“A few buildings on the campus of the University of Michigan bear a special public character. Hill Auditorium is a prime example; Michigan Stadium is another. Significant changes to these buildings and facilities should, in my view, involve opportunities for comment by those in the broader general community who appropriately feel a stake in the future of these places.

“When I invited Venturi Scott Brown Associates to assist us in the expansion and redesign of the Stadium, I clearly did not provide sufficient public engagement in the process. Time was thought to be of the essence, and the process accordingly fell short.

“For several years, the University has wanted to renovate the press box area of Michigan Stadium. In the course of the this academic year, we will begin to plan this project. That will also be an appropriate time to engage in a discussion about redesigning the top of the stadium (now known as the halo), giving a chance for the expression of public views. VSBA has agreed to undertake this project on our behalf.”