National Preservation Month Spotlight: Honoring Michigan's Historic Architecture

May marks National Preservation Month, a time when communities across the country come together to celebrate places that reflect our rich and diverse heritage. Preserving historic architecture isn't just about saving old buildings, it's about safeguarding stories, culture, and craftsmanship that have shaped who we are.

At Infuz Architects, historic preservation is a cornerstone of our mission. We view restoration not only as a design challenge but as a civic duty to protect architectural legacies. Our work on the Cadillac House in Lexington, Michigan, is a proud example of how modern architectural practice can breathe new life into treasured landmarks. Through adaptive reuse, sensitive restoration, and sustainable design, we bring historical spaces into the present, ready to serve new generations while honoring the old.

The Cadillac House, built in the early 1800s, is one of Michigan's oldest continuously operating hospitality spaces. Situated in the picturesque town of Lexington, MI, this historic inn once served as a bustling tavern, a community gathering place, and a waypoint for travelers moving between Detroit and the Thumb region. Over the decades, the Cadillac House witnessed the rise and fall of industries, the shaping of towns, and generations of memories made within its walls. Yet by the early 21st century, the structure was in dire need of revitalization.

Infuz Architects was brought on to lead the architectural vision for its restoration. Our team began by researching the building’s original materials, construction methods, and historical significance. We collaborated with local preservation societies and artisans to ensure authenticity throughout the process.

Infuz Architects’ Vision: Preservation with Purpose

At Infuz Architects, we approach preservation not just as restoration, but as a form of storytelling. Every beam, every brick, and every void within a historic building holds stories waiting to be told in new ways. For the Carriage House, we envisioned a multi-use design that would make the structure relevant to the Lexington community once again—both as a destination and a gathering place.

Our design strategy focused on three key principles:

• Preserve the integrity of the original architectural elements

• Integrate modern amenities discreetly and respectfully

• Create layered experiences, from quiet moments to civic engagement

A Hidden Tavern Below – The Modern Speakeasy

Tucked beneath the main floor of the Carriage house, is a nod to Prohibition-era speakeasies and Lexington’s legacy as a social port town. Entering this space feels like stepping into another world. Exposed brick, restored timber beams, and dimmed artisan lighting create a warm, intimate atmosphere. Every detail was carefully curated to evoke nostalgia without replicating the past. A modern bar crafted from reclaimed wood and brass fixtures sits at the heart of the room, surrounded by lounge seating and booths made from local materials. This hidden tavern is more than just a bar, it’s a storytelling space. It offers locals and tourists alike a place to share drinks, hear live music, and connect over stories, just as the original occupants of the Carriage House might have done generations ago.

The Civic Component – Event Space and Community Hub

Above the tavern, the Carriage House opens into a bright, multifunctional space designed for community events, pop-up art exhibits, weddings, public forums, and more. The original carriage doors were preserved and restored to a functioning condition, allowing the space to open directly to the street and blend indoor and outdoor activities in warmer months.

The flooring was replaced with reclaimed hardwood from nearby barns, creating a seamless dialogue between the old and the new. Large windows, introduced through careful retrofitting, bring natural light into the space, while vaulted ceilings maintain the open feeling of the original barn-like volume.This space represents the heart of the Carriage House’s new identity: a civic anchor, where heritage architecture becomes the backdrop for future community memories.