Completion Date
2014
National Historic Landmark
National and State Register Listed

Built in 1902 for a prominent lawyer and railroad entrepreneur instrumental in developing Mackinac Island as a tourist destination, the Michigan Governor’s Summer Residence is a significant example of Shingle-style architecture. The expansive home features a hipped roof, exposed rafters, gabled dormers, and porches overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. Acquired by the state in 1945, the residence is part of the Mackinac Island National Historic Landmark and continues to serve as a setting for hosting visiting dignitaries. A 1995 Historic Structure Report and Master Plan evaluated the building’s conditions and established recommendations for its long-term preservation and rehabilitation.

Beginning in 2011, HopkinsBurns prepared architectural documents for the restoration and reconstruction of the residence’s original historic windows. In 2012, the firm developed restoration documents for the roof, specifying cedar shingles and copper flashings to match the original materials and detailing. The firm also completed documentation for the renovation of the residence’s ten existing bathrooms. These efforts supported the ongoing preservation of this historically significant residence, maintaining its architectural character while addressing essential restoration and rehabilitation needs.