In November 2025, Facilities & Operations and several campus partners worked together to safely relocate the historic Raoul Wallenberg house to its new location on Division Street. The project protected an important part of U-M’s history while also supporting future student housing needs, showing how careful planning and strong partnerships support projects that make a lasting difference for the campus.
A team effort from start to finish
The house, once home to alumnus and humanitarian Raoul Wallenberg, sat on land slated to become part of the Central Campus Residential Development project. Rather than lose the structure, teams from Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC), Walbridge, the city of Ann Arbor, and multiple utility companies came together to find a practical solution that would preserve the home and keep the larger housing project moving forward.Planning began months in advance with teams coordinating schedules, evaluating the structure, preparing the site, and mapping out details for the relocation. The effort required clear communication, problem-solving, and a shared commitment to successfully relocating the Wallenberg house.
“I’m grateful for the strong partnership between our campus teams and the city of Ann Arbor,” said Trudy Zedaker-Witte, AEC senior project manager. “A move like this requires a lot of alignment. We planned for the unexpected, coordinated for months, and carefully worked through every scenario to make sure the relocation went safely and smoothly.”
Many U-M groups contributed to the effort, including Real Estate for the acquisition; EHS for environmental testing; LTP for managing parking closures; and the city of Ann Arbor for coordinating road closures. AEC Design Management oversaw the new foundation on Division and assisted with city coordination, while Utilities identified previously unmarked underground electrical lines. U-M Community Relations and AEC Planning & Communication ensured strong communication both within the university and with the surrounding community. DPSS supported safety and crowd control, and AEC Project Management coordinated all elements needed to ensure the successful relocation of the house.
Putting expertise into action
Relocating a 100-year-old, 54,000-pound home is no simple task. AEC and Walbridge prepared the building for transport, disconnecting utilities, reinforcing the structure, and installing the supports needed for a safe move. City staff and utility partners shifted wires and signals, often in real time, so the move could proceed without delays.
On the morning of November 22, crews moved the house two blocks in 52 minutes. The work was steady, safe, and carefully coordinated.
Supporting the future while honoring the past
The Wallenberg house now sits next to the former home of Arthur Miller, creating a small but meaningful connection between two notable U-M alumni. Its move also cleared the way for the upcoming Central Campus Residential Development, which will add much-needed student housing in the years ahead.
“The work doesn’t stop with the move. Many of the same F&O groups will now take on the renovations of both the Arthur Miller House and the Wallenberg House. AEC Design is developing the renovation plans, and AEC Construction will carry out the improvements,” Zedaker-Witte said.
For Facilities & Operations, the project reflects a practical approach to stewardship. It shows how taking care of existing assets can fit hand-in-hand with building new ones, and how thoughtful planning helps the university grow in ways that respect its history.