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University to Replace Frieze with "North Quad"University President Mary Sue Coleman has announced plans to tear down the Frieze Building and construct a 500-resident dorm by 2008, tentatively named North Quad. A concept, budget, and choice of architectural firm are to be presented in December, with the demolition of Frieze to occur in 2006. Coleman intends for the dorm to contain suite-style rooms for upperclassmen, as well as dining and academic facilities: “I envision this space as a magnet location on campus – creating a density of activity, including dining options – that will be available day and night for students and faculty,” Coleman said in a memo to Courant and Harper. “Shared spaces might include meeting rooms, production facilities, studios, classrooms, seminar rooms or a small auditorium – spaces that can be used by faculty and students together or individually, for creative or scholarly projects.” The Theatre and Drama Department, currently in Frieze, will be moved to the not-yet-constructed Walgreen Drama Center on North Campus, and other departments currently in Frieze are to be relocated on Central Campus. Replacing Frieze with a new building is consistant with University’s recent trend of replacing old buildings and expanding upwards, rather than acquiring new land—North Quad is expected to be 6 or 7 stories tall, similar to the recent Corner House Lofts building across Washington from the site. Update, 4:02pm, Richard Murphy: Predictably, the Old Fourth Ward Association and others are objecting to the University’s plans: “I think it’s an absolutely abominable decision,” said Louisa Pieper, who worked with Detter on the downtown Ann Arbor Historical Street Program and retired as the city’s historic preservation coordinator in 1999. The University’s demolition and replacement of Frieze do not have to be approved by any City of Ann Arbor agency. See also Ann Arbor is Overrated’s discussion of the issue. End update Links:
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—Liana Oct. 8 '04 - 06:35PM #
—Brandon Oct. 9 '04 - 12:02AM #
The University just ain’t in the business of retail (and should it be?). Tearing down a derelict building and replacing it with a much taller, much needed dorm is a laudable move in my opinion.
And yes, I expected them to put it on North Campus, too—I’m a little surprised that Frieze got the tap over, say, the parking lot across the street from NCRB.
—Murph Oct. 9 '04 - 09:01AM #
—Scott T. Oct. 10 '04 - 02:43PM #