Restoration of the huge Géza Maróti mural on the barrel-vaulted ceiling of the Fisher Building arcade involved cleansing, conservation of original elements and recreation of plaster and gilded elements lost to water damage and age.
Preservation Partnerships
and Fiduciary Services: Helping to
Preserve Albert Kahn’s Legacy
In advance of its 100th anniversary, the Fisher Building is undergoing a preservation initiative.
Many Albert Kahn-designed buildings remain in active use by businesses, institutions, and other organizations. When these historic properties require preservation, rehabilitation, or restoration, owners may have access to grant funding—but many grant programs require funds to be awarded through a nonprofit organization rather than directly to a for-profit company.
The Albert Kahn Legacy Foundation (AKLF) can serve as a nonprofit partner and, when appropriate, function as a fiduciary for preservation grant funds.
A Nonprofit Partner for Preservation Projects
Through a fiduciary partnership, AKLF can receive and administer grant funds on behalf of an eligible preservation project, helping ensure that funds are used for their intended purpose and in accordance with the grantor’s requirements.
This arrangement can provide a practical pathway for a for-profit company or other ineligible applicant to pursue preservation funding while also advancing AKLF’s mission to preserve and promote the legacy of Albert Kahn.
Depending on the project and funding source, AKLF’s role may include:
- Serving as fiduciary for grant funds awarded for an eligible preservation project.
- Receiving and administering grant funds in accordance with the funder’s requirements.
- Monitoring expenditures and project progress as required by the grant agreement.
- Maintaining appropriate financial records and documentation related to the grant.
- Coordinating with the property owner, funder, contractors and other project partners.
- Providing preservation perspective and resources related to the significance of Albert Kahn-designed buildings.
How It Works
A fiduciary relationship is established on a project-by-project basis and is subject to AKLF’s review and approval.
The process usually involves the following steps:
- Discuss the Project — The property owner or company contacts AKLF to discuss the building, proposed preservation work, available funding, and the potential role of AKLF.
- Review Eligibility and Alignment — AKLF reviews the proposed project and funding opportunity to determine whether the project is consistent with the Foundation’s mission and whether AKLF is an appropriate fiduciary partner.
- Establish the Partnership — If appropriate, AKLF and the project owner establish an agreement defining the responsibilities of each party, including the administration and use of grant funds.
- Administer the Grant — AKLF receives and administers the funds and provides the oversight and documentation required by the funder and the partnership agreement.
- Complete the Preservation Work — The property owner remains responsible for the project itself, including project management, contractors, consultants, approvals, and other obligations unless otherwise agreed.
AKLF’s role as fiduciary does not mean that the Foundation assumes ownership of a project or building. Each opportunity is reviewed individually to determine whether it aligns with AKLF’s mission, capacity, and fiduciary requirements. Any partnership must be structured in a way that is consistent with grant obligations, sound financial stewardship, and the preservation goals of the project.
Preserving Kahn’s Work for Future Generations
Albert Kahn’s buildings are an important part of the architectural and industrial heritage of Detroit and communities throughout the country. Preserving these buildings often requires creative partnerships among property owners, businesses, nonprofit organizations, foundations, and public agencies.
AKLF’s fiduciary services can help create those partnerships while ensuring that preservation projects involving Albert Kahn’s work are consistent with the Foundation’s mission.