Restoration of Ann Arbor’s Key Bank building complete

Back in the day, the Glazier Building helped define Ann Arbor‘s skyline. The century-old structure, at the corner of Main and Huron streets, was the landmark in the center of Tree Town’s downtown .

Today it has reclaimed its proud heritage as the Key Bank Building, recently finishing a $2 million-plus renovation.

 

“That makes it the most prominent building in downtown Ann Arbor again,” says Michael Quinn, principal architect for the renovation with Ann Arbor-based Quinn Evans/Architects.

 

The project refurbished the building inside and out. Its exterior and common areas have been restored to their historical splendor while the 55,000 square feet of office space inside has been updated and upgraded to Class A space.

 

Among the most visible changes are the restoration of the seven-story structure’s lobby and cornice. The corning, which had been removed over the years, was rebuilt and restored to its proper position as the building’s crown. Drawing attention to its prominence, energy efficient lights illuminate the crown at night.

 

The Key Bank building’s lobby and elevators were also restored to their original luster, utilizing marble and replicated historical ornamentation. They have been modernized, however, to match the efficiency of comparable equipment in newer buildings.

 

Furthermore, a new roof, thick insulation and upgrades to heating and cooling systems were added to make the building more energy efficient. The office space is fully leased, housing the regional headquarters for Key Bank and the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce.

 

The developer and the architect decided to go with a thorough historic restoration of the building to give it an edge in a competitive market. The restoration, eligible for a 20 percent federal tax credit, gives the building a unique “Wow” factor. That curb appeal is a significant component in separating the structure from a pack of bland and uninspiring architectural competitors.

 

Quinn Evans has done extensive work in historic preservation. Its portfolio includes big projects such as the State Capitol Building in Lansing and the Wayne County Building in Detroit, along with smaller ones, like the façade improvement on Conor O’Neill’s Irish Pub in downtown Ann Arbor and The Inn on Ferry Street in Midtown Detroit. The firm’s work concentrates on finding a way to make historical properties standout while still finding their rightful place among their surroundings.

 

Source: Mike Quinn, principal architect for the renovation of the Glazer Building
Writer: Jon Zemke