Michigan Union

The Michigan Union is an iconic building rich in Michigan tradition and history and the original building was designed by the Architects Pond and Pond in 1919 with later additions in the 1930’s and 50’s.

The design team of IDS, Workshop Architect and Hartman Cox along with the dedicated Students of the Michigan Union Board of Representatives, Building a Better Michigan and others spent many hours developing the concepts for this project with a focus on:

Transforming and restoration of the Union to better serve the needs of today’s Students.
Restoration of many of the historically significant features, including repairs to the State Street entry.
Infrastructure renewal, including replacement and restoration of the existing windows, slate roof, and completely new energy efficient HVAC system, life safety improvements, and energy efficient lighting upgrades.

In talking to Students, creating more vibrancy and visibility to the Union was an important goal.

The Students formed the concept of the idea hub to create a space accessible to all Student Organizations for meetings, events, creative activities, practice and to encourage all Students to get involve in the many opportunities available at UofM.

The design encloses the courtyard with a high performance and energy efficient glazing system. The proposed space, with the idea hub wrapping around the upper level, was originally an exterior veranda connected to the Ballroom. This space will be a flexible social hub and allow for variety of Student events, performances, career fairs, as well as weddings and other rental opportunities for community gatherings.