When exactly does a building become obsolete?  The question has been debated time and again.  In Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan has shared plans to demolish the well-known Frieze Building in order to create a new 500-bed residence hall on the Central Campus.  The University, led by President Mary Sue Coleman, feels that the building would provide needed academic space and would serve as a new gateway to the northwest corner of the campus.  Here’s the catch: The building, constructed in 1907, served as the Ann Arbor High School before being acquired by the University.  Many residents feel nostalgic about the building and the history contained within its walls.  In fact, members of the last graduating class, that of 1955, have banned together to protest the demolition of the building.  Additionally, area preservationists and members of the neighboring Old Fourth Ward neighborhood have become outspoken opponents of the University’s plan. 

It’s understandable that the University wants to move forward with the expansion of the Central Campus.  Additionally, the City of Ann Arbor has expressed the need for increased density within the downtown.  Construction of a new residential building would most likely relieve a small amount of the pressure put on the community’s housing stock and price.  However, is it necessary to demolish a building deeply rooted in the city’s history?  The University claims that the building is currently in a state of disrepair.  Although the structure may need cosmetic and infrastructural upgrades, reports seem to indicate the building remains structurally sound.  With that in mind, I wonder if the University has explored adaptive reuse options.  Moreover, I question why the University can’t build anew behind a preserved facade, thus at least meshing the community icon into the University’s plans.  There’s been an overwhelming amount of studies published revealing the economic and environmental benefits of rehabilitation over new construction.  The UM has one of the finest architecture programs in the nation.  Now’s their chance to show some ingenuity and solve a community issue that rings throughout cities nationwide; providing viable options for adaptive reuse projects.

Class of ‘55 Fights for Frieze Building, Fourth Ward Neighbors Also Oppose U-M Plan

Frieze Building To Go

Here’s the link to the Philadelphia planning firm of Venturi, Scott Brown & Associates.

—–