Historic‑designation candidate Timothy Henry says he will review Renaissance Center eligibility

Timothy Henry, a lifelong Detroit resident who described himself as a preservation-minded homeowner and engineer, appeared virtually before the Committee of the Whole as a candidate for the Historic Designation Advisory Board.

Henry told council he grew up in Detroit, works in construction and renovation as an avocation, and has an engineering background from his time at Ford Motor Co. He said those experiences, and his interest in local history, would inform his work on the advisory board.

Council Member Mary Waters raised a pending request from her office for the advisory board to conduct an eligibility study for the Renaissance Center, also known as the Renaissance Center or "RenCen." Waters described previous materials indicating the complex may meet criteria for historic designation and asked Henry how he would approach the question. Henry replied that he would need to review the resolution and all supporting documentation, solicit public input, and deliberate with other advisory board members before reaching a conclusion.

"I'd like to get all of the information, all the data before me, possibly search and get some public opinion as well, evaluate the data, evaluate all the information, sit down with the other group members and really discuss this, and review it and see exactly if it should truly should be designated," Henry said.

Waters said the Renaissance Center is a significant and time-sensitive issue for her office given discussions about portions of the complex and possible demolition of towers; she told Henry she would provide the board candidate with the resolution and supporting materials. The committee did not take a vote on Henry's nomination at the session; the chair moved to return line item 6 for a date to be determined.

Henry said he was grateful for the opportunity to be considered and that he hoped to help preserve Detroit history if appointed.