2022 Award Recipient
Created in 1998 to honor the memory of David Evans, FAIA, a talented and generous preservation architect, the award provides financial assistance and recognition to groups or individuals seeking to preserve historic Michigan architecture.
Ralph and Jeanne Graham, co-founders of the award, guided its development until their passing. The Award was re-named in 2015 to honor their leadership and contribution. Today, the Award of $20,000 is granted annually by a jury based on the merits of the project. The application period opens early in the year of award and closes at the end of that March.
For more information, contact Carl Roehling:
Criteria for Selection
Creativity
The project demonstrates creative and sustainable solution(s) to a preservation problem.
Community
The final result will benefit the community within which it resides aesthetically and environmentally, with increased visibility and as an educational influence.
Quality
The project reflects the values of David Evans, and Ralph and Jeanne Graham:
Project Requirements
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:
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
Organizations will submit a PDF application and project description by email to Carl Roehling, FAIA, cdroehling@gmail.com, beginning in February.
PRO BONO CONSULTATION
The $20,000 MAF grant will help fund the cleaning, reassembly, repair, and restoration of defining features of the 1885 kitchen, including the cabin’s original stove, kitchen cabinetry and wainscoting, and rebuilding the chimney.
Built in 1885, the log cabin is unique in that its rustic log exterior encloses a Victorian interior that features stained glass windows; paneled pocket doors; elegant window, door and base trim; and a beautiful carved wood staircase. The building was designed by architects George D. Mason and Zachariah Rice for U.S. Senator Thomas Palmer and his wife Lizzie Merrill Palmer. It was originally used as a summer home for the Palmers and venue for entertaining guests, including elected officials and other notable historical figures such Henry Ford, Frederick Law Olmsted, Swami Vivekananda, and others.
The project’s grantee, the People for Palmer Park, plans to preserve the structure as a place to offer educational programming and tours in partnership with the local historical organizations as well as host cultural and community events. The cabin will also continue to play a key role in the annual Michigan Log Cabin Day, an annual event to commemorate log cabins statewide and the important role they played in Michigan’s history.
