Updated and more accessible: UM wraps up $11.5M in renovations to president's house

Ann Arbor ― Outside the University of Michigan's President's House stand three new cherry trees.

The trees were planted during the past year as the university embarked on one of the most significant renovations of the president's residence in the house's 183-year history, and are among several new additions that include upgrades to make it more accessible, safe, functional and contemporary while maintaining the home's historic character.

The cherry trees were the only request of President Santa Ono, who has been at the helm of the state's largest university for the past year. They are symbolic for many reasons, said Geoffrey Chatas, UM executive vice president and chief financial officer, during a media tour on Monday before Ono moves in.

"They will blossom in spring," said Chatas, "and celebrate renewal."

UM Regents last year approved a renovation of the three-story, 14,000-square foot house, built in 1840, at a cost of up to $15 million, but it came in under budget at $11.5 million.

Inside, the house has been transformed with new furniture, refurbished wood floors and soft grays, bright whites and muted accents of the university's colors of blue and gold. Tiles from Detroit's Pewabic Pottery frame many of the house's fireplaces.

"One of the key challenges and opportunities was that this was not accessible house at all," said Chatas. "We had no real entryways for folks with disabilities, and nor did we have bathrooms."

But the main floor of house, which is used for more than 70 public events annually, and outside patio underwent many renovations to make it more accessible for those with disabilities and improve capacity.

There are now three entryways that make the house accessible; the home's attached garage was expanded by 10 feet so that an elevator could be installed inside the garage to allow someone to get from the main floor to the upper floors of the house.

The bathroom on the main floor also is wider and accessible, along with a bathroom on the second floor. New ramps and paths were also added to improve access to the house and backyard patio.

Upstairs, where the president will live on the second floor with his wife, Gwendolyn "Wendy" Yip, a wall was torn out in the living area to make the space more open, a small bathroom was removed and the kitchen was made more functional. Carpet was torn out, exposing hardwood floors that were refurbished and covered with area rugs.

"It turned out beautifully," said UM Regents Chair Sarah Hubbard. "We are hopeful it will be used for generations, for the campus, community and presidents of the university."

The UM president's home was designed with assists from the Detroit and Ann Arbor offices of SmithGroup, an architectural firm, and Amanda Sinistaj of Ellwood Interiors in Birmingham.

Underneath the exterior changes were other additions that include solar panels to help offset energy consumption and energy-efficient heating, plumbing, electrical and lighting upgrades and updates to improve safety and security, including expansion of the fire suppression system.

The renovation was paid with university reserves, specifically income from investments. No taxpayer or tuition dollars were used, officials have said.

The regents approved renovations to the house before they appointed Ono as president in October 2022 so he has been living in a rented unit, a UM official said.

Already, some of his clothes are hung in the closet, a few pictures are hung on the wall of his family and a bed for his dog, Romeo, is near the foot of the bed in the master bedroom. A few books are in the nearby office with titles that include, "Victory City," a novel by Salman Rushdie, "Carry On: Poetry by Young Immigrants," "Stagg vs. Yost, The Birth of Cutthroat Football," and "The Forever Dog: A New Science Blueprint for Raising Exceptionally Healthy and Happy Companions."

University officials said Ono will be moving in "soon."

kkozlowski@detroitnews.com