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Frankenmuth News

Serving Frankenmuth Since 1906

Vol. 120 No. 15 In our 120th year!

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

  PINE ISLAND DESIGN WINS KMB AWARD:  Michael and Jasmine Southgate, owners of the Pine Island Design office at 159 South Main Street, were presented the Michigan Award at the annual Keep Michigan Beautiful Awards Luncheon October 3. At the far right, City Beautification Committee member Ruth Wallace, who assisted in nominating the Southgates for the honor, presents them with their plaque.

 Pine Esland Design earns Michigan Award from Keep Michigan Beautiful, Inc.

A former South Main Street house was transformed in a matter of a few years into an award-winning design which was recently honored by Keep Michigan Beautiful, Inc.

  Property owners Michael and Jasmine Southgate created a new look and opened the Pine Island Design Office Building at 159 South Main Street. They were recently presented the Michigan Award for their   upgrades to this property.

  The awards luncheon was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Lansing on Friday, October 3.

  The transformation has been incredible for this couple.

  In 2022, the owners of this property began a complete makeover of an outdated office into a functional, ADA-accessible space that also enhances the town’s historic charm. Completed in 2023, the project was motivated by the need for a more usable, barrier-free office while beautifying the property and integrating seamlessly with the surrounding Bavarian architecture in Frankenmuth’s historic district.

  The work involved the Southgates with Pine Island Design as the designer, Koester Builders as the general contractor, Worley Landscape handled the landscaping work, and many skilled subcontractors collaborated to ensure high-quality craftsmanship.

  Native and seasonal plantings, durable materials, and traditional design elements were used to create a welcoming, sustainable space. The exterior features deep charcoal gray siding, accented with crisp white trim and natural stone sourced from northern Michigan, reinforcing both durability and visual harmony with the neighborhood.

  Outdated facades and an inefficient layout were replaced with a thoughtful design that both restores and elevates the property’s curb appeal. The project transformed an underutilized space into a standout feature of Frankenmuth’s Main Street, while meeting the strict architectural standards of the city historical district. The result is a fully revitalized structure that enhances the overall appearance of the community and inspires future improvements nearby.

  The architectural composition features a harmonious mix of textures and tones. The main structure showcases classic vertical board-and-batten siding contracted with warm horizontal lap side in soft greige. White trim and architectural gables provide definition and polish, which the charcoal roof and matte black accents lend a grounded elegance. Natural stone along the lower façade adds an earthy, substantial character, complementing Michigan’s native materials......

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