ANN ARBOR—University of Michigan Regents, at their April 13-14 meeting, approved the proposed Palmer Drive Commons Building, to be located between the Central Power Plant and Washtenaw Avenue.

“Its central location between the proposed Life Science Institute and the proposed Medical Laboratory Research Building on the Zina Pitcher block makes it a preferred site for dining facilities, some retail, and conference spaces,” U-M Executive Vice President Robert Kasdin said.

[Palmer Drive Project site map]

“The building’s proximity to the Central Power Plant and the Plant Services building suggests that programs associated with these departments may be appropriate in the lower, less public levels. This building has also proved to be a desirable location for a central Chiller Plant to serve the entire Palmer Drive area.

“The 93,000-gross-square-foot Commons Building is estimated with a construction cost of $20 million, plus soft costs and contingency of $7 million and equipment and fit out of $5 million.”

The Regents also approved commissioning SmithGroup, Inc., and Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates, Inc., as the architects/engineers for the project.

RegentsPalmer Drive Project site mapSmithGroup, Inc.