Summary
We’re honored to share that Garfield Landing has been selected for the 2025 Michigan Historic Preservation Network Tax Credit Award.
Garfield Landing has won the 2025 Michigan Historic Preservation Network Tax Credit Award for transforming the historic Garfield School into 36 mixed-income housing units. Blending preservation with modern living, the project honors local history and community collaboration.
- Project:
- Sector
- Stats:
- HDJ Services:
- Garfield Landing
- Affordable Housing
- 36 units
- Architecture, Interior
Garfield Landing Honored with 2025 Michigan Historic Preservation Award
We’re honored to share that Garfield Landing has been selected for the 2025 Michigan Historic Preservation Network Tax Credit Award. This recognition highlights the dedication and collaboration involved in preserving a piece of Michigan’s history.
Sharing a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making this project a success. We look forward to celebrating this achievement at the awards ceremony on May 16 at Lake Superior State University.
Breathing New Life into a Historic Landmark
Garfield Landing is a mixed-income housing development that thoughtfully blends historic preservation with modern living. The project features 36 high-quality rental apartments, including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. This transformation combines:
- 14 units within the restored historic Garfield School
- 20 newly constructed units designed to complement the original architecture
A Storied Past: The Garfield School
Located in Sault Ste. Marie, the Garfield School was built in 1898 as a four-classroom elementary school. At the time, architects had the foresight to include playrooms in the basement, which provided students with a place for recess during the harsh Upper Peninsula winters.
As the community grew, a 1953 expansion added five extra classrooms and a gymnasium to accommodate more students. However, in 1970, the school was decommissioned, and the building was abandoned for decades.
Preserving Architectural Heritage
The historic two-story Marquette brownstone structure has been carefully restored, maintaining key architectural elements:
- Smooth brownstone bands accenting the structure at key points
- Wood cornice detailing with egg-and-dart molding and carved brackets
- Gabled roof with hipped corners, preserving the original silhouette
- Red brick gymnasium addition (1952), integrated into the redevelopment
While some elements—such as the original roof cupola, entrance porch, and stone columns—were lost over time, the redevelopment has ensured that this historic structure continues to serve the community for years.
A Community Effort
This project would not have been possible without the dedication of our incredible partners:
- Developer: Community Housing Network
- Construction Manager: Oakwood Construction
Garfield Landing stands as a model for historic preservation and modern housing solutions, honoring the past while building for the future.
