DETROIT, Mich. – An addition and renovation work at the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business is an award-winner after being honored by the Associated General Contractors of Michigan.
The AGC of Michigan awarded the project its coveted “Build Michigan” award for the building of Jeff T. Blau Hall, renovation of Kresge Hall and exterior work. On Friday, Don Greenwell, Jr., P.E., Walbridge Executive Vice President, accepted the award during the organization’s Annual Meeting on February 24 at MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit.
Recognition for a “Build Michigan Award” is based on general excellence of the entire project team including management, imagination, perseverance under unusual and challenging circumstances and innovative constructive techniques.
At 104,000 square feet, Jeff T. Blau Hall replaced the aging Computer & Executive Education Building, while Kresge Business Administration Library was renovated into Kresge Hall, with 75,000 additional square feet of classrooms, study and meeting spaces.
With impressive details throughout the facility, exterior terra cotta curtain walls were added throughout the complex, matching the original Ross School of Business building, which was completed in 2008. The impressive results give a unified feel to the complex.
As a part of the construction, Walbridge worked with a subcontractor to move a 250-year-old Burr Oak tree roughly 100 yards to make room for the new Jeff T. Blau Hall. The innovative move used air bladders to relocate the tree as onlookers from adjoining neighborhoods watched on.
Walbridge worked as construction manager for U-M on the project, working hand-in-hand with designer Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates PC.
The project was turned over to the university in July 2016.
During an event to celebrate the new facilities in October, Ross told media, “It’s not just the architecture, it’s the warmth you feel inside the school and the attention to detail.”