University of Michigan Credit Union Building, Ann Arbor

Nestled in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan Credit Union (UMCU) Building is an Art Deco landmark with a storied past. Constructed in 1936 as the headquarters of the Ann Arbor News, it stands as the only commercial building in town designed by the renowned architect Albert Kahn. Its three‑story form of warm brown stone is graced with delicate relief sculptures by Corrado Parducci and topped with geometric detailing-subtle but striking examples of the Art Deco aesthetic.

In 2010, the University of Michigan Credit Union purchased the 58,000-square-foot building and repurposed it as its administrative hub. UMCU, established in 1954 with just 12 members and $9 in assets, has since grown into Ann Arbor’s only homegrown credit union, with over 100,000 members. The transaction preserved an excellent downtown heritage building and provided ample room for credit union operations while enhancing its public presence.

Guests exploring the area will appreciate how the building's historic charm today blends seamlessly with UMCU’s modern functionality. While the exterior remains largely unchanged-right down to the Art Deco ornamentation-the interior has been remodeled for contemporary office needs, including administrative offices, conference rooms, and drive-through banking. Its downtown location, adjacent to parking lots, also offers convenient access in a part of town where getting around by car can be a challenge.

Whether you’re pausing on a casual city walk or on your way to nearby shops and cafés, the UMCU Building is well worth a detour. It showcases Ann Arbor’s unique blend of architectural history and community-focused adaptation-an embodiment of Kahn’s vision of durable, beautiful, functional design that remains deeply woven into the city’s fabric.