The flood and fire of 1997 destroyed much of the physical plant of the Grand Forks Herald. Instead of leaving the site of such a disaster, publisher Mike Maidenberg quickly announced that the Herald would rebuild in downtown Grand Forks. Furthermore, the new building would be designed in harmony with the remaining Grand Forks Herald building, already on the National Register of Historic Places. The result is a handsome example of how new construction can be compatible with historic buildings instead of destroying them.
For his dedication to the redevelopment of downtown Grand Forks and for providing the city with a unique demonstration of how business expansion, economic development, and historic preservation can go hand-in-hand, the Grand Forks Historic Preservation Commission presents to Mike Maidenberg the Griggs Award for his significant contribution to the historic quality of Grand Forks.