ANN ARBOR - Like so many other aged buildings on the University of Michigan campus, now it's the turn for a creaky old dormitory to be given new life by the building trades.

Walbridge-Aldinger is supervising the $65.1 million renovation of the Mosher-Jordan Residence Hall, which will include adding air conditioning, a new hot water heating system, new paint on the interior, high-speed Internet access, and the integration of a new 35,000-square-foot dining center on the first floor. The dorm rooms still won't have integrated bathrooms, but the community bathrooms "will be reconfigured for privacy and accessibility," according to the university.

"This project is responsive to the many needs expressed by our students, and I believe they will be excited about the transformation of Mosher-Jordan once the renovations are complete," says E. Royster Harper, vice president for student affairs, in the University Record. "Our challenge is to maintain the character of this lovely building, while providing the types of modern spaces and technology that will enhance both the comfort and the learning opportunities for students in their living environment."

U-M students lived in Mosher-Jordan hall up until renovations began last spring. Maintaining the character of the building won't be too difficult - the interior wood finishes and tile don't appear to have changed much since the building was completed in 1930.

"The university made it very clear to us that we're not to mess with the walls, the wood trim or anything else, and put everything back where we found it," said Steve Fielder, general foremen for Westside Mechanical. There's one exception: he said the building will be converted from steam to hot-water heating - meaning all of the radiators in the dorm rooms will be taken out.

The electrical service will be upgraded in the building as needed. The building will also get new elevators, and fire detection and suppression systems. "The electric in here is old, but it seems to be in pretty decent shape," said journeyman Tom Levier of JG Squared Electric.

The six-story, 145,000-square-foot hall houses about 500 students. The renovation will include a 12,000-square-foot mechanical building to accommodate air conditioning for the entire building, and to house other mechanical and electrical equipment.

A new, multi-level lobby and entrance will be created to provide a single point of entry for residents and visitors, as well as centralized services for students in both houses of Mosher-Jordan. The renovation plan includes spaces that will allow for more socializing and for group projects between faculty and staff - the first such design on campus that's part of the university's Residential Life Initiatives Program.

"We want the building to be restored to its original grandeur," said U-M Director of Housing Public Affairs Alan Levy to the Michigan Daily. "When the students come back (after the renovations), they will be wowed."

BUILT IN 1930, the Mosher-Jordan Residence Hall on the University of Michigan campus still looks great on the exterior. But the student dormitory is undergoing a major interior renovation.

WRESTLING AN OLD circuit panel into place at Mosher-Jordan hall are (l-r) Steve Kuhl and Tom Levier of IBEW Local 252 and JG Squared Electric.

WORKING NEAR a utility tunnel that connects the Mosher-Jordan hall's mechanical systems with the rest of U-M's nearby buildings is Steve Fielder of UA Local 190, general foreman for Westside Mechanical.