Introduction
Rick Lagina is best known for his role as the co‑founder and president of Lagina Holdings, the company that restored the iconic The Amityville Horror house and turned it into a popular tourist attraction. Beyond this high‑profile project, Lagina has built a diverse career spanning real estate development, historic preservation, and entrepreneurial ventures that reflect his deep passion for rescuing and repurposing forgotten properties. Understanding what Rick Lagina does for a living reveals a fascinating blend of business acumen, historical enthusiasm, and community‑focused leadership that has made him a notable figure in both Michigan’s real estate scene and the broader preservation movement.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Rick Lagina was born and raised in Muskegon, Michigan, a region known for its lakefront communities and historic architecture. Growing up surrounded by aging homes and abandoned buildings, he developed an early fascination with restoration. While in high school, he took part in local renovation projects, often volunteering to repair historic houses in his neighborhood. This hands‑on experience sparked a curiosity about the economics of property rehabilitation and the social value of preserving local heritage Simple as that..
No fluff here — just what actually works It's one of those things that adds up..
After graduating from high school, Lagina pursued higher education at Grand Valley State University, where he studied business administration. His coursework emphasized real estate investment and entrepreneurial management, providing a solid theoretical foundation for his future endeavors. During his college years, he also worked part‑time at a local construction firm, gaining practical insights into construction timelines, budgeting, and client relations. These early experiences shaped his decision to focus on a career that combined hands‑on restoration work with strategic business planning But it adds up..
The Lagina Brothers and Their Business Ventures
Rick’s professional journey is closely intertwined with his brother Jesse Lagina, with whom he co‑founded Lagina Holdings in 2005. Their first major project, the ** restoration of the 1885 Victorian mansion known as “The House of the Seven Gables,”** garnered local attention for its meticulous attention to detail and cost‑effective rehabilitation methods. The brothers’ partnership began when they identified an opportunity to purchase and restore a deteriorating historic home in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The success of this venture laid the groundwork for future collaborations That's the part that actually makes a difference..
Key Projects and Their Impact
- The Amityville Horror House (Southampton, New York) – Acquired in 2011, Lagina oversaw the extensive restoration that transformed the infamous The Amityville Horror residence into a tourist destination. The project involved structural reinforcement, historic façade preservation, and the creation of immersive exhibits that honor the property’s cultural significance while ensuring visitor safety.
- Historic Downtown Revitalization (Muskegon) – Lagina led a community‑driven initiative to rehabilitate abandoned storefronts, converting them into boutique shops and art galleries. This effort spurred economic growth, increased foot traffic, and attracted new investors to the area.
- Agricultural Barn Conversions – Several large, disused barns across Michigan were repurposed into event spaces, coworking hubs, and residential lofts. These adaptive reuse projects demonstrated how historic agricultural structures can find new relevance in modern society.
Through these ventures, Rick Lagina has demonstrated a consistent ability to identify undervalued properties, secure financing, manage restoration teams, and market the completed projects to a broad audience. His approach emphasizes preserving original architectural character while integrating contemporary amenities, a philosophy that resonates with both preservationists and modern developers Worth keeping that in mind..
Rick Lagina’s Role at Lagina Holdings
As president of Lagina Holdings, Rick oversees the strategic direction of the company, which now includes real estate development, historic preservation, and tourism management. His responsibilities encompass:
- Project Acquisition and Feasibility Analysis – Conducting market research to determine the potential value of historic properties and assessing renovation costs versus expected returns.
- Financial Management – Working with investors, banks, and local government agencies to secure funding, often leveraging historic tax credits and community development block grants.
- Team Leadership – Recruiting skilled craftsmen, architects, and engineers, and coordinating their efforts to ensure projects stay on schedule and within budget.
- Marketing and Public Relations – Developing branding strategies that highlight the historical narrative behind each property, thereby attracting tourists, historians, and preservation enthusiasts.
- Community Engagement – Organizing educational tours, workshops, and volunteer days that involve local residents in the preservation process, fostering a sense of ownership and pride.
Rick’s leadership style is characterized by a hands‑on approach; he often visits active job sites to oversee progress and address any challenges directly. Plus, this visibility helps maintain high standards and motivates his team. Worth adding, his ability to communicate complex restoration concepts to non‑technical audiences has been crucial in securing public support and tourism revenue Simple, but easy to overlook..
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Beyond his professional achievements, Rick Lagina is actively involved in philanthropic initiatives that support historic preservation and community development. On top of that, he serves on the board of the Michigan Historic Preservation Network, where he advocates for policies that provide financial incentives for property owners undertaking restoration work. Additionally, he has established a scholarship fund for students pursuing careers in historic preservation and architectural restoration, aiming to nurture the next generation of professionals.
The official docs gloss over this. That's a mistake.
Notable Community Projects
- “Restore Our Roots” Campaign – A grassroots effort that raised funds to restore the Muskegon County Courthouse’s historic façade, preserving a landmark that had suffered from years of neglect.
- Heritage Tourism Grants – Lagina helped secure state grants for interpretation centers at several restored historic sites, enhancing visitor education and experience.
These endeavors illustrate Rick’s belief that historic preservation is not merely a commercial activity but a social responsibility that enriches community identity and fosters economic vitality.
Legacy and Impact
Rick Lagina’s career exemplifies how entrepreneurial spirit and historical stewardship can intersect to create lasting value. Here's the thing — by transforming neglected properties into vibrant community assets, he has contributed to the revitalization of both urban and rural areas. His work has also sparked broader conversations about the economic benefits of adaptive reuse, influencing local policymakers to adopt more supportive preservation incentives.
The Amityville Horror House, perhaps his most famous project, continues to attract thousands of visitors annually, generating significant tourism revenue for the region while preserving a piece of American pop‑culture history. On top of that, the brand “Lagina Holdings” has become synonymous with quality restoration, attracting clients seeking both historic charm and modern comfort That's the part that actually makes a difference. Surprisingly effective..
FAQ
Q: What is Rick Lagina’s primary occupation?
A: Rick Lagina is the
president and founder of Lagina Holdings, a firm specializing in the acquisition, restoration, and adaptive reuse of historic properties throughout the Great Lakes region. He is also a licensed builder and certified historic rehabilitation consultant.
Q: How did Rick Lagina get started in historic preservation?
A: After earning his degree in construction management from Michigan State University, Lagina worked for a commercial contractor specializing in institutional buildings. A central moment came when he was assigned to stabilize a vacant 19th-century grain elevator slated for demolition. Recognizing its structural integrity and cultural significance, he purchased the building himself, secured historic tax credits, and converted it into loft apartments. The project’s success—and the community’s enthusiastic response—convinced him to focus exclusively on preservation-driven development.
Q: What distinguishes Lagina Holdings from other development firms?
A: Three core differentiators: first, an in-house preservation team that includes architectural historians, conservators, and traditional tradespeople, allowing for authentic craftsmanship at scale. Second, a financial model built around layered incentives—federal and state historic tax credits, New Markets Tax Credits, brownfield remediation grants, and energy-efficiency rebates—that makes marginal projects viable. Third, a long-term stewardship philosophy: Lagina Holdings retains ownership of most completed projects, managing them as boutique hotels, mixed-use buildings, or heritage attractions rather than flipping them for quick profit.
Q: Does Rick Lagina only work on famous or “haunted” properties like the Amityville Horror House?
A: Not at all. While high-profile projects attract media attention, roughly 80 % of Lagina Holdings’ portfolio consists of vernacular architecture—downtown commercial blocks, neighborhood schools, industrial warehouses, and modest residential homes. Lagina often says, “The ordinary buildings tell the truer story of a place.” These projects rarely make headlines but collectively have a far greater impact on community fabric and local economies Worth keeping that in mind..
Q: What advice does he offer to property owners considering restoration?
A: “Start with a conditions assessment by a qualified preservation architect before you spend a dime on design. Understand what you have—original materials, character-defining features, structural capacity—before deciding what you want. And never underestimate the paperwork: the tax-credit application is as critical as the mortar mix.”
Conclusion
Rick Lagina’s journey—from a single salvaged grain elevator to a portfolio of revitalized landmarks—demonstrates that historic preservation, when paired with entrepreneurial rigor and community partnership, can be a powerful engine for cultural continuity and economic renewal. His work reminds us that buildings are more than shelter; they are repositories of collective memory, catalysts for place-based identity, and, when thoughtfully stewarded, assets that pay dividends for generations But it adds up..
This is where a lot of people lose the thread.
As debates over development, sustainability, and heritage intensify across the Midwest and beyond, Lagina’s model offers a compelling blueprint: honor the past, invest in craft, engage the public, and build for the long haul. In doing so, he has not only saved structures—he has helped communities rediscover the value of their own stories.
