"I always saw myself as a steward of these historic buildings. But I've found I'm at my best when helping others be stewards."
That's what Amy Swift
told Model D in 2016 upon the opening of the Hug Factory, the headquarters for her
Building Hugger renovation firm. The company specializes in historic window restoration and repair.
Swift continues her mission with the announcement of the second annual Building Hugger Community Mingle. She's partnered with three local historic preservation organizations for the event, which will offer guests a chance to learn about both restoration techniques as well as public policy issues affecting preservation today.
Brick + Beam Detroit, Preservation Detroit, and Michigan Historic Preservation Network will provide information on current preservation policy issues, including the state of the threatened federal historic tax credit. The organizations will then lead a postcard-writing session to advocate for the endangered tax credit.
Swift will lead a window restoration demonstration while opening up her shop to the public, allowing guests to visit employee work stations for first-hand interactions. Swift plans to open Hugs Hardware in the building, which will sell hard-to-find restoration supplies.
Michigan Women's Foundation and the Build Institute will also be on hand to provide information on their programming for entrepreneurs.
"Informing our community about the preservation policies and best practices that affect property owners in Detroit every day is core to our mission at Building Hugger," says Swift. "We're excited to be able to bring in our partners for a shared advocacy day while also celebrating our achievements and giving thanks to our supporters for helping us through such a big year. It'll be a fun afternoon."
The Building Hugger Community Mingle is free and open to the public. RSVPs are not required but are encouraged,
which can be done here. The event is Saturday, Feb. 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Building Hugger is located in Eastern Market at 3036 Chene St.
Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith.
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