Reaching Back to the Past

H2A Architects worked with the City of Cheboygan DDA to implement a façade improvement program. The program seeks to rehabilitate some of their downtown buildings to the likeness of the original buildings. The façade designs must meet with strict adherence to SHPO requirements in order to gain Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) funding.

The local Historic Society and the City provided historic photos gave clues as to how the original buildings looked before "modernization" attempts. H2A developed design sketches and generated cost estimates to aid the city, MEDC, and building owners in how best to approach the project and how funding would allocated.

Eight downtown businesses participated in the program. The design drawings will serve as a template for the businesses to restore the historic character of their buildings, if they chose to do so. 

Buildings varied from 1950’s mid-century modern style to late 19th century designs.   The buildings had undergone numerous renovations over the many years, continuing to augment them far from their original appearance. 

Cheboygan is a great little Michigan "up north" town with a lot of history. H2A was proud to be chosen to help recreate some of that historic past.

It's also a great place for a weekend vacation.