Location
Ann Arbor, MI
Original Construction
1935
Construction Cost
$2,100,000
Size
17,240 sqft
Completion Date
1997
Awards
1998 Preservation Project of the Year Ann Arbor Historic District Commission

In 1917, Harry and Carrie Earhart bought 300 acres of land and built the Earhart Manor, a private residence in the French-Eclectic style, 18 years later. In 1961, a large portion of the property was sold to the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod for the establishment of Concordia College, which was founded 2 years later as a private junior college. Until recently, the Manor served as office space for faculty and student organizations and student recreational facilities, serving as the college’s most prominent building for years.

In 1996, Gene Hopkins provided adaptive reuse and restoration services for the limestone building. The goal of the restoration program was to preserve the manor’s historic character while enhancing its function and role in the school’s activities. The manor currently is used for administrative offices and serves as the “front door” to the college.

Specific program requirements included restoration of the exterior and significant areas within the manor; interior renovations to accommodate meeting space; office space for the president, admissions, and advancement; and updating mechanical and electrical systems to support current technology and code compliance. Included in the firm’s scope were paint schemes, wall coverings, window treatments, furnishings, light fixtures, slate roof repairs, and exterior stone masonry preservation.