North Quad construction heads into home stretch

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 | Source: Concentrate

In case you haven't noticed the big, brick building taking shape on the north side of the University of Michigan's Central Campus, North Quad is heading into the final stages of construction.

"We're really in the finishing mode," says Sue Gott, planner for the University of Michigan. "All of the interior walls and structures are in place."

Construction workers are also putting together the courtyard as a way of completing the exterior of the building. Work is expected to wrap up in May so the university's housing division can begin installing things like furniture in time for student move-in this fall.

The University of Michigan began construction on North Quad in 2007 by demolishing the old Frieze Building, which was originally built as Ann Arbor High School in 1907 (corner of State and Huron streets in downtown). The University of Michigan bought the building in the 1950s for use as space for college classes.

North Quad is U-M's first new dorm in 40 years. The complex features an academic tower facing Washington and State streets, which will house U-M's Department of Screen Arts and Cultures, the Department of Communication Studies, the Language Resource Center and the Sweetland Writing Center (all components of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts) along with the School of Information.

The residence hall will face East Huron Street and offer two configurations. The first includes suites containing two double rooms, a living room and a bathroom. The second features arrangements of four single rooms sharing a bathroom. Each residence hall floor houses lounges. The building also will offer a community learning center with additional small group study areas.

Source: Sue Gott, planner for the University of Michigan
Writer: Jon Zemke