Gordon Hall Rehabilitation Master Plan

From executive summary: "Gordon Hall, owned by the Dexter Area Historical Society and Museum (DAHSM), is a striking example of Greek Revival architecture, on a sweeping 68 acre piece of land just west of Dexter, Michigan. Judge Samuel W. Dexter, founder of the Village of Dexter, built the house in 1843. The house has gone through a long succession of owners, and prior to its purchase by Dexter’s granddaughter Katherine Dexter McCormick - a significant figure in her own right - in 1939 it had fallen into a severe state of disrepair and might have been lost if it were not for her efforts to restore it. Although she did not complete her restoration vision, she saved the house, and donated it to the University of Michigan in 1951. Unfortunately, the University significantly modified the interior, gutting it, converting it to apartments, and obscuring or removing almost all of its interior historic character. However its exterior retained the essential features that gave it a majestic presence that existed since the day it was completed. In 2006 DAHSM purchased the house with the intent of making it a community resource and an extension of its museum activities. In 2011, DAHSM commissioned the HopkinsBurns Design Studio to produce this Rehabilitation Master Plan to guide and support its future restoration and fundraising efforts. The Master Plan determined that although Gordon Hall’s historic integrity was compromised by the University of Michigan’s modifications, it was well maintained, and today is in relatively good condition. However, its electrical systems are inadequate, and its central heating system long ago failed, resulting in the installation of an expensive and inefficient electrical radiant heating system. Modifications to the building’s floor framing over time have created some structural inadequacies. The exterior has been completely clad with aluminum siding, although the original clapboard is still present underneath. The most unfortunate condition is the modifications made to the interior when it was converted to apartments. The arrangement of spaces bears little resemblance to the original dramatic central hall arrangement, and offers little material to help tell the story of the house, its original owner, and its role in the community. Spaces are also small and cramped and thus do not permit the house to be used in a manner that will serve the community and generate an revenue stream necessary to support the house’s maintenance and help pay a large mortgage." Project funding was provided in part by a 2010 Historic Preservation Fund grant to the Washtenaw County (project number MI-10-033) administered by the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (grant number 26-10-21929) and the State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Washtenaw County, Michigan is a Certified Local Government.

Gordon Hall Rehabilitation Master Plan

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