The University of Michigan Athletic Department's Crisler Center renovation and expansion project was granted LEED™ (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certification from the United States Green Building Council on June 3. 
TMP Architecture, Inc., of Bloomfield Hills was architect of record, with Denver, Colo., based Sink Combs Dethlefs serving as sports design consultant for the project. Spence Brothers Construction was the project's general contractor.
Sustainable design strategies and concepts that contributed to the project's LEED™ Gold Certification included: a high-performance building envelope; energy- and water-efficient measures throughout; glass and glazing/daylighting; contextual, regional materials, as well as materials that provide the optimum indoor air quality.
"One of our strategic initiatives in the Michigan Athletic Department Game Plan is to 'Think Planet Blue and Engage in Sustainable Practices.' This is another example of how we are doing that," said Rob Rademacher, U-M associate athletic director for facilities and operations. "We are proud of the work that the design and construction team put into Crisler Center to make it sustainable and limit its impact on the environment."
Additions to the arena total approximately 63,000 square feet. New entrances, club seating, new ticketing areas and retail space were part of the expansive project. Phase I of the project included: new seating; heating, ventilation and cooling; finishes; and replacement of the arena's lighting. A high-definition video scoreboard was also installed.
Phase II focused on fan amenities. Expansion of Crisler's busy concourse area to the east, as well as relocation of restrooms, concessions and the addition of an outdoor plaza enhance the Wolverine fan's experience. A new enclosed club seating area provides an intimate space for donors and recruits. Crisler's new "front door" greets visitors with an enclosed escalator and stairway, taking fans to the concourse level.
The decision to renovate and expand the facility rather than build a new one afforded opportunities for campus community connectivity, public transportation access, maintaining at least 50 percent of the interior, and re-use of the building's walls, flooring and roof.
U-M's Crisler Center has served the men's and women's basketball programs for nearly 50 years, as well as women's gymnastics, men's gymnastics and wrestling. In addition to games and practices, the arena, which sits adjacent to Michigan Stadium, has also hosted special events, concerts and University graduation ceremonies.