Evans Graham
Preservation Award

Created in 1998 to provide financial support and recognition to individuals and groups seeking to preserve historic Michigan architecture, the grant is for “bricks and mortar” projects.

Ralph and Jeanne Graham and Carl Roehling founded the award to honor David Evans, FAIA, a talented and generous preservation architect. Since its founding, the award has been granted to preservation projects throughout Michigan. Today, $25,000 is granted annually by a jury based on the merits of the project. The application period starts the first of the new year and submissions are due by March 17th of the same year.

For more information, contact Carl Roehling:

Phone
313-510-5468
Email
cdroehling@gmail.com

Criteria for Selection

Creativity

The project demonstrates a creative solution to a preservation problem that includes both environmental sustainability and economic model that will extend the building’s life.

Community

The final result must benefit the community with which it resides aesthetically and functionally. It should increase the visibility of historic preservation and be an educational influence. It should be impactful.

Quality

The project should be an example of preservation excellence in process and principles. It must be a model for others to follow.

Project Requirements

  • The project must be owned or led by an IRS qualified non-profit organization
  • The project must be located within the state of Michigan
  • An AIA Michigan licensed architect must be involved as consultant, advisor or volunteer. A list of AIA Michigan architects willing to provide pro bono consulting is available at the end of this document.

Requirements

Application Requirements

It is the intent of the jury to make the submission as efficient and succinct as possible to save time for applicants. The quality of the submission is more important than the quantity of exhibits. To that end, applicants should submit their project in conformance with the following outline.

1. Cover Letter (1 page)

The letter should include; name of the project, name of the organization, confirmation of IRS status, name of contact person, contact information, and a paragraph summarizing how the project addresses the three criteria for the award.

2. Project Team (1 page)

Brief description and history of the organization. Project leaders from the organization. List of professionals and contractors involved in the project and their roles. Name of AIAM member involved and their role.

3. Project Description (2 pages)

Answer the following questions:
  • What is the story/history of the project?
  • What preservation problem(s) does it address?
  • What are the creative solutions?
  • What sustainability strategies are employed?
  • What are the benefits to the community?
  • What is the budget for the project?
  • How will the award dollars be spent?

4. Project Exhibits (4 pages maximum)

Provide the graphic information that is most important to the case for the award. This may include photographs, renderings, plans or details that describe the project and its creativity, quality and benefits to the community.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Process

Individuals or organizations will submit an PDF application and exhibits by email to Carl Roehling FAIAE, at cdroehling@gmail.com starting February 1 of the application year. Submissions must be received by March 17th of the same year to be eligible. The Evans Graham Preservation Award Jury will deliberate and select the recipient in April. The successful applicant will be notified immediately thereafter.

Evans Graham Jury

Evans Graham Jury

Jurors are available to provide consulting to applicants on the submission. If applicants would like to engage with a juror, contact Carl Roehling for assignment. Park Smith, AIA – Chair Carl Roehling, FAIAE – Vice Chair* Ron Campbell, AIA Randy Case, AIA* Nancy Finegood* Annie West Graham Bill Graham Elisabeth Knibbe, FAIA* Jackie Hoist, AIA* Gene Hopkins, FAIA* Jessica Quijano, AIA Jennifer Radcliff, Honorary AIA Ilene Tyler, FAIA* Note: asterisk* indicates available for application consulting

PRO BONO PROJECT CONSULTATION

2025 Award Recipient

Historic Harrisville Train Depot

Reviving a Gateway to History

The grant of $25,000 will provide support in restoring two of the original doors and replicating the third original Train Depot exterior doors. After decades of wear and tear, they remain as an important piece of the depots history. The restoration of these doors is critical to help support and perverse the building from further deterioration. The Train Depot was originally built in 1901 and has remained vacant for decades. As one of the only stone passenger train depots in Michigan’s Northern Lower Peninsula, the restoration of the depot is important to the community of Harrisville. The project’s grantee, The Friends of the Harrisville Train Depot Inc., hopes to create a gathering place for the community by holding cultural and educational events, celebrations, and workshops at the train depot. Read more about the project in the article on the MAF website.