 Historic preservation is a key contributor to the economic sustainability of our Michigan communities. Preserving the character of our communities enhances property values, creates a unique sense of place, revitalizes downtowns and promotes tourism.
Originally based in Maryland, UltraCamp owner Daniel Ashley relocated to Michigan in 2009 to be closer to family. While searching for a new home, he discovered Niles – it had the best selection of housing, quality and price he was looking for. For the first couple years after moving to Niles, he and his employees worked from home, yet Ashley knew he wanted an office location, so he reached out to the city of Niles to help him find the perfect fit for his business.
Ashley’s original plan was new construction. He found and purchased property that was adjacent to a city park in Niles. Ashley had trouble securing bank financing due to the lack of comp buildings in the area which would affect the appraisal.
It soon became evident that this property wasn’t going to work. The city found an existing building located at 123 and 127 East Main Street in downtown Niles. The property had good bones, it just needed extensive maintenance and repair and vision.
The Community Development Department is thrilled to welcome Michigan’s State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) staff to the MEDC. Prior to arriving at the MEDC, the Community Development (CD) department worked closely with SHPO to provide technical assistance to local communities in their efforts to protect Michigan’s historic buildings.
By merging underneath one department, the CD department and SHPO are excited to continue building upon a shared goal of preserving the local character of Michigan’s local communities, revitalizing downtowns, promoting tourism, and strengthening local economies.
Check out the State Historic Preservation Office website to learn more about the vital functions that SHPO and the MEDC Community Development teams are working on.
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