“Niles, Then and Now,” a pictorial record of Niles’ Downtown Historic District, is available for pre-order through the city’s Downtown Development Association Design Committee.

The book contains photos of the 96 buildings that comprise the historic district. There is an historic photo as well as a current photo of each building. In addition to numerous color photos, there are brief descriptions and histories of each property.

Jeanne Watson, a member of the design committee, said the books would be distributed Nov. 1.

All profits from book sales will go back to the design committee. Watson said the money would be used for a future physical project to improve downtown Niles.

The book contains excerpts from the 2013 Downtown Local Historic District Study Committee Report, which was created by the design committee in order for downtown Niles to obtain its status as a downtown local historic district. Niles is one of only 75 cities in Michigan with such a designation.

Watson said the design committee has been condensing the report into a book that is relevant and accessible to the public. The final draft of the book will be sent to publishing company McNaughton and Gunn, of Saline, by Oct. 1.

Watson said the design committee’s goal is to sell 500 copies of the book, which would generate around $5,000.

“I think the book would be of interest to anyone that grew up in Niles, anyone that has an interest in the history of Niles, people that live in Niles, people that own property in Niles,” Watson said.

Pre-order forms are available upon request at Niles Main Street Office, 333 N. 2nd Street, Suite #303, Niles. You can also call Watson at (269) 687-6074 for an order form. If an order is received before Oct. 1, the cost of each book is $13 plus $5 shipping. If received on or after Oct. 1, the cost of each book will be $15 plus $5 shipping. Personal checks and PayPal are accepted.