ANN ARBOR—The Burton Memorial Tower on the University of Michigan’s Central Campus will start to rock at 4 p.m. Nov. 9 when the University and Ann Arbor communities gather on Ingalls Mall to celebrate recent renovations to the Tower and its 65 years as a campus and city landmark.

Amid bells, brass and free refreshments, the history and the future of Burton Tower will be noted and celebrated. All 45 tons of bells will be used by U-M carillonneur Margo Halsted in concert with other musicians from U-M’s School of Music.

Designed by Albert Kahn, who also designed U-M’s Clements Library, Angell Hall, the East Engineering Building (now known as East Hall), the Natural Science Building, Hill Auditorium, and the Helen Newberry Residence, among others, the Tower was completed in 1936. It was named for and dedicated to former U-M President Marion Leroy Burton and recently underwent a $1.8 million renovation.

The Tower contains the Charles Baird Carillon, one of the four heaviest carillons in the world. Baird, a U-M graduate, lawyer and first U-M athletic director, had the bells cast in England and gave them to the University. He also commissioned “Sunday Morning in Deep Waters,” the fountain on Ingalls Mall between Burton Tower and the Michigan League.

The public is invited to join in this celebration of U-M’s architectural and musical heritage.

Fast Facts!

Burton Memorial Tower

Margo Halsted

Albert Kahn

Charles Baird Carillon