HI, Anne!

The Detroit Observatory here in Ann Arbor had surface-mounted wood conduit.  Not to erase changes over time, we concealed new wiring as part of the restoration, but retained the wood conduit for a period look, even though it is surely from the 1890s, whereas the building was originally constructed in 1854.  Rotary switches that worked were all retained as well, because they were on a ceramic base and were certainly as safe as knob-and-tube, although not grounded.  The approach was a combination of preserving original and added construction, updating for safety and access and general aesthetics, and providing an interpretive experience of the historic observatory.  The period of interpretation was not the date of construction, but the third "episode" which allowed the utility additions.

Check out the website!


QUINN EVANS | ARCHITECTS

Ilene R. Tyler, AIA

219 1/2 North Main Street
Ann Arbor, Michigan  48104
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