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Old Architecture Building (Lorch Hall)

Art and Architecture Building

Bentley Historical Library Photo: BL005242

Doric columns and lintel, and Corinthian column

Bentley Historical Library Photo: BL005244

Today, Lorch Hall

 

            The Architecture Building, known today as Lorch Hall was completed in 1928.[28]  The construction of this building was the result of inadequate drafting space in the West Engineering Building.  The request for new facilities was spearheaded by Emil Lorch, head of the architecture department.  In fact, he and several of his associates were in charge of designing the building after it was approved.  Approximate costs for the project were $137,717.50 for the site and $515,106 for the building and its equipment.[28]

            The building’s most used entranceway is located today on Tappan Street.  Although, when it was originally constructed, Haven and Monroe streets existed alongside the building with the main entrance, then, facing Haven.  The plan was for the building to eventually become a quadrangle, but since those plans never surfaced, it remains in the shape of an “L” today with two four-story wings and a tower in the center.[28]

            When the building was completed, it was considered to be one of the finest facilities among other schools in the nation.  The new building had ample drafting space, administrative offices and a large auditorium capable of seating 350 students.[28]

            Many students ponder over what structures the Doric column and entranceway standing in the yard came from.  These were saved from the long demolished Bank of Michigan, once the oldest stone building in Detroit.[28]

            After the architecture program made its move to North Campus, Lorch Hall served other purposes until the Department of Economics, formerly in the North Ingalls building relocated in 1986.[18]

 

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