Acknowledging the contribution of historic preservation architect, David Evans, FAIA, this Michigan Architectural Foundation grant promotes the practice of historic preservation by giving encouragement and support to not-for-profit (501c3) community groups seeking to restore important resources and showcasing innovative solutions to specific preservation

This year’s grant winner is the Bonine House Tower Lookout and Roof Restoration.

The mission of this project is to provide a focal point for exploration into the origins and activities of the Underground Railroad; the unique role the people of Cass County played throughout its existence, and how it impacted local, state and national history. Click here for more info about the underground railroad in Cass County.

The goals of the project are:

• Preserve and restore the James E. Bonine House and Carriage House as outstanding examples of Victorial domestic architecture.
• Create a museum, learning center and community meeting house as the focal point for understanding the role Quaker, African-American and other abolitionist groups played in the Underground Railroad.
• Create a cultural tourism destination for Underground Railroad enthusiasts that will bring visitors and tourism dollars into the community.

For more information about the Evans Grant, click here.