Shiny new buildings are nice, but there’s something about old historic structures that makes them … well, special.
The state understands this and the importance of preserving our history, and, as such, recognizes and honors several preservation projects annually with a special accolade - the Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation.
With May designated as National Historic Preservation month, it was only fitting that Governor Jennifer Granholm recently announced the recipients of this special award. They will be honored at a ceremony in the state Capitol rotunda later this week. [ Read more ]
Over the past month, I’ve written a handful of posts on Ann Arbor’s aggressive goals to become a more environmentally friendly city. There was this one about A2’s switch to LED traffic lights, and this one about its goal for 5,000 solar roofs by 2015. Today, I’m reporting on the progressive city’s recent installation of a renewable-energy light demonstration on Packard at the entrance of Buhr Park. [ Read more ]
Along with walkability, crime rates and school districts, possible homebuyers in Ann Arbor now have another factor to consider when purchasing new digs: solar power potential.
Ann Arbor residents and potential homebuyers can now receive a free solar analysis by visiting the City’s Website, selecting “My Property Information”, and clicking on the “Solar Potential” tab.
Part of Mayor Hieftje’s 2005 Green Energy Challenge, which includes a goal of 5,000 solar roof installations by 2015, Ann Arbor Energy Commissioners and UM students assessed over 21,000 Ann Arbor roofs for their solar potential. [ Read more ]
It doesn’t have a boiler, furnace or even a gas meter, but something the A. Alfred Taubman Student Services Center at Lawrence Technological University does have is a silver LEED rating.
The University recently received the special status from the U.S. Green Building Council, which promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health. [ Read more ]
Are you familiar with the Russell Industrial Center? I bet most of you have driven past the 2.2 million square foot complex on I-75 at the E. Grand exit just north of I-94.
The Russell Industrial Center (RIC) was designed and built by famed Detroit architect Albert Kahn. Construction began in 1915 and was completed in 1925. Nearly 100 years later, it’s quickly becoming the largest art mecca and small business haven in the Midwest. [ Read more ]
You’ve seen the Detroit Public Schools Book Depository on MiLife MiTimes and have perhaps made your way through “the fabulous ruins.” But an Ohio resident from the SkyscraperPage Forum says, “the rumors of Detroit’s demise have been greatly exaggerated.” While urban decay becomes fashionable, he continues, “I am more interested in historical geography and the vernacular urban fabric, in what survives from the old city.”
The Fabulous Restorations of Detroit travels from St. Aubin to Brush Park, Corktown to Mexicantown. Take a look at the photos, then visit the downtown village of Dexter, Palmer Park and Detroit from the other side.
Made from “PVC siding, polypropylene sheeting, engineered timber and polycarbonate supports,” the Suburban Tipi is a unique add-on to the traditional American home. 16 feet tall and 18 feet in diameter, “designer John Paananen wanted to see if living in such an iconic spire would work in today’s modern world,” bridging nomadic home design and suburban values.
The $3,000 project ended its run at Cranbrook Academy last spring. But the project continues to be popular online, living on forever through these photos: [ Read more ]
“Lofts, a new national magazine, has put Detroit on the list of the Top 5 loft cities,” reports Wayne State’s The South End. From The Ellington to Rivertown to the Research Lofts on Trumbull, urban living is growing in neighborhoods across the city.
The Detroit News adds that with the current state of the national housing market, loft sales in Detroit are stronger than ever — up 34 percent in December 2007. The amount of people looking to move downtown continues to rise as buyers are able to secure strong deals with convenience to all of the city’s luxuries. Says one realtor: “The number of inquiries doubled last month, and it keeps picking up.”
Referred to by many as “one of the greatest architects of our time,” Zaha Hadid has been selected to design the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University. The three-level complex will total 41,000 square feet, holding a collection of modern and contemporary art. Utilizing steel, concrete, aluminum and glass, Hadid’s design has been described as both “innovative” and “iconic.” The new museum is scheduled to open in 2010.
In the spirit of our recent story on the Detroit Public Schools Book Depository, you may also be interested in Forgotten Michigan. Displaying intricate architecture from around the state, its photographer walks through such impressive locations as Michigan Central Station and the Traverse City State Psychiatric Hospital. Despite his subjects’ lack of daily activity, Forgotten Michigan provides a continued appreciation of Michigan’s history.
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