Story

Design: Cornerstone Architects. Contract: Construction Manager. Budget: $8,000,000. Supervision: Mike VanGessel and Kevin Wead. The D.A. Blodgett building had been in tragic disrepair for more than 30 years. While the surrounding East Hills neighborhood experienced tremendous revitalization, 920 Cherry St. -- the largest building on the block -- sat empty, dilapidated and a magnet for vandals. ICCF CEO, Jonathan Bradford, saw beyond what it had become and rallied a team of experts, including Rockford Construction, to restore its glory for use as ICCF’s new headquarters. An ill-conceived addition to the front of the building (installed in 1953) was torn down and replaced with four signatory columns to replicate those that originally graced the building’s entry. Throughout the building, Terrazzo floors were restored as well as crown molding and window sashes to keep the building’s historic character intact. The three-story stairwell was repaired, and the interior and exterior brickwork was extensive. All told, the crowning achievement for this historical restoration project is its LEED certification -- a true testament to ICCF’s mission of community stewardship. The project was also honored with the prestigious Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation by the Michigan Historic Preservation Society.