2020 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 $10,000 is granted annually by a jury based on the merits of the project.
For more information, contact Carl Roehling:
Criteria for Selection
Creativity
The project demonstrates creative solution(s) to a preservation problem.
Community
The final result will benefit the community within which it resides aesthetically, with increased visibility or 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 beginning in February.
PRO BONO CONSULTATION
The $10,000 grant will help support the restoration and adaptive reuse of the 1888 funeral chapel for private and community events.
The sandstone, copper and brick Richardsonian Romanesque-style chapel, designed by renowned architects Mason & Rice, was built as a memorial to John Starkweather from his wife Mary Ann, both prominent members of the Ypsilanti community. The building’s unique stained-glass windows were designed by Tiffany of New York. The Starkweather family also funded many Ypsilanti landmarks, including Starkweather Hall at Eastern Michigan University, the Hebe Fountain on South Huron Street, and the Ladies Library Association building, Mary Ann Starkweather’s former home.
The creative adaptive reuse, combined with the technically excellent restoration of the building and its stained glass, make the Starkweather Memorial Chapel restoration a model preservation effort for communities across the entire State of Michigan.
