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Hill's renovation top-notch, AIA says

Date Posted: February 4 2005

ANN ARBOR -The American Institute of Architects this month bestowed its annual AIA "Honor Award" on the Hill Auditorium renovation project - to recognize the University of Michigan venue with "the profession's highest recognition of works that exemplify excellence in architecture, interior architecture, and urban design."

Selected from more than 630 total submissions from across the nation, the Hill Auditorium project is the only one from Michigan among the 13 that were recognized in the "outstanding architecture" section. The award will be bestowed in May at the AIA's 2005 National Convention and Design Expo in Las Vegas.

"This premiere performance facility," the AIA said, "now fulfills the expectations of contemporary audiences and resonates the unique acoustic quality of the space that for decades has been the auditorium's hallmark. The comprehensive restoration has revitalized this facility for continuing decades of world-class performances."

A 20-month project to renovate the Hill was completed a year ago. The renovation was undertaken by the Christman Construction Co. and unionized building trades workers. The interior was completely gutted and the original paint scheme was restored. The building's first air conditioning system was installed, as were new soundproofing features, a new sprinkler system and improved lighting. Extensive work on exterior masonry was also done.

The AIA said: "Designed by Albert Kahn and completed in 1913, Hill Auditorium is a masterpiece of Classic Revival architecture. The size and unique parabolic shape of the hall created one of the most acoustically significant concert halls in America. To transform this historic gem into a modern performance venue yet retain its original character, the team restored historic features, increased patron comfort and accessibility, performed building code compliance upgrades, and replaced and modernized the building's mechanical and electrical systems.

Quinn Evans was the architect on the renovation project, and Albert Khan Associates is the architect of record.

Among the jury comments: "A sensitive restoration of an iconic Albert Kahn building…The most difficult aspect of the project was the resolution of the code, infrastructure, and programmatic improvements in a mostly invisible way, allowing the user/audience to marvel and appreciate an extraordinary space."

HILL AUDITORIUM, post renovation. Much of the interior's original paint scheme, which was whitewashed in the 1940s, was restored to its original grandeur.