What was formerly Andrew Carnegie’s historic library in Mount Clemens and has been home to the Anton Art Center for as long as most people can remember has been declared a historical gem.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced the building is one of 27 historic Michigan properties being given the special recognition of being listed in the National Register of Historic Places for 2021. The honor administered in Michigan by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) means the building, as with other official sites, structures and objects means it has been deemed worthy of preservation for its historical significance.
“This year’s nominated historic properties span the history and geography of both of Michigan’s peninsulas, recognizing places and people who are significant in our communities, our state, and our nation. National Register listing promotes our shared history, fosters a sense of pride in our communities, provides public recognition of our historic places, and generates economic investment and activity,” Mark A. Rodman, state historic preservation officer, said in Monday’s news release.
It’s a tribute and very timely for the Anton Art Center.
“Obtaining a National Register listing is an exciting opportunity for the Anton Art Center to acknowledge the history of the facility we currently occupy,” said Phil Gilchrist, executive director for the art center.
He said the application process was launched in 2018 as part of the Art Center’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2019.
“As one of only two Carnegie Library buildings in Macomb County and a public facility for more than 115 years, the architectural gem has continuously been a cornerstone of our community deserving of this recognition,” Gilchrist said.
The building was completed in 1904 as part of philanthropist Carnegie’s nationwide free public library building program.
The Mount Clemens Library was the first permanent home in the city for the library and its growing collection of books and materials. It was designed by local architect Theophilus Van Damme, who designed several other buildings in Macomb County including the Tudor office and chapel (1914) in Clinton Grove Cemetery, which was also named to the list.
In 1969, the library outgrew the building and moved to a new location. It’s then that it was transformed into a community art center, continuing its civic purpose. An addition was added to the rear of the building in 2006, providing needed administrative space and enabling complete ADA access throughout, yet it was designed to be respectful of the original library building and its design.
Today, the Anton Art Center continues to draw visitors from across Macomb County and beyond who can enjoy and explore various art forms within the historic library building. Although the addition updated and made changes to the property, the intentional retention of the historic fabric of the original library still allowed for its listing in the National Register.
This particular National Register nomination was completed at no cost through Mount Clemens’ participation in the Certified Local Government (CLG) program, in partnership with SHPO and the National Park Service. The CLG program provides a structured framework for promoting, supporting, and enhancing historic preservation activities at the local level.
Since the program began in the 1960s more than 96,000 properties across the country, including nearly 2,000 in Michigan, have been listed in the National Register, which is administered by the state’s National Park Service.
Of those on the list all are referred to as a “property,” whether it is a single building, site, or structure or a historic district composed of hundreds of individual buildings. Last year, 23 individual properties and four historic districts totaling more than 179 contributing historic resources in Michigan were listed in the National Register.
To be considered for listing in the National Register, a property must generally be at least 50 years old, and must also be significant when evaluated in relation to major historical events or trends in the history of their community, the state, or the nation. A property must also possess historic integrity – the ability to convey its significance.
“SHPO is honored to join with so many people and communities across the state in celebrating this diverse group of properties which have been listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2021,” Rodman added.
Other sites in Macomb County that have been deemed historical is First Congressional Church in Richmond, built in 1887 and General Motors Technical Center in Warren, designed by architect Eero Saarinen in 1956.
To see the full list on the National Register visit nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/index.htm
