Westland, MI -Mayor William R. Wild is pleased to announce that the NorWayne subdivision, Westland's oldest, could soon be honored for its World War II heritage with the decision by the State of Michigan's Historic Preservation Review Board to recommend the placement of NorWayne on the National Register of Historic Places, an official list of historic places deemed worthy of preservation, recognizing a site or area's historical, architectural, cultural or archeological significance.

 

Constructed during World War II for the workers at the Willow Run Bomber Plant, a thriving NorWayne at its peak was home to over 20,000 residents.  By the 1980's the neighborhood's housing stock started to decline and it was apparent that the area was in need of restoration.  For years, the City has taken an active role in the stabilization of the neighborhood using federal dollars through qualifying programs, and has encouraged investment in the neighborhood through renovation grants. Funds have also been used got road improvement and infrastructure repair.   

 

According to Mayor Wild, there are many perks that come with the designation including the potential for tax incentives that could help with future restoration efforts.  "Our goal is to return NorWayne to a "community of choice" and continue to build on it's proud history. This designation is another step towards that goal," said Mayor Wild.  "One of the biggest issues is that there is not enough awareness about NorWayne and its magnificent historic significance. It was once a shining part of the City and we are working hard to bring that back." Wild also commends the recently formed NorWayne Community Citizens Council and the recent NorWayne Community Garden project that supplies NorWayne residents with fresh fruits and vegetables.

 

Constructed in 1942, Joanne Campbell, Westland's Director of Housing and Community Development, said that NorWayne was once central to the life of the City, but today is struggling to play a more vital role in the re-emerging of the City of Westland as a whole. "It still stands as a testament to the region's industrial and military heritage, and we intend to continue our work to restore this pillar of history," concluded Campbell.

 

The recommendation now moves to the United States Department of Interior, which maintains the historic register, for final approval. 

For more information, contact Shannon Ackron, Administrative Secretary, at (734) 467-3200.

##