The newly renovated University of Michigan Industrial and Operations Engineering Building was unveiled on January 22, marking the completion of a $4.5 million transformation aimed at making it a hub for connection and progress in engineering excellence.
The Industrial and Operations Engineering (IOE) Building celebrated its newly renovated spaces on January 22 with over 200 attendees. This event marked the culmination of a $4.5 million renovation project, that transformed over 8,850 square feet of space.
“This is not just a building; this is our home,” said Julie Simmons Ivy, IOE Department Chair and Vivian L Carpenter Collegiate Professor of Industrial and Operations Engineering. “This is our place to come together as a community. Here you’re among people who care about you and are invested in your future. As engineers, we make the world a better place, and this is our home base to do that.”
This renovation reflects a vision from IOE and U-M College of Engineering leadership to foster learning, collaboration and innovation within its community. With the last significant update in 1998, the renovation addresses the evolving needs of the growing department.
Brian Denton, the Stephen M. Pollock Collegiate Professor of Industrial and Operations Engineering and former IOE Department Chair, shared his reflections on the renovation’s journey as the person to spearhead the initiative.
“This project was never about making our offices bigger or putting up more walls,” said Denton. “It was about breaking down walls and creating a space for everyone to come together.”
Key features of the remodeled space include: