University of Michigan, Hill Auditorium

Designed by Albert Kahn and completed in 1913, Hill Auditorium is a masterpiece of Classic Revival architecture. Transforming an historic gem into a modern performance venue and retaining its original character, the team restored significant architectural details and features, replaced seating to increase patron comfort and accessibility, upgraded building systems to meet code compliance and replaced the building’s mechanical and electrical systems.

The principal challenge was to preserve and restore the building while introducing new stage lighting and rigging systems. In addition to our involvement in performance lighting, rigging, stage and support areas, FDA helped to reconfigure the room for comfort and accessibility for disabled patrons, insuring numerous opportunities for seating throughout the room, regardless of mobility or ADA issues.

The project received an Honor Awards for Outstanding Architecture from the American Institute of Architects (AIA).