"We are honored to receive this recognition from the AIA for our Hill Auditorium renovation project," says Hank Baier, associate vice president for facilities and operations. "Architectural firms, Albert Kahn and Associates and Quinn Evans Architects, along with our construction manager, the Christman Company, were key partners in the project.

"We appreciate the efforts of all the men and women within the University and our partners who participated in the restoration and update of Hill Auditorium. Everyone's hard work, dedication and attention to detail led to spectacular results and this wonderful recognition."

Hill Auditorium and 34 other projects were selected for honors from more than 630 submissions.

"To transform this historic gem into a modern performance venue, yet retain its original character, the team restored historic features, increased patron comfort and accessibility, performed building code compliance upgrades, and replaced and modernized the building's mechanical and electrical systems," AIA said of the work.

Recipients will be honored in May at the AIA 2005 National Convention and Design Expo in Las Vegas. (Photo by Paul Jaronski, U-M Photo Services)