WWW.CITYOFWESTLAND.COM

Westland, MI - Mayor William R. Wild is pleased to announce that as of July 9, 2013, the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior has listed the NorWayne Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places, which is the nation's official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation.

 

The City, thanks to the generosity of the Styers Family, who paid for the services of Rebecca Bino-Savage to prepare the application, submitted the request for a nomination to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. SHPO's Review Board approved to recommend the placement of NorWayne on the National Register of Historic Places and sent out a nomination in May.

 

"This is a major preservation milestone for the City of Westland and the NorWayne community," said Mayor Wild. "This is a significant step in our goal to restore the NorWayne neighborhood to a 'community of choice' once again. I look forward to further building upon this neighborhood's proud and unique history."

 

Constructed in 1942, the NorWayne neighborhood is Westland's oldest subdivision. It was erected during World War II for the workers at the Willow Run Bomber Plant and during its peak was home to over 20,000 residents. By the 1980s NorWayne's housing stock started to decline and it was apparent that the area was in need of restoration. Since Mayor Wild's term began, 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 for road improvements and infrastructure repairs.

 

Listing in the National Register provides many advantages to the neighborhood, including: consideration in the planning for federal or federally assisted projects; provides eligibility for federal and/or state tax benefits; qualifies properties for federal assistance for historic preservation, when funds are available; serves as a catalyst for economic development; and promotes heritage tourism. In addition, the State Historic Preservation Office helps communities identify and protect their historic resources so they maintain their unique community identity.

 

"We are delighted this significant property has been recognized through this historic designation," said State Historic Preservation Officer, Brian Conway. "Thank you for your support in preserving Michigan's unique heritage."