Summary of Specifications:
Washtenaw County Government, a Certified Local Government, and the Dexter Area Historical Society and Museum, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, seek to oversee the creation of a Rehabilitation Master Plan for Gordon Hall, a Washtenaw County Local Historic District. Located at 8341 Island Lake Road, just west of Dexter, Michigan, this site is presently owned and maintained by the Dexter Area Historical Society & Museum (DAHSM). The property is located partially in Scio Township and partially in Webster Township, and covers approximately 70 acres.
The DAHSM Board and current benefactors Gordon Hall desire to form a clear plan for the care, use, and future maintenance of the historic 19th century house and ancillary buildings. Little funding has been available for the maintenance or rehabilitation of this site, which has mounting issues related to its long-term preservation. This present lack of management plan has also placed limitations on the public, private, and school programs held at Gordon Hall.
The purpose of this project is to conduct an existing conditions assessment of Gordon Hall, its ancillary structures, and surrounding landscape. This assessment will result in a prioritized schedule of recommended actions for the near-term, mid-term, and long-term maintenance and rehabilitation of the property. A thorough investigation of the site’s existing conditions, historical development and significance, maintenance issues, and action steps for rehabilitation would provide direction for the DAHSM’s future maintenance of the site. This rehabilitation master plan would complement an existing National Register listing and local historic designation, the latter of which is presently overseen by the Washtenaw County Historic District Commission.
This project is funded in part with federal funds from the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). Compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations is required, per the grant agreement between Washtenaw County Government and Michigan State Housing Development Authority, State Historic Preservation Office (grant agreement).
