Original Construction
1887
Completion Date
2000
State Register of Historic Places

Originally constructed as the Benzonia Congregational Church, the Benzie Area Historical Museum is an elegantly detailed Queen Anne structure featuring craftsmanship such as a prominent bell tower, decorative gable-end brackets, and intricate siding details. The building expanded with a large west addition in 1912 before being repurposed in 1969 as a museum for local artifacts. Following a devastating fire in 1987, the original church structure and its earlier addition were restored to their historical appearance.

As a part of SmithGroup’s historic preservation team, members of HopkinsBurns Design Studio led the master planning and architectural design for a 3,200-square-foot addition. The addition accommodates expanding collections, including a permanent gallery honoring world-renowned printmaker and local resident Gwen Frostic. The firm designed the new wing to echo the original Queen Anne design vocabulary through matching horizontal trim, combined siding, and gable brackets, while introducing a large porch for public receptions. To resolve accessibility challenges, the team incorporated a new main entrance and installed an interior lift to provide barrier-free access throughout the museum facility. A large porch was also added to provide a place for gatherings and receptions.