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History
Since its founding by two Wayne State University students in 1975, Preservation Wayne has established an impressive track record of successful preservation programs and initiatives.
1970’sPreservation Wayne emerges to fight the demolition of WSU properties, including the David Mackenzie House, then slated for demolition for a sewer line. With the help of many like-minded individuals, this small campus organization not only halts the destruction of Mackenzie House, but also raises over $220,000 in cash and donated services to save and restore the building, creating a new home for Detroit’s first preservation organization.
1980’sDuring the early 1980’s, Preservation Wayne grows its ranks and works with Wayne State University on several key initiatives, including the identification and historic designation of the threatened East Ferry Avenue in Detroit’s cultural center. With its eclectic range of important 19th and early 20th century architecture and unique social history, East Ferry is easily one of Detroit’s most important residential streets. Preservation Wayne identifies dozens of additional properties in the immediate area and promotes preservation through tours, lectures and community outreach. After a decade in the trenches, with over 500 members, Preservation Wayne receives the Preservation Honor Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1986 and in 1988 officially incorporates as a tax exempt 501(c)3 corporation in the State of Michigan.
1990’sThe 1990’s see Preservation Wayne grow and expand in all realms, gaining board strength and staff. The major focus of organizational effort is the development of research and planning to document Ferry Avenue’s historical context and its potential as a cultural destination. Preservation Wayne works closely with the Detroit Institute of Arts Founders Society and other neighborhood stakeholders on an in-depth planning study and work plan that lays the foundation for a holistic, long-term approach to the revitalization of East Ferry Avenue, culminating in a special relationship with the new owners of Hecker-Smiley Mansion, the law firm of Charfoos & Christensen. A successful corporate campaign is led by honorary chairs Alan Gilmour, John Stroh III, and William Taubman, and a generous grant from the Chrysler Fund supports an ambitious membership campaign that takes the organization to 1,000 members. Preservation Wayne’s historic walking tours flourish and become a major component of the organization. Thousands are drawn to Ferry Avenue Tours and a Restoration Trade Fair during Detroit Festival of the Arts. This tradition grows with the initiation of the Downtown Theater Tour, an annual favorite that welcomes hundreds for a behind the scenes tour in downtown’s entertainment district. Preservation Wayne teams with Cityscape Detroit and other community partners to launch the Loft Forum series to educate the development community about various incentives available for the rehabilitation of historic structures. And after years of advocacy, The Inn on Ferry Street is announced to begin renovation in early 2000 - one of the original recommendations in Preservation Wayne’s vision for Ferry Avenue.
2000’sIn the new millennium, Preservation Wayne continues its tradition of evolving the preservation debate in Detroit. The Detroit Heritage Tour Series grows with the city’s 300th Birthday celebration. The evolving and expanding scope of preservation in Detroit is made relevant as the need for a holistic urban vision and regional public transit system are brought into focus. Residential conversion projects multiply, but the city still struggles to wholly embrace preservation as a proven economic development tool. High profile demolitions such as the Madison-Lenox and Statler hotels and the 2005 listing of all of "The Historic Buildings of Downtown Detroit" on the National Trust’s 11 Most Endangered Places roster bring national attention to at-risk buildings in downtown Detroit. Supported by generous private donations, Preservation Wayne sustains its tour program and expands its advocacy through partnerships with the National Trust and Friends of the Book-Cadillac. Together with Michigan Historic Preservation Network, the organization welcomes National Trust president Richard Moe to Detroit, and a collaboration with Detroit Synergy and Cityscape Detroit produces Discourse Detroit, a panel discussion on development and demolition in preparation for Superbowl XL.
In 2005, Preservation Wayne celebrates its thirtieth year with a successful summer tour season, a special Honor Awards program, a redesigned website, and a new comprehensive inventory of Detroit’s historic buildings.
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