1100 North University Building: A Historical and Functional Overview
The 1100 North University Building, also known as the Central Campus Transit Center, stands as a prominent landmark on the eastern side of the Diag in Detroit - Ann Arbor, MI. Constructed in 1925 and acquired by the University of Michigan that same year, this limestone neoclassical structure, designed by Albert Kahn, has served various purposes throughout its history. Its architectural details, location, and recent discussions surrounding its past contribute to its significance within the university landscape.
Architectural Grandeur and Design
The building's most striking feature is its limestone neoclassical facade, adorned with four Ionic-inspired columns. These columns contribute to the building's imposing presence and reflect the architectural style prevalent during the early 20th century.
The facade features two bas reliefs on its entablature, each depicting a caduceus. The caduceus is an ancient symbol associated with the Greek god Hermes. In modern times, it has come to signify medicine and health care. Carved by Ulysses Ricci, who also collaborated with Kahn on Angell Hall, these reliefs provide insight into the building's original function as a medical building, predating its current use by various departments of the Natural Sciences. Ricci's work extends to other details, including panels with mirror images of mermen holding implements symbolizing medicine, such as a mortar and pestle, flanking the front door, decorative reliefs in the spandrels, as well as lion’s-head gargoyles along the cornice, which are similar to those on the Ruthven Museums Building. At the top of the parapet are two panels featuring a caduceus, eagles, and heads of men in profile.
Location and Accessibility
Located at the intersection of North University and Church Street, the 1100 North University Building is strategically positioned behind the Central Campus Transit Center (CCTC). The 1100 North University delivery door is in the building courtyard. The courtyard is accessed from Church Street by a driveway on the south side of the building. Entry to the courtyard is via an archway in the building. The entrance is between 428 Church Street and 500 Church Street.
The building enjoys excellent public transportation access. Several bus lines stop nearby, including BB, Bursley Baits, CN, Commuter North, CS, Commuter South, DD, Diag-to-Diag Express, NX, Northwood Express, OS, Oxford Shuttle, 23, Plymouth, 61, U-M Miller, 62, U-M - State, 63, U-M - Pontiac, 64, Geddes - E Stadium, 65, U-M - PLYMOUTH - GREENHILLS, 104, Washtenaw Express, NW, Northwood V (3), and 4, Ytc - Endpt. The closest stations to 1100 North University Building are: Central Campus Transit Center: Chemistry, Geddes + Cctc, Central Campus Transit Center: Ruthven Museum, Washtenaw + Geddes, and Ann Arbor Amtrak Station. The WOLVERINE train also stops nearby.
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The C.C. Little Controversy and Renaming Discussions
The building was formerly known as the C.C. Little Science Building, named after former University President Clarence Cook Little. However, Little's history of eugenics research and involvement with the tobacco industry led to significant controversy and calls for renaming the building.
University President Mark Schlissel formally requested the University of Michigan’s Board of Regents to rename the C.C. Little Science Building, after months of protests against the former University president’s history of eugenics research and involvement in the tobacco industry. The regents are set to vote Thursday on the recommendation.
The President’s Advisory Committee on University History reviewed the building’s association with Little after an official request from University faculty and students to the committee to change the building’s name was submitted to Schlissel last September. According to the request, the committee found Little’s research and advocacy on eugenics, coupled with his support for the tobacco industry, was not a history the University could support and memorialize, especially given the building’s connection to the field of science. The building currently houses the College of Pharmacy, among other departments.
The committee emphasized that Little’s support and participation in these campaigns had serious negative consequences noting that ‘his 1920s campaign for eugenic measures while University President - immigration restriction, sterilization of the ‘unfit,’ anti-miscegenation laws - and the 1950s campaign sowing doubt about the links between smoking and cancer negatively affected the lives of millions.
Until a new name can be established, the University Policy for Naming of Facilities, Spaces and Streets mandates “the building will be referred to by its street address, 1100 North University Avenue, or by a functional designation that will be determined by the Associate Vice President for Facilities and Operations.”
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