National Historical District Establishment Approved

November 11, 2021

(For Immediate Release)

PRESS RELEASE

RE: National Historical District Establishment Approved

The City of Negaunee is proud to announce that it has recently received its National Register of Historic Places designation for Downtown Negaunee. The Negaunee Downtown Historic District was listed in the National Register in September 2021!

In 2018, the City Council approved a resolution to engage with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) for the purpose of obtaining this status through the City’s economic development strategy, Moving Forward.

Shortly after, the city obtained the assistance of Jessica Flores of Preservation Forward to help the residents of Negaunee with this task. With the help of Flores and the newly established Special Committee on Cultural and Historical Preservation the city began a nearly two-year process to assemble an application.

“The National Register of Historic Places is the nation's official list of buildings, structures, objects, sites, and districts worthy of preservation for their significance in American history, architecture, archaeology, and culture. Negaunee represents why this program was created. This prestigious list is also one of the most valuable tools individuals and communities have to encourage the preservation of important historic places in Negaunee. These historic properties tell the story of Negaunee, instill a sense of pride within the community, and provide awareness of the importance of Negaunee’s rich iron ore heritage.

With Negaunee’s rich mining heritage and the city’s unique architectural legacy, Negaunee is well deserving of this designation.” Flores said.

In 2020, Flores summitted the city’s application to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for review. After some time, the application made its way to the National Park Service within the Department of Interior for review. Unfortunately, with onset of COVID-19 the review process took longer than expected.

Although the designation is honorific and not regulatory, it can bring some benefits to larger projects to the downtown.

“Listing in the National Register provides opportunities for promotion, makes available certain incentives like grants and tax credits that fosters investment in Downtown Negaunee and allows for the consideration of historic resources when federal funding or permits are involved.”, Flores noted.

According to the Department of Interior’s website, the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program encourages private sector investment in the rehabilitation and re-use of historic buildings.

Through this private investment, investors can apply for and receive federal tax credits. The State of Michigan has a similar program that mirrors this federal program and can be used in combination with each other.

“More than 96,000 properties across the country, including nearly 2,000 in Michigan, have been listed in the National Register since it was initiated in 1966. While at the heart of the designation is the preservation and promotion of these architectural resources, the designation also serves as a savvy planning and development tool for downtown revitalization in Negaunee.”, Flores explained.

According to City Manager Heffron, he and his staff will help to identify buildings where these tax credits might be used.

“This is another economic development tool in our toolbelt. Making good on our promise to preserve our history while focusing on our future”, Heffron said.

The city extends a special thanks to the MEDC, SHPO, National Park Service, Jessica Flores of Preservation Forward, members of the Special Committee on Cultural and Historical Preservation, and all those that made this achievement possible.

Questions concerning this release may be directed to the attention of the City Manager, Nate Heffron at (906) 475-7700 ext. 11.