Contest calls for photos showing Michigan's architectural heritage

Old is the New Green is the theme of a photography contest sponsored by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).

From now till June 1 the agency will be accepting photos that showcase Michigan's architectural heritage.

Historic preservation plays a significant role in environmentally and economically sustainable development, leading the National Trust for Historic Preservation to adopt the green theme for this year's National Historic Preservation Month, May 1 to June 1.

By submitting one or more Old is the New Green-themed photos, entrants become eligible to:

• Have their photography displayed on the Michigan.gov/shpo website;

• Be featured in media coverage supporting the contest;

• Be highlighted on SHPO and MSHDA social media sites;

• Be entered to win a Meijer gift card donated by the Michigan History Foundation, or one of three weekend getaway prizes to the Westin Book Cadillac in Detroit, the Park Place Hotel in Traverse City, and Stafford's Perry Hotel in Petoskey. The Book Cadillac Hotel is a 2009 winner of the Governor's Award for Historic Preservation, and both the Park Place Hotel and Perry Hotel are listed in the State Register of Historic Sites. The getaway prizes were donated by the three hotels.

"We hope to spread the word throughout Michigan that preservation is inherently green by supporting sustainability," said State Historic Preservation Officer Brian Conway.

Submit photos via email to or by mail to: Michigan State Housing Development Authority. Complete rules and details of the contest are available online.

Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Keith Molin, MSHDA
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