2007 AIA Michigan Design Honor Award

 Rose and Robert Skillman Branch Library
Detroit, MI

Jury Comment:
“An important and beautiful structure has been brought back to life with an adept and sensitive restoration.”tc "“An important and beautiful structure has been brought back to life with an adept and sensitive restoration.”"

Project Description:
Commissioned in the late 1920’s, this library was one of only a few structures built in Detroit during the Depression - reflecting the foresight of community leadership who understood the significance this building would play in the life of the city. After serving as an integral component of downtown for 65 years, the library was closed and mothballed in March 1998 in preparation for the implosion of the neighboring J. L. Hudson building. Although originally intended to reopen afterwards, the decision was made to wait until money was available to restore the building to its original glory. In 2000, a $5 million grant was generously given by a local foundation to assist with the $8.5 million rehabilitation.

The building’s triangular shape on a small downtown site resulted in the creation of odd-shaped intermediate spaces throughout the building. These spaces, at once thought to be challenges for its restoration, turned out to provide opportunity as it was here that the fire-rated stair enclosures, elevator and restrooms were creatively located.

Because branch libraries today are smaller then they were in the 1930s, the building size allowed for the incorporation of additional programming. As such, the library decided to relocate the National Automotive History Collection (NAHC) from the main branch to the restored branch. This great collection offers insight into the development, industrial psychology and economics of the automotive industry. The NAHC’s new location here, close to Cobo Hall and the International North American Auto Show and General Motor’s headquarters at the Renaissance Center, makes visitor access to the collection, especially international visitors, very easy.

The project included:

• Exterior Restoration: Limestone cleaning and repointing, steel window and ornamental metal restoration, roof replacement and landscape restoration.

• Interior Restoration: Marble cleaning, installation of custom interior storm windows, restoration of ornamental plaster and painting, custom-designed light fixtures and furniture, plaster repair and painting, and refinishing of quarter-sawn oak millwork throughout.

• Interior Rehabilitation: All necessary upgrades to meet current building codes and handicapped accessibility into and throughout the building including design and installation of state-of-the-art mechanical, electrical, security and telecommunications systems and new stairways, bathrooms and an elevator.

• New Programming: An enhanced Business Center, Reference Collections, and Children’s Library. Relocation of the National Automotive History Collection from the main library, which is regarded as the nation’s premier, public automotive archive documenting the history and development of the automobile and other forms of motorized, wheeled and land transportation in the United States and abroad.

The restoration of the library shows a serious commitment to preserving this cultural piece of Detroit’s heritage. Former president of the local foundation that made the grant said, “A strong library system is key to children in neighborhoods.” And that’s exactly what’s happening—the downtown neighborhood is being revitalized for resident children and adults and employees who work there as well.

There is little doubt in downtown Detroit today that the city is realizing the important role preservation plays in helping to revitalize the city. In his 2003 year-end architectural review in the Detroit Free Press, columnist John Gallagher noted that it was a good year for libraries and that the “…reopening of the library branch reacquainted many with this architectural gem. And the thoughtful restoration revealed the original luster of the 1932 structure beneath 70 years of paint jobs and ductwork.”

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