Embedded Files
“Lorch Hall” by Steve Jenson (November 2013). Photo courtesy: aadl.org
Exploring the Rich History and Enduring Influence of Lorch Hall
Exploring the Rich History and Enduring Influence of Lorch Hall
by Alexa Weinberger
Nestled in the heart of the University of Michigan's picturesque campus, Lorch Hall stands as a testament to the university's commitment to preserving its rich academic history while pushing forward into the future. I live right across from this building, in East Quad, and pass by it everyday on my walk to classes which made me intrigued to learn the history and significance of this building and its name.
Lorch Hall is located on the east side of the University of Michigan's Central Campus. Lorch Hall was built in 1925 and is named after University of Michigan professor Emil Lorch, who was the first Dean of the College of Architecture and Urban Planning ("Lorch Hall, University"). Lorch Hall has a rich history and has served various functions throughout the years.
Emil Lorch was born in Detroit on July 21, 1870 and received his education at the school of the Detroit Museum of Art, according to Historic Detroit. Emil later studied at MIT and Harvard before he launched his career in Detroit’s architectural sector. In 1906, Lorch took a professor job at the University of Michigan to help form their architecture school, and received the honor of being the University’s first dean of the College of Architecture ("Emil Lorch"). Lorch also worked as an architect for the campus, and designed Macarthur Bridge in addition to Lorch Hall ("Emil Lorch"). He was a very influential figure at the University of Michigan and is honored everyday through the name and use of Lorch Hall.
"The surname Lorch was originally derived from the Old French word archer, and the preposition le, which means the, which is abbreviated to l' when placed next to a vowel, as in l'archer," according to HouseOfNames.com. His first name Emil comes "from the Roman family name Aemilius, which was derived from Latin aemulus meaning "rival," according to the name history site BehindTheName.com.
Emil Lorch (1920). Photo courtesy: National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.
Initially, Lorch Hall was constructed to house the College of Architecture and Urban Planning, which was founded in 1923. Not only was the building named after Emil Lorch, but it was also designed by him, as he was a prominent Detroit-based architect ("Lorch Hall"). It features red brick and white trim, with a central entrance portico and a clock tower, which are all examples of the Georgian Revival style ("Lorch Hall"). The construction of this building was spurred by the lack of space in the West Engineering Building. New facilities at the University were highly requested, and Emil Lorch created his design to start this plan. The complete project cost about $650,000 to build ("Lorch Hall"). The original plan was for the building to be a quadrangle, but unfortunately plans fell through. Today, Lorch Hall remains in the shape of an “L” with two four story wings and a tower in the center.
In recent years, Lorch Hall has undergone extensive renovations to update its facilities and improve its accessibility ("Lorch Hall"). In 2015, a $25 million renovation project was completed, which included upgrades to the building's mechanical and electrical systems, the installation of new windows and doors, and the addition of an elevator to make the building more accessible ("Lorch Hall"). The renovation also included the restoration of the building's historic features, such as its original wooden doors and windows.
Lorch Hall is home to the Department of Economics, which took residence in the building in 1986 (National Park Service). When the architecture program moved to North Campus, Lorch Hall served a multitude of purposes until the Economics Department moved from its previous location in the North Ingalls building (needs citation). As such, Lorch Hall has played an important role in the history of the University of Michigan, and continues to serve as a hub of academic activity on campus. Its history and architecture make it a unique and beloved building, and its ongoing renovations ensure that it will remain an important part of the University's campus for many years to come.
Works Cited
"Emil Lorch." Historic Detroit https://historicdetroit.org/architects/emil-lorch. Accessed 5 Apr. 2023.
“Emil Lorch, FAIA.” National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, 1920.
https://www.ncarb.org/about/history-ncarb/past-presidents/emil-lorch-faia Accessed April 17 2023
Jenson, Steve. “Lorch Hall” Ann Arbor District Library, November 15, 2013 https://aadl.org/taxonomy/term/104830 Accessed April 17, 2023
“Lorch Hall." University of Michigan, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, lsa.umich.edu/cg/cg_lorch_hall.html.
"Lorch Hall, University of Michigan." Michigan State Historic Preservation Office, michigan.gov/mshda/0,4641,7-141 5459_9483_15370-355376--,00.html.
"Lorch Hall." National Park Service, nps.gov/nr/feature/places/13000405.htm.
"Lorch Hall Renovations." University of Michigan, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, lsa.umich.edu/cg/cg_lorch_renovations.html
Page updated
Report abuse