Frieze Building Officially Closed, demolition prep begins.

[wolverine]

Back of the Frieze Building.

I walked past the Frieze building today and noticed that there were signs on the doors declaring the building as permanently closed. Asbestos removal is set to begin, and eventually the building will be demolished to make way for a new 9-10 story residence hall. I'm mixed on the issue of its demolition. The building is in rough shape, but you can't ignore it's beautiful Beaux Arts facade. The building will be demolished to make way for a new residence hall.

After a preliminary rendering was released and bombed due to huge public criticism, the University chose a second architect, Robert AM Stern who does remarkable work. If you have seen his recently finished Ford School of Public Policy, you would know. So on the other hand, I'm looking forward to seeing what will go up here.

Here's a few samples of some residence halls he has done:

"Robert A.M. Stern Architects is a 220-person firm of architects, landscape architects, interior designers, and supporting staff. Our firm's practice is premised on the belief that the public is entitled to buildings that do not, by their very being, threaten the aesthetic and cultural values of the buildings around them. We do not believe that any one style is appropriate to every building and every place. We do believe in the continuity of tradition and strive in our work to create order out of the often chaotic present by entering into a dialogue with the past and with the spirit of the places in which we build."

http://www.ramsa.com/

[mendelman]

I agree. The building is definitely a nice example of Beaux Arts style (the main facade on State and the old library portion on Huron), but the building is probably in too bad condition to make a restoration/addition feasible and a facade-ctomy is usually a poor compromise.

The Stern design for the PP building is quite nice (I actually like well executed Collegiate Gothic), but I know there are going to be the architecture academics that may cry "not of our time", whatever that means.

Do you know if the building footprint will encroach or completely use the greenspace between the Frieze bulding and the Rackham building?

[wolverine]

The greenspace was donated to the university and cannot be built upon. I know it has been an issue though.

I agree that there will probably be some criticism. I recall an article in the daily about how the new res hall should represent architecture of the present or future. But I think there is room for all types. The new biomedical building is a superb example of new and innovative architecture and the use of new technologies in building design. The wallgreen drama center, ATL building, and Computer Science building are great examples as well. We have the whole future ahead of us. Hopefully they will realize that diversity in architecture is just as great. Personally, I think Stern's architecture is timeless. It's based on classical order which has existed for millenia. It would be a crime against the whole history of architecture to let 50 years of building to obliterate this type of design.

[wolverine]

Here's the Daily article from last spring which shows a rendering that the regents were to vote on. They voted against it obviously since a new architect has been chosen. Way back I had posted a massive scan of the new reshall. It's somewhere buried in the Detroit section if anyone is ambitious enough to search for it.

http://www.michigandaily.com/media/paper85...chigandaily.com

[RustTown]

I've heard you speak of this building so much, and looking at the picture, besides its age, I can't tell what's so special about it. Is that just a bad angle of it?

[mendelman]

Is that just a bad angle of it?

[wolverine]

^ You speak the truth. In fact, that was the first time I had ever seen that service courtyard. I never knew it even existed which is why I photographed it. That courtyard is only accessible through a 15 foot opening.

You know what I always thought would be cool...

If a bunch of people wanted to save the facades, and another group wanted a brand new modern residence hall, I think there is a way to satisfy both conditions. First off, spare the front facades, but have them on the inside of the building. Essentially, a sort of circulation corridor could be created between the old facade, and say a glass wall which would be the exterior. Remember that first few levels are supposed to be public, with the upper levels as private rooms.

This would be something like Hearst Tower in NYC, excpet maybe just a bit more blended.

[LA Dave]

RAM Stern?? Wow. I like the fact that the U is hiring big-time architects for its new construction, rather than relying on the journeymen architects of the past who gave us such treasures as the Business School, South Quad and the addition to the Frieze Building.

[wolverine]

Haha, what about all those treasures up on North Campus? Although I have to admit, the architecture up there has gotten waaay better. The Walgreen Drama Center turned out 10 times better than I thought it would.

[LA Dave]

Haha, what about all those treasures up on North Campus? Although I have to admit, the architecture up there has gotten waaay better. The Walgreen Drama Center turned out 10 times better than I thought it would.

[ZachariahDaMan]

Here are the 2 pictures I have of the Frieze building. Taken last April with Ian and Aaron.

[Michi]

That sucks. It's almost as if buildings w/ columns should have an automatic exemption to the wrecking ball.

[wolverine]

I think the new building is supposed to have colums, pediments, arches, etc as well. (It will likely be classical). Although it would be even better if they resued the stuff from the old building.

[Michi]

Yah, styrofoam is just not an acceptable alternative. I know it's a cost saver, but still.

[wolverine]

LOL, I know it sounds too good to be true, but RAMSA uses the best materials out there, as in real limestone, terra cotta and brick. But we'll see just how much detail is put into the new building. I'm not sure what the pricetag is up to yet.

[mendelman]

reusing the architecturally details from the current building may just not be feasible, though they may be desireable.

TCAUP should at least save some of the good ornament and install it around the grounds of the A&A building on North Campus.

[mendelman]

With your most recent thread?

How's the demolition of the Freize building progressing?

[wolverine]

It's hard to tell. I thought they were going to begin soon with the signs on the door, but there isn't even a fence up. I walked around the building today, and even climbed the fire escapes up to the roof. I didn't want to go inside though, I want to graduate first But anyway the lights are still on inside.

I'm guessing it's going to take sometime, since portions of the building are to be saved.

[wolverine]

Update 1/16/07 There is a demo fence up now closing off the inside courtyard.

All exterior lighting and a bunch of inside lights are still on.

The Frieze building shines until the end.

[mgman]

Update 1/16/07 There is a demo fence up now closing off the inside courtyard.

All exterior lighting and a bunch of inside lights are still on.

The Frieze building shines until the end.

[wolverine]

Are you talking about the new 6 story thayer building? that was finished last year. The other building next door (red brick one) is cornerhouse apartments which was finished about 3 years ago.

[mgman]

Are you talking about the new 6 story thayer building? that was finished last year. The other building next door (red brick one) is cornerhouse apartments which was finished about 3 years ago.

[wolverine]

Demolition has begun. The walls on the East side of the building are coming down, but in a "clean removal" type system. I guess because portions will be saved, they can't just hack away at the place. Pictures coming soon!

[tracer1138]

I totally forgot I had these...

source for that last rendering(you'll notice the orientation with regard the preceeding picture )

[mgman]

Good pics.

I just walked by there today and liked the way you can look into the building now that the facade is being removed.