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Reflecting on MHPN 2026 Conference

Photo Credit: Brian Rebain, Principal at KDG

We are incredibly honored to share that our team received the

2026 Tax Credit Award for two projects:

Piquette Flats &  Red Arrow Lofts.

These projects represent the kind of thoughtful, collaborative preservation work that ensures historic buildings remain active, relevant, and meaningful in today’s communities. Recognition from MHPN is especially meaningful because it reflects not just design success, but a shared commitment to stewardship and revitalization.

We were also proud to see the Marygrove Campus featured during the conference- a project where we had the opportunity to contribute historic consulting services. Its continued evolution stands as a powerful example of how historic campuses can be reimagined to serve contemporary needs while honoring their legacy.

Moving Forward

This year’s conference reinforced something we deeply value in our work: preservation is not about looking backward- it’s about building a stronger, more adaptable future grounded in place and history.

In a time of uncertainty, the preservation community continues to demonstrate resilience, creativity, and purpose. We’re grateful to be part of this work alongside so many dedicated professionals and partners across Michigan.

Thank you to MHPN for organizing such a meaningful event, and congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients.

On the Boards at KDG: Spitzer Arcade, Toledo

Sketch of Spitzer Arcade by Alex Wang, Jr. Interior Designer

KDG is currently working on the design and construction documentation for the renovation of the Spitzer Arcade, a defining component of the broader Four Corners redevelopment in downtown Toledo. Originally completed in 1896 and expanded in 1904, the Spitzer Arcade holds a significant place in the city’s history as Toledo’s first indoor shopping center. Its introduction marked a shift in the retail experience, offering a covered, pedestrian-oriented environment that brought commerce and community together within a single architectural destination.

Over time, the arcade underwent mid-twentieth century modernizations that altered much of its original character. Skylights that once filled the space with natural light were enclosed, and ornamental plaster details were concealed or removed, diminishing the richness of the historic interior. Today, as part of the ongoing redevelopment of the eleven-story Spitzer Building by RKP Group, KDG is leading an effort to reimagine the arcade in a way that honors its legacy while aligning with contemporary use and expectations.

The arcade stretches through the center of the building’s ground floor, serving as both a physical and experiential corridor. KDG’s approach focuses on uncovering and restoring original architectural elements wherever possible, while thoughtfully integrating new interventions that support modern retail, hospitality, and public engagement. By reintroducing natural light, reestablishing historic detailing, and enhancing the spatial clarity of the arcade, the design seeks to create a vibrant, activated environment that reconnects the building to the surrounding urban fabric.

Existing Plaster Details found within the building. Photo Credit : KDG

Equally important is the narrative embedded within the design. Each discovery made during the documentation and investigative phases informs decisions about materiality, proportion, and detail, ensuring that the revitalized space reflects both its origins and its future potential. The project exemplifies KDG’s commitment to adaptive reuse, where historic preservation is not simply about restoration, but about creating meaningful, enduring experiences that resonate with today’s users.

Let’s connect & build your next project together.