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Ann Arbor Historic House Relocated to University Campus in $1.2M Preservation Project

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  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/2 .. versity-campus-in-1-2m-preservation-project.html
  Published in House and Home on Saturday, November 22nd 2025 at 12:24 GMT by MLive

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Historic Ann Arbor Home Moved to New Home: A Detailed Look

In a move that will delight preservationists and residents alike, a beloved historic house in Ann Arbor has been carefully relocated to a new site, ensuring its continued survival and prominence in the city’s architectural tapestry. The 2025 news release from MLive documents the entire relocation process—from the decision to move the structure to the final placement and planned future use—while also offering a visual tour of the journey.

The House and Its Significance

The property in question is a classic example of early‑20th‑century American residential architecture. Built in 1911 by the local builder Samuel J. Thompson, the house originally occupied a corner lot on W. Huron Street. Its design—an eclectic blend of Craftsman and Victorian elements—features a steeply pitched roof, wide eaves with decorative brackets, a prominent front porch with turned posts, and lead‑ed glass windows that have earned it recognition as one of Ann Arbor’s most picturesque residences.

The house was once home to the Smith family, who were prominent in the community; Dr. Lillian Smith, a well‑known educator and civil‑rights advocate, spent her later years in the house. The residence has, over the decades, come to symbolize not only the architectural trends of its era but also the social history of the city’s growing middle class.

Because of its historical and architectural importance, the house was added to the Ann Arbor Historic District in 2004. However, in 2023 a new development plan for the area—intended to expand mixed‑use housing—would have required the demolition of the structure. Preservation advocates argued that relocation was the only viable option to protect this heritage asset.

Decision to Relocate

The city’s Historic Preservation Department, in partnership with the Ann Arbor Preservation Alliance, reviewed the proposal and consulted with structural engineers. The decision to relocate, rather than demolish or renovate on the spot, was driven by several factors:

1. Structural Integrity: The house’s original foundation was not suitable for the proposed new site’s soil conditions. Relocating allowed for a new, more stable foundation to be built.
2. Contextual Fit: The new site—across from the University of Michigan campus on the campus grounds—provides a more appropriate historical context for the house. It will be adjacent to the existing “Pioneer” district, where other period homes are preserved.
3. Community Support: A public hearing in late 2023 saw strong support from neighborhood residents and local historians. A petition gathered over 2,500 signatures, underscoring the house’s place in the community’s collective memory.

After a rigorous review, the city council approved the relocation plan in early 2024, with a budget of $1.2 million covering engineering, transport, foundation, and restoration costs. Funding was secured through a mix of municipal bonds, private donations, and a grant from the Michigan Historical Commission.

The Relocation Process

The actual move began in May 2024, a summer when the city’s weather was particularly favorable for such a delicate operation. Engineers first carefully documented the structure, creating a detailed digital model with laser scanning. This was crucial for the next phase: disassembly.

Rather than lift the entire building in one go—a risky method for older homes—workers dismantled the structure in sections. The exterior walls, roof trusses, and decorative elements were carefully removed and transported to a temporary staging yard. This method preserved the original craftsmanship and avoided damage from vibrations or load stresses.

In the staging yard, the pieces were reassembled into a “shell” and bolted to a new foundation that was poured and cured on-site. The new foundation was engineered to match the house’s load distribution, ensuring that the structure would not suffer from differential settling. Engineers also installed new insulation, electrical, and plumbing systems to bring the house up to modern building codes, all while preserving as many original materials as possible.

The final step—moving the shell—was a dramatic moment. A custom steel cradle was fitted under the structure, and hydraulic dollies lifted it onto a low‑profile truck. The route was meticulously planned to avoid overhead wires, low bridges, and uneven road surfaces. A convoy of trucks and a convoy of police were arranged to protect the highway during the move, and the relocation was completed overnight to minimize traffic disruptions. By 6:00 am on June 12, 2024, the house had arrived at its new location across from the university’s student center.

Restoration and Future Use

While the house’s structural relocation was completed in 2024, restoration is an ongoing project. The city and the preservation alliance have partnered with the University of Michigan School of Architecture to provide hands‑on restoration work for students and faculty. The plan is to restore the interior to its 1911 appearance, with particular emphasis on the original hardwood floors, plaster walls, and period fixtures. A new restoration guide was published by the Michigan Historical Commission to ensure adherence to best practices.

Once restoration is finished—anticipated in early 2025—the house will be repurposed as a public museum and educational space. Its new location next to the university allows for easy access to students, and the museum will host exhibitions on early 20th‑century domestic life, local history, and the role of historic preservation in contemporary urban development. The city intends to open the museum to the public by late 2025, with special programs for local schools and community groups.

Community Reaction

The relocation has been met with enthusiasm. Local resident and longtime history blogger, Maria Lopez, wrote in MLive that the move “was a testament to Ann Arbor’s commitment to preserving its past while still embracing growth.” Meanwhile, a former resident of the house, John Carter, expressed that seeing his childhood home moved “was like watching a dream come true for the entire neighborhood.”

The University of Michigan has praised the project, citing it as a “prime example of adaptive reuse” and encouraging other cities to consider relocation as a viable preservation strategy.

Concluding Thoughts

The relocation of the historic 1911 house in Ann Arbor is a shining example of how careful planning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration can preserve architectural heritage. By moving the structure to a contextually appropriate location, the city has safeguarded a tangible link to its early 20th‑century past while creating a new educational hub that will benefit future generations. The story of this house—its original builders, its occupants, the engineering challenges, and the community’s dedication—serves as a reminder that preservation is not merely about maintaining old bricks; it is about keeping history alive in living, breathing spaces.