Functional Uses

The Ingalls Mall Area is located adjacent to and west of the city’s State Street District. It is bound by Huron Street, South State Street, North University Avenue, and Fletcher Street; East Washington Street runs through its center. It houses a number of significant cultural, academic, and student life facilities as well as some of the most important open spaces on Central Campus. The units represented within the Ingalls Mall Area include the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA); Rackham Graduate School (Rackham); School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD); Student Life; and the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan (Alumni Association).

Development Opportunities

Given the developed and iconic status of the landscape and defining structures, no new development zones are proposed. However, continued reinvestment in facilities that support the performing arts, accommodate new research and learning models, and provide students a safe home away from home are vital. Buildings in the Ingalls Mall Area require renovation to address programmatic needs, accessibility challenges, and to complete energy performance upgrades in support of the sustainability and climate action goals of the university. Interior and exterior enhancements throughout the facilities will create a renewed user experience and present opportunities for integrating the arts and creative expression and providing welcoming spaces that support diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility goals.

Landscape and Public Realm

The Ingalls Mall Area serves as an important functional and ceremonial north-south open space and non-motorized corridor through Central Campus. Heavily utilized for large-scale, programmed university events such as Festifall, farm stands, and unit-sponsored employee events as well as community gatherings like the Ann Arbor Summer Festival and Ann Arbor Art Fairs, the Ingalls Mall Area has facilitated civic engagement and social justice activities for decades. In support of these initiatives, the framework plan calls for continued upkeep and maintenance of the public realm, landscape enhancements, and maintenance of valued trees that contribute to the heritage of the space. The north-south viewshed along Ingalls Mall between the Rackham Building and the Diag to the south is perhaps the most iconic on campus and should be preserved and enhanced. Together, the Diag and Ingalls Mall provide the most significant areas for civic engagement on campus.

Mobility and Connectivity

Inclusive design and universal access are key considerations for all future building renovations, ensuring that any improvements contribute to the user experience and convenience. Changes to the road network in the Ingalls Mall Area focus on the introduction of proposed BRT and bike lanes on North University Avenue. The important north-south transit connectivity enhancement is anticipated to reduce travel time across campus in the hopes of increasing multidisciplinary collaboration opportunities for both faculty and students. The planned addition of bike lanes can improve individual health and well-being by reducing points of conflict between other modes.

Sustainability and Infrastructure

Existing underground infrastructure in the Ingalls Mall Area limits opportunities for geo-exchange and ground source heat pumps; however, subject to a structural evaluation, the introduction of solar PV should be considered for buildings with large flat roof areas. Recent stormwater management investments have improved the functionality of the space, and ongoing maintenance of its valued trees will continue to help both manage stormwater and reduce the heat island effect.