Exterior demo begins at UMich administration building

The exterior demolition of the 54-year-old Central Campus building at the University of Michigan (UMich), which was once home to the offices of UM presidents and the site of turbulent student protests, began Aug. 11.

The demolition, which is a part of a greater project to tear down the Fleming Administration Building, is expected to take about a month.

As reported by The University Record, a news publication by UMich, the project includes a strong focus on reusing or recycling materials in line with UM’s sustainability goals. Office equipment, furniture and custodial supplies from Fleming were sold through Property Disposition or redistributed to other buildings, according to UMich Associate Vice President for Facilities and Operations Hank Baier. E-waste was also recycled whenever possible.

As the demolition progresses, the university says workers will sort materials on-site for either recycling or proper disposal, including ferrous and nonferrous metals, concrete, brick and block, as well as traditional construction and demolition debris such as wood, drywall, carpeting and roofing materials.

Fleming was considered functionally obsolete before officially closing in early 2022. The $3.4 million demolition project was approved in February.

Crews have spent the past few months abating hazardous materials, removing windows and disconnecting utilities.

Designed by architect Alden Dow, the 78,000-square-foot structure was first opened in 1968. With six floors of office space, the building housed the offices of nine UMich presidents and interim presidents.