2023 Historic Preservation Awards of Merit

Kalamazoo's Historic Preservation Commission presents Awards of Merit every year to recognize Historic Preservation Month in May. Learn about the people and projects who were recognized in 2023 below. 

David S. Brose: David Brose is the recipient of a Historic Preservation Award of Merit for his contributions to preservation in the city of Kalamazoo, especially in the field of archaeology. Since moving to the city of Kalamazoo fifteen years ago, David has shown a dedicated interest in archaeology in a number of ways. From serving to terms on the Historic Preservation Commission, serving as co-chair of the Bronson Park Public Education Committee, serving as co-chair of the Kalamazoo Reservation Public Education Committee, and has presented numerous talks at annual new years eve events. Through these diverse efforts, David has helped to make preservation and archaeology more accessible to all.

Community Homeworks: Community Homeworks has a program that exists at the intersection of Historic Preservation and affordable housing. The “Critical Home Repair Program” keeps qualified homeowners in their home by making repairs without charging homeowners. The program focus on health and safety issues, that if left unresolved could lead to condemnation, displacement of families, and demolition of a property. Many of these repairs are on boilers, furnaces, plumbing and other minor repairs; repairs that are not often considered preservation work because it does not effect the exterior appearance of a property. This work is still vitally important to keeping people in homes, which is the most significant factor in preserving properties and communities.

1219 S Park Street (Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services): KNHS carried out a full exterior and interior rehabilitation of their mid-century modern office building located at 1219 S Park St. Purchased in 2015, KNHS began rehabilitation work after the property had sat vacant for a number of years. Making a conscience effort to respect the historic character of the building, while also allowing contemporary efficient use, KNHS conducted a wide variety of work, from roofing, window repair, new interior spaces, and a marked increase in ADA accessibility. Through these efforts, KNHS has preserved the building so future generations will be able to appreciate this rare instance of mid-century modern architecture in the Vine Neighborhood.

606 Stuart Avenue (Woodward School): The stewardship of the Woodward School at 606 Stuart Avenue is an excellent example of collaboration between a neighborhood association the public schools to preserve a neighborhood staple. These efforts recently resulted in the repair of the clock in Woodward School’s prominent clock tower. For over 30 years, the clock has not operated correctly, but efforts have recently been made to repair the mechanism and return the clock to working order.