“Preserving with Purpose: Reimagining Buildings for Community Benefit”, releasing on November 4th, 2025, rethinks building conservation in vulnerable communities. Author Amy Hetletvedt explores ways to repurpose existing buildings, explains the importance of these buildings, and presents what communities and professionals can make of them.
For Amy, it was important to write “Preserving with Purpose” to help start a conversation about how aligning purpose with preservation can both save buildings and benefit communities. Amy explained, “Throughout the process of researching, writing, and learning stories of how existing buildings have been creatively addressed, I realized the importance of asking, ‘What is the role of existing buildings in preserving or serving the community? Can these buildings serve as a resource and a regenerative role in the community?’”
Amy and her book “Preserving with Purpose” are among the recipients of the MAF 2025 Damian Farrell Architecture Awareness Grants. The grant’s financial award is helping support three book launches and author talks around Michigan, while sharing the book’s messages with the public. There will be opportunities to meet the author, ask questions, and get a copy of the book signed. All events will be free and open to the public.
Detroit Book Launch, November 6, 2025: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-launch-preserving-with-purpose-author-talk-with-amy-hetletvedt-tickets-1657437282529?aff=oddtdtcreator
Three Rivers/ Southwest Michigan Book Launch, November 7, 2025: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-launch-preserving-with-purpose-author-talk-with-amy-hetletvedt-tickets-1657478987269?aff=oddtdtcreator
Grand Rapids Book Launch, November 10, 2025: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-launch-preserving-with-purpose-author-talk-with-amy-hetletvedt-tickets-1657481354349?aff=oddtdtcreator
The Michigan Architectural Foundation is dedicated to advancing awareness of how architecture enriches life. How does “Preserving with Purpose” align with MAF’s mission? “One of the primary ways we gain awareness about architecture, socio-cultural issues, and the lives of others, is by reading,” Amy expressed. “First and foremost, I consider the book itself a form of awareness about the importance of architecture and how our built environment is inexorably intertwined with community.”
While the primary audience for the book is architects and planners, it was also written to be an accessible and engaging resource for a non-technical audience, including community organizers, residents, and students. Amy explained, “The book is designed to engage a range of audiences, including those who may not otherwise be reached by a book about preservation or policy. ‘Preserving with Purpose’ encourages professionals and residents to approach historic buildings creatively and collaboratively, presenting approaches that not only address buildings but benefit communities.”
Damian Farrell Architecture Awareness Grants are awarded each January and July. For more information on the grants and how to apply: https://michiganarchitecturalfoundation.org/grants/awareness-grants/