Location
Ann Arbor, MI
Original Construction
1938
Construction Cost
$32,000,000
Size
173,200 sqft
Completion Date
2003
National Register of Historic Places

Designed by SmithGroup in 1938, the five-story building with Indiana limestone and a granite base course, bronze windows and door frames, and a copper roof still functions today as a major public events facility for the entire University and the Ann Arbor arts community. It is considered one of the University’s premier and historically significant landmark buildings.

In 1997, SmithGroup prepared an Infrastructure Study to identify necessary upgrades to the building’s original systems and bring it into compliance with current life safety codes. A Program Analysis was prepared in 1999, and in 2000 SmithGroup completed the Design Documents for the project to help preserve the architectural and historic integrity of the building and to fill its role as a link between the Central and North Campus graduate programs.

Eugene C. Hopkins, FAIA, provided historic preservation expertise as part of the SmithGroup team. Exterior work included cleaning and tuckpointing the exterior limestone walls, repairing copper roofing, and restoring bronze windows and doors. Life safety improvements were implemented as well as mechanical and electrical infrastructure upgrades. Interior work included restoring public spaces, damaged decorative painting and renovating office suites as state-of-the-art facilities for students and staff.