TRAVERSE CITY -- Ray Minervini is well known in local circles as a builder and developer. He can now add historian to the list.
Minervini was recognized by the Historical Society of Michigan for his restoration and preservation efforts at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, the historic former state hospital property that splits the city and Garfield Township. Minervini, and Suttons Bay author John Mitchell, were honored at the 133rd annual State History Conference held late last month in Macomb County.
The society, which is the state's oldest cultural organization (it was established in 1828), presented 15 awards recognizing historic preservation efforts in categories including publications, communications, media, educational programs and volunteer service.
Minervini has taken a step-by-step approach to restoring the massive former administration structure known as Building 50 and other parts of the former state hospital grounds. He said it was gratifying to be recognized for what's been a tedious, time-consuming redevelopment project.
"We've been under the radar screen for many years with this, so it's nice to get that kind of recognition," Minervini said. "It makes it all worth it."
Minervini's development company, The Minervini Group LLC, is on pace to restore approximately 240,000 square feet of space within Building 50 and other structures on the property by the end of the year. The project is now home to 54 different businesses with almost 300 employees, with future plans for various other tenants, including an upscale hotel.
Minervini's company was nominated for the award by Dianna Stampfler, a Plainwell resident who does promotional work for several tourism-related events and entities in Michigan. She's been an occasional visitor to the property in recent years and toured the redevelopment site with Minervini this summer.
"I was so inspired by Ray's passion for the property," Stampfler said. "It's just an amazing project ... there's nothing else like it."
Because it's both a state and national historic site, Minervini's redevelopment plans are subject to a myriad of reviews and approvals from various agencies, including the National Park Service and the state's historic preservation office, plus local zoning rules.
It makes for a lengthy approval process and reams of red tape, but Minervini said a state history award makes it more worthwhile for himself and tenants of the project.
"It's something worth preserving in my mind," he said. "Most people who've joined us understand and appreciate that."
Author John Mitchell was honored in the "books/private press" category for his book "Wood Boats of Leelanau: A Photographic Journal" written in conjunction with the Leelanau County Historical Society. It's a companion book to the museum's multi-media exhibit that explores the history of wood boats in the county; the county has extended the exhibit through next year.
"We're truly honored that our work has been recognized in this way," Mark Nesbitt, president of the Leelanau Historical Society board, said in a statement.
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