Historic buildings, Ann Arbor, Michigan / by Marjorie Reade and Susan Wineberg.

Pardon Blocks CONTINUED

In 1988, new owners Quinn/Evans Architects, specialists in historic preservation, rehabilitated the southernmost building demonstrating proper preservation on this highly visible street. Evans noted that when the building was painted the contrast between the brick and the stone disappeared. "We removed the
paint and the stone popped right out." The Historic District Commission presented a restoration award to Quinn/Evans that year for their fine work.
One year later, Duane Renken of Renken and Co., a real estate and development firm which now makes this building its headquarters began rehabilitating
the northern two sections. When the renovation was completed, the company
invited Frank Pardon Jr., who was born 86 years earlier above his father's bakery, to come and have a look. "It looks real nice," he said. The Historic District
Commission agreed and awarded Renken a preservation award in 1989.
Bakeries and groceries have operated out of these storefronts for most of the
20th century, but today the two northern sections support a restaurant while
the southern section is for rent. With the recent restoration of the Old Post
Office across the street, and the new Johnson, Johnson and Roy building
around the corner, this edge of town is beginning to enjoy a renaissance. The
Pardon Block has been one of the major catalysts for the revival of this area.

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