ANN ARBOR—The vision of a new state-of-the-art living-learning complex at the University of Michigan took another step closer to reality today (Sept. 22) when the Board of Regents approved site preparation efforts at its regular monthly meeting.

The North Quad Residential and Academic Complex is slated to be constructed on the site of the existing Frieze Building. The regents were asked to authorize staff to issue for bids and award contracts for the asbestos abatement and demolition of the Frieze Building. The preparation package also included site work to reinforce portions of the Carnegie Library for incorporation into the North Quad complex and install earth retention systems and utilities.

The preparation project is estimated to cost $8.5 million. Funding will be provided by University Housing, the Provost’s Office, the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, and University investment proceeds.

“We are excited to continue the process of providing this innovative living and learning opportunity for our students,” said Phil Hanlon, associate provost and project sponsor. “We anticipate North Quad will house approximately 460 students each year, and serve as the home for the School of Information, the Department of Screen Arts and Cultures, Communication Studies, the Language Resource Center and the Sweetland Writing Center. “

In advance of the site preparation work, the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts will hold a public sale of remaining classroom and office furniture from the Frieze Building at 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 29 and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 30. Access to the sale in a limited portion of the building will be available through the East Washington Street entrance. Purchasers will need to provide cash or check as well as their own loading and delivery assistance. For information prior to the sale, call U-M Property Disposition at (734) 764-2590.

Upon completion of the bidding process and awarding of construction contracts, it is expected that materials abatement will be completed by December. Demolition of the Frieze Building is expected to occur in early 2007 with site work occurring through the summer of 2007.

The North Quad complex is one of many projects outlined in the Residential Life Initiatives (RLI), a long-range plan for improving facilities to enhance student life and learning. For more information on the RLI, go to http://www.housing.umich.edu/rli/.