Perspectives

2025 Michigan Historic Preservation Network Tax Credit Award Winner – Garfield Landing

2025 Michigan Historic Preservation Network Tax Credit Award Winner – Garfield Landing

Summary

We’re honored to share that Garfield Landing has won the 2025 Michigan Historic Preservation Network Tax Credit Award.

Garfield Landing has been honored with the 2025 Michigan Historic Preservation Network Tax Credit Award. This award celebrates the transformation of the long-vacant Garfield School into 36 beautiful, mixed-income homes in Sault Ste. Marie. It recognizes the power of design, preservation, and partnership in bringing new life to a treasured community landmark.

From Historic School to Vibrant Housing

Originally built in 1898, the Garfield School served generations of students before closing in 1970. After decades of vacancy, the building has been reimagined as part of a thoughtful redevelopment that includes:

● 14 apartments within the restored school building

● 22 new construction units designed to reflect the original architecture

Preserved features, such as detailed wood cornices, brownstone accents, and the 1952 gymnasium addition, were carefully integrated into the design, balancing history with modern living.

Project Highlights

● Project: Garfield Landing

● Sector: Affordable Housing

● Units: 36 mixed-income apartments

● HDJ Services: Architecture, Interior Design

● Developer: Community Housing Network

● Construction Manager: Oakwood Construction

A Win for Preservation and Community

The award was presented earlier this spring during the Michigan Historic Preservation Network’s annual ceremony at Lake Superior State University. It was a proud moment for everyone involved and a powerful reminder of how historic preservation can help build stronger, more inclusive communities.

Thank you to all our partners and supporters who helped make Garfield Landing a reality.

This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our partners:

● Developer: Community Housing Network

● Construction Manager: Oakwood Construction

Garfield Landing stands as a powerful example of how historic buildings can be thoughtfully reimagined to meet today’s housing needs while preserving the stories of the past.

Architect of Record: HDJ

#AffordableHousing #GarfieldLanding #HistoricalRenovation #HDJ #ImprovingLivesThroughDesign

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