William W. Cook Legal Research Library Rehabilitation

Lord Aeck Sargent spearheaded a restoration project for the University of Michigan Law School's historic William W. Cook Legal Research Library and Hutchins Hall. These Gothic Revival structures, dating back to the early 1930s, are integral to the university's Central Campus Historic District. Lord Aeck Sargent’s work initially focused on the Legal Research Library Reading Room, enhancing lighting through the careful restoration of historic fixtures and the installation of unobtrusive new up-lighting. This phase also involved the cleaning and restoration of architectural details, including a decoratively painted plaster ceiling and limestone elements. Subsequent work expanded to the Law Quad’s exterior, with Lord Aeck Sargent developing construction documents for discreetly installed exterior lighting, maintaining the district's historic character. Advanced lighting controls and energy-efficient technologies were employed to reduce energy consumption while preserving the architectural integrity of these iconic buildings.