Real estate developer A. Alfred Taubman has committed $12.5 million to U-M to help fund a sweeping renovation project that will provide state-of-the-art facilities for the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, one of the nation’s leading programs on the built environment.
Taubman’s gift follows his $30 million donation 15 years ago to the Taubman College — the single largest gift ever to an architecture program in America. From that gift, $5 million was earmarked for future renovations of the architecture and urban planning facilities.
With this latest gift, Taubman’s lifetime giving to the university now totals $154.7 million, including gifts for medical research, health care and the arts.
“If anyone understands the importance and value of a well-designed space it is Alfred Taubman,” said President Mary Sue Coleman. “This latest gift demonstrates his unparalleled commitment to the success of University of Michigan students and faculty as they pursue their studies and scholarship.”
A legend in retailing, Taubman studied architecture at U-M before founding his own real estate company in 1950. The firm flourished across the country, developing upscale shopping malls that re-envisioned retail design. Taubman’s memoir, “Threshold Resistance,” is named for one of his most innovative design concepts: the open-front store that eliminates the barrier between shopper and merchandise.
Taubman’s latest donation to U-M will enable a $28 million renovation and expansion at the Taubman College. The architectural firm of Integrated Design Solutions, in conjunction with Preston Scott Cohen Inc., will design the project.
Built in 1974, the college’s current facilities have never been renovated. The new facilities will better align with the innovative interdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning for which the college is known.
“By any measure, the college’s people and programs are among the very best in the nation,” Taubman said. “I think it’s important that the college’s physical environment better reflect and support that level of excellence.”
In preparation for the project, Taubman and Dean Monica Ponce de Leon researched architectural designs that best support an interdisciplinary and collaborative learning model. They visited and analyzed various schools of architecture and planning nationwide. This research will serve as the basis for the project moving forward.
In recognition of this significant commitment from Taubman toward construction of the expansion and renovation of the Art and Architecture Building, the Board of Regents on Thursday approved the naming of the new A. Alfred Taubman Wing.
“At Taubman College, we pride ourselves on having developed innovative curriculums that anticipate and respond to the dramatic transformations that architecture and urban planning are undergoing,” Ponce de Leon said. “As a result of Mr. Taubman’s gift, our facilities will support our teaching philosophy and allow us to remain at the forefront of the disciplines that most impact the built environment.”
Architecture and planning have long followed a project-based approach to learning. The renovation and expansion at the Taubman College will dramatically transform classrooms and studio spaces to break free of the traditional master-instructor model, and will instead function as spaces where students can collaborate, supported by interdisciplinary teams of faculty.
The creation of a large community commons will provide both a social hub and a much-needed review space for project-based courses. The building renovation further aims to give identity to each of the programs housed at the college with student lounges geared toward architecture and planning, as well as doctoral studies. Additional faculty offices also are planned as part of the renovation.
A legacy of philanthropy
As a generous supporter of the university, Taubman is serving as vice chair of U-M’s recently launched Victors for Michigan campaign that seeks to raise $4 billion to support three university priorities: student support, engaged learning and bold ideas. He is also co-chairing the campaign council for the U-M Health System’s component of the campaign.
In 2009, Taubman received the David B. Hermelin Award for Fundraising Volunteer Leadership, a prestigious award given to dedicated Michigan supporters whose service emulates the commitment of the late David Hermelin, a U-M friend and volunteer fundraiser.
In previous donations, Taubman gave $100 million to endow the A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute at the Medical School. He also donated $4 million for the expansion and restoration of the U-M Museum of Art and $3 million toward the building of University Hospital and the A. Alfred Taubman Health Care Center for outpatient care.
Other gifts to the university have supported the A. Alfred Taubman Health Sciences Library, the Alfred Taubman Scholarship in the Office of Financial Aid, and the Taubman Program in American Institutions in LSA.
Taubman received an honorary doctor of laws degree from U-M in 1991.
