LANSING — The State Historic Preservation Office announced the addition of the Joseph Campau Historic District in Hamtramck to the National Register of Historic Places. Joseph Campau Street is a unique collection of buildings reflecting early 20th century commercial architecture.
“The Joseph Campau district reflects Hamtramck’s rich history as a Polish community that boomed following the construction of the Dodge Main automotive plant in 1914,” said State Historic Preservation Officer Brian Conway.
“By 1930 Hamtramck’s population had reached 54,000, and 80 percent of the people were Polish. Joseph Campau was the main commercial artery in the community and includes a variety of intact historic buildings. We hope that national register designation will encourage property owners to rehabilitate their buildings by using the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credits that are available for the rehabilitation of buildings listed in the national register,” Conway said.
The City of Hamtramck sought the designation in order to encourage investment in and rehabilitation of the buildings within the district.
Michigan has more than 1600 listings in the National Register of Historic Places, including some 250 districts made up of more than 20,000 properties. For information on the National Register of Historic Places and other programs of the State Historic Preservation Office, visit michigan.gov/shpo or call 517-373-1630.
