Shop Talk: Renovations in Ann Arbor, Construction in Los Angeles

The U. of Michigan is reopening a renovated 1930 dormitory. (U. of Michigan photograph)

Residence-hall renovations: The University of Michigan has finished a $65-million renovation of Mosher-Jordan Hall, a five-story, 425-bed Collegiate Gothic dormitory constructed in 1930, The Ann Arbor News reports. The project retained wood paneling, plaster details, and stained-glass windows, while adding air conditioning, wireless Internet access, an elevator, and a new 35,000-square-foot dining facility — amenities so appealing that about 1,200 upperclassmen tried for rooms in the building for the coming year. Many will be disappointed, though: About half of the beds are reserved for freshmen. The renovation’s design was by Goody Clancy.

And about that stadium: The University of Michigan is also finishing the fast-tracked first stage of a $226-million renovation and expansion of its football stadium. In the nine months since the final game of last season, construction crews have replaced many of the stadium’s utilities, erected steel and poured concrete for new concourses, and completed other improvements so that the stadium can accommodate the opening game of the season on August 30, according to The University Record. The full project, due to be finished in 2010, will increase the size of seats; increase total seating by about 500, to 108,000; and add club seating, luxury suites, new bathrooms and concession areas, new elevators, and new press facilities.

AC Martin Partners designed a new campus center for the U. of Southern California. (Rendering by AC Martin Partners)

Lounges and more for USC: A big new campus center is under construction alongside the University of Southern California’s 1927 Gwynn Wilson Student Union. The 151,000-square-foot new building, designed by AC Martin Partners and due to be completed in 2010, is expected to cost $130-million. In addition to lounge space, dining facilities, and other amenities, the new building will house the admissions office and an alumni center, according to university officials. It will be named for Ronald Tutor, a trustee who gave $30-million for the project.