ANN ARBOR—The following facilities projects were approved by the University of Michigan Regents at their Oct. 19-20 meeting:

• Lorch Hall addition. Constructed in 1928 as the first facility for the School of Architecture, Lorch Hall was designed by Emil Lorch, dean emeritus of the College of Architecture and Design. Since 1974, it has been home to a number of departments and organizations, including the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.

“The addition, which will provide additional space for the School, will be approximately 38,000 gross square feet and will include a new street-level ‘front door’ for the School,” said Robert Kasdin, executive vice president and chief financial officer. “There also will be limited renovation of some existing space.”

Barton Phelps & Associates, in conjunction with O’Donnell Wicklund Pigozzi and Peterson Architects Inc. will design the project, “based on their experience and creativity in the design of educational facilities within an historical context,” Kasdin added.

The estimated cost of the project is approximately $16 million, with funding from gifts and central administration sources. The design is to be completed by fall 2001, with construction taking approximately 18 months.

• Pierpont Commons renovation. “Pierpont Commons is the community center for North Campus, serving students, faculty, staff and their guests,” Kasdin noted. “This project, designed to improve the functionality and design of parts of the interior environment, will enhance the notion of community center.”

The 18,000 gross square foot project will improve circulation between the ground and first floor, add a new entry at the northwest side, provide for late night food options, add seating and gathering spaces, and combine student service functions.

The project program was developed over the past year through extensive interviews with many North Campus constituents.

The estimated cost of the project is $3.2 million, with funding from central administration and University Unions. Design is scheduled to begin this fall, with construction to start next summer and be completed the following year. Albert Kahn Associate Inc. will design the project.

• West Hall renovation. Renovation of West Hall was approved by the Regents in 

The project is one component of a state-funded project authorized by Public Act 480 of 1996 and Public Act 137 of 1999. The state will fund up to $11,250,000 of the estimated $15 million cost of the project. The University will fund the balance from central administration and College of Literature, Sciences, and the Arts sources.

Bids will be issued later this fall for the project, and awarded provided the project remains within the approved budget. The phased construction is expected to take 30 months due to the academic schedule. Departments in West Hall will be relocated into other space as required.

Related Links:

• [Central Campus map, Lorch Hall lower left center; West Hall above, little to right of Lorch Hall]
• [North Campus map, Pierpont Commons lower left center]]
• Regents
• Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy
• College of Literature, Sciences, and the Arts