehabilitation of historic properties (i.e., “bricks and mortar” projects). Rehabilitation is defined as the act or process of making possible a compatible use for a property through repair, alterations, and additions while preserving those portions or features that convey its historical, cultural, or architectural values. Projects may include interior work, but all projects must include an exterior component.

Examples of qualified projects include but are not limited to:

  • Structural repairs and stabilization
  • Roof (and related features) repair/replacement
  • Masonry repair
  • Wood siding and trim repair/replacement
  • Window and door repair/replacement
  • Storefront rehabilitation
  • Replacement of documented but missing historic features
  • Exterior and interior finishes and features
  • Building system upgrades (e.g., HVAC, fire suppression, etc.)
  • Painting (as part of a larger project)
  • Accessibility improvements
  • Energy efficient upgrades

PROGRAM WEBINAR

SHPO held an informational webinar on June 22, 2022. You can watch a recording of the webinar below for an overview of the Lakeshore Heritage Grant program, including eligibility requirements, program basics, and the application and project selection process.

Start Here! Review these before preparing an application

IMPORTANT GRANT PROGRAM DOCUMENTS

Resilient Lakeshore Heritage Grant Program Manual

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Lakeshore Heritage Grant Program Flyer

DRAFT Grant Application Questions

How to Access and Complete the Online Application

Ready to Apply?

Use the button to the right to access the online application. 

You'll also need the following documents:

  • Application Checklist
  • Exhibit A: Project Budget Worksheet
  • Exhibit B: Draft Work Schedule Template
  • Exhibit C (select one):
    • Organizations: Resolution Template
    • Private Owners: Certification Form
    • Lessees: Certification Form
  • Exhibit D: Owner Authorization (if applicable)
CTA - MoMApply 160x200.jpg

The application period closed on September 1, 2022.

Apply Now

Helpful Information for Awardees

GRANT MANAGEMENT DOCUMENTS

Progress Report Template

50% Reimbursement Request Template

Project Completion Report Template

Example Preservation Easement

Bid Tabulation Template

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