Michigan Union Renovation

Key challenges included:

• Reworking a disorganized legacy electrical system within a historic structure
• Coordinating new systems with existing conditions that often conflicted with design documents
• Managing continuous design changes throughout construction
• Delivering within a compressed 18-month schedule tied to campus timelines
• Preserving architectural integrity while upgrading infrastructure

The complexity wasn’t just in the work. It was in uncovering what was actually there. HVE executed the complete electrical upgrade, supporting both restoration and modernization efforts.

Scope included:

• New electrical distribution systems
• Full lighting replacement with advanced LED systems
• Fire alarm and life safety systems
• Integration of occupancy controls and daylight harvesting
• Coordination with all MEP systems across renovation and updated spaces
• Demolition of existing electrical systems, installation of emergency generator systems, and implementation of emergency responder radio communication systems

A key component of the work was the extensive use of BIM coordination. HVE’s team spent significant time on-site tracing existing systems and translating them into a 3D model, enabling accurate coordination with new infrastructure.

This approach allowed for strategic reuse of existing conduit, reducing installation time and minimizing disruption.

HVE’s impact extended beyond execution into problem-solving and system optimization.

Key contributions included:

• Detailed field investigation and modeling of undocumented existing systems
• Reuse of existing infrastructure to improve efficiency and reduce install time
• Continuous design collaboration with the owner, architect, and construction manager
• Real-time solutions to unforeseen field conditions without impacting schedule
• Design input on advanced lighting control systems for long-term energy performance
• Ongoing support for constructability reviews, design problem-solving, and schedule management to maintain project momentum despite evolving conditions

The team maintained constant communication across all stakeholders, ensuring alignment as conditions evolved. The project delivered both immediate performance improvements and long-term value.

• Completed on schedule despite evolving scope and unknown conditions
• Fully commissioned with integrated systems testing prior to turnover
• Achieved 31% energy savings over ASHRAE standards
• Reduced energy consumption by 527,948 kWh annually
• Estimated $158,460 in annual energy cost savings
• Restored the Michigan Union as a modern, functional campus centerpiece

HVE’s ability to adapt, solve, and execute was central to the project’s success. Despite unforeseen field conditions, including discrepancies between existing electrical feeders and construction documents, and continuous design changes throughout construction, HVE maintained schedule and budget through proactive coordination and technical leadership. What began as a fragmented, outdated system is now a cohesive, high-performance environment. Huron Valley Electric didn’t just upgrade infrastructure. They brought order to complexity and helped restore one of the University of Michigan’s most important spaces.