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Whitker Building Canopy Restoration Ann Arbor, MI - Completed 1997 |
A Shining Presense on Main Street
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Whitker Building Canopy Restoration Ann Arbor, MI - Completed 1997 |
The Whitker Building is located at 321 South Main in Ann Arbor. The Curtis Brothers own this a designated historic structure. The building has one of the most ornate and best preserved facades in the downtown. It is three stories tall. Two retail businesses occupy the first floor - Ayla and Von Glahn. Kelly-Tinker occupies offices facing main street on the second floor. If you are in town, stop up for a visit.The original canopy had deteriorated to the point that it was unsafe to stand on. In particular, the steel that supported the edge of the canopy next to the exterior wall had turned to rust after years of exposure to water. The Ann Arbor Historic Commission required that the new canopy use the same materials and detail as the original. This metal structure was made from copper. It had been painted over many years ago and looked not much different than other canopies on main street.
The new copper canopy shines brightly on the street now. You can't miss it. The metal has been coated to prevent oxidation and preserve the new look rather than allow the metal to get a green patina as is usually done. The problem of water damage was corrected by channeling runoff to new large copper downspouts to sidewalk level and then to the street drain. The facade drawings provided by Kelly-Tinker for the restoration really captures the flavor of the original.
Full Elevation Drawing of Whitker Building
View from the South Looking Down the Sidewalk
Upper Story Elevation Detail
Lower Story Elevation Detail
