Engineering Arch, West Hall, 1085 S University Ave, University of Michigan, September 19, 2024

Ann Arbor Historic District Commission

2019 Annual Ann Arbor Preservation Awards

Special Merit

1085 South University Avenue, 1904

Old West Engineering Hall, University of Michigan

"The distinctive copper lanterns on towers of the Old East Engineering Building have been landmarks since the building was designed and built by Albert Kahn in 1904. It was his first commission with the University and led to him designing most of the significant buildings on Central Campus (Hatcher Library, Hill Auditorium, Krause Natural Science Building, Angell Hall, Clements Library, Ruthven Museums building, and the old Medical School Building, now 1100 North University Building).

The copper clad lanterns had suffered from weathering over the years and restoration became a priority. The original copper cladding was carefully removed, restored and re-installed over reconstructed and structural strengthened framing, giving them another lease on life. This restoration was recognized by the statewide organization Michigan Historic Preservation Network (MHPN) in its awards for 2018. The university was cited for “making the investment in a building to preserve its aesthetic and historic character for future generations.”"