 | Cranbrook Schools owe their existence to the clear and enduring vision of George Booth and Ellen Scripps Booth, and one cannot set foot on the campus without being overwhelmed by the work of the man they commissioned to design its buildings. In the structures and exterior spaces designed by master architect Eliel Saarinen and heavily influenced by the aesthetic direction of the Booths, Cranbrook has one of the richest depositories of architecture in the United States and, many contend, the world.
When we undertook the Campaign for Cranbrook, it was natural that preserving and restoring this masterpiece to its original glory would be the focus of the effort. Included in this grand restoration plan are both exterior and interior spaces, including terraces, walkways, courtyards, the Observatory Tower, roofs, classrooms, dormitories, and even fine details in windows, doors, textiles, and lighting. An overarching project emerged which encompasses a majority of these spaces; it came to be called the Quad and Oval Restoration. In June 2007, we broke ground on this three-year, $8 million project. Because of its sheer size and complexity, this project will be undertaken in phases as funding is raised, beginning in the Central Quad and moving west to the Oval.
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| Restoring the Quad and Oval As originally conceived by Saarinen, the Cranbrook Quad created a focus on exterior spaces, rather than buildings, with courtyards and passageways providing a transition from structures to the surrounding, natural landscape.
The restoration of the Quad is intended to reflect Saarinen’s original
designs. Brick pavers, which in recent years have been repaired as
necessary with uneven, concrete patches, will now be replaced. A new snowmelt system will be installed to help preserve the pavement and reduce maintenance. Alumni Courtyard and other courtyards, as well as the Quad’s terraces, walkways, sidewalks, and fountains will undergo restoration.
In August 2007, the copper dome on the Observatory Tower was completely replaced — quite an engineering feat. As well, the roof atop the Cranbrook Library was replaced, stopping the leaking which threatened to ruin some of the most valuable spaces and literary collections. Finally, the Thompson Oval, home to decades of competition and play, will be dramatically updated and rejuvenated. The recently named Del Walden Field, along with the track, stadium seating and the surrounding landscaping and signage, will be greatly improved.
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| A Model of Design Integrity The master Cranbrook Preservation and Restoration plan also calls for substantial interior renovations.
While numerous small spaces, recesses, and decorative elements will be
restored, a focus of the effort is on Model Classroom Renovations. We began this process several years ago, completing four Model
Classrooms across the campus, including Rooms 107 and 118 in Hoey Hall.
Model Classroom Renovations involve removing ceiling tiles, plaster and
paint, and touching up or re-finishing the woodwork. New carpet and
window treatments will be installed. Desks and chairs for both faculty
and students will be replaced, as will light fixtures. And through this
process, the latest educational features and technology will be
installed – that is, SMART Boards and laptop computer docking stations.
SMART Boards (computerized whiteboards) replace traditional blackboards
and have revolutionized the classroom, allowing for constant
interaction between faculty and students. Alumni, parents, and friends
have already sponsored SMART Boards in over 80 classrooms, and our goal
is to install a total of 104 by the end of the campaign in 2010. As we
undertake the overall restoration of Cranbrook, we plan to restore many
more Model Classrooms, all in a way that is consistent with the arts
and craft design features originally set in place by Saarinen and the
Booths. |
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| | Three leadership gifts to date have resulted in naming of well-known areas of campus:
Lyon Plaza
The Quad’s Central Plaza, including the fountain, is being restored through the generosity of Wayne B. Lyon, C’50.
McKelvey Terrace
The brick terrace and pergola outside Marquis Hall is being restored through the generosity of Lucius B. McKelvey, C’63.
Del Walden Field
Named in honor of long-time faculty member and coach, Del Walden, through the generosity of Robert S. Taubman, C’72. A variety of naming opportunities are available for those donors who
wish to focus their giving in particular areas of campus. In addition, a list of specific preservation needs is available for
those interested in restoring furnishings, lighting, windows and doors,
artwork, and other decorative elements from around the campus.
The list includes such projects as: - Restoration of the Map Lobby Window and Door
- Restoration of Dining Hall chairs
- Replacement of Socrates bust for Hoey Hall
- Restoration of Geza Maroti stone carving around Galileo door
- Restoration / replacement of the pendant ceiling luminaries in the Cranbrook Dining Hall, which are made of Orrefors glass
- Restoration / securing of bronze and brass outdoor light fixtures and lanterns
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