How do you build one of the best-looking buildings in Ann Arbor, Michigan? We believe it’s through clear communication, construction expertise, and MCM wall paneling.
Meet The Legacy: a luxurious, 19-story, mixed-use, student housing development serving the University of Michigan students in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Built by Landmark Construction, The Legacy features ground-floor retail space, multi-bedroom student apartments, and over 63,000 feet of exterior wall paneling designed, fabricated, and installed by TFC.
As one of the first projects in which Landmark Construction used wall paneling on such a grand scale, transparent communication, experienced guidance, and a true understanding of MCM wall paneling were a must when finding the perfect partner. With our deep understanding of MCM paneling, efficient turnkey processes, and our dedicated team committed to finding the best solutions, we partnered with Landmark Construction to construct a stunning wall panel façade, resulting in our largest contract in company history.
Project at a Glance
- Project: The Legacy (Ann Arbor, MI)
- General Contractor: Landmark Construction
- Scope: 63,000 SQFT of exterior cladding
- Materials: 5,878 ALPOLIC MCM panels, mill finish/corrugated perforated panels, louvered panels, 22-gauge break metal, mineral wool insulation
- TFC Services: Pre-construction consulting, detailing, 3D scanning, fabrication, and single-source installation management
Pre-Construction Partnership: Proactive Planning
In fall of 2021, Landmark Construction was in the early planning stages of The Legacy. Landmark needed an experienced fabrication partner to guide the detailing and estimating processes of the MCM wall paneling façade. With years of experience in fabrication, detailing, and estimating MCM panels, our estimator worked closely with the architect to make their vision a reality.
Planning the placement, size, and types of wall panels needed for a 19-story building proved to be no small feat. With over 63,000 square feet of exterior, even one small change can ripple into a butterfly effect of revisions.
Frequent design changes naturally occur on large-scale projects and require transparent budgeting. Through 4 separate bidding processes, we maintained absolute transparency. Landmark’s Senior Project Manager later commended us on how fairly each change order was priced and handled. Through constant communication and on-site meetings in Ann Arbor, our teams finalized the intricate design. In March of 2022, Landmark officially awarded us the complete turnkey contract to design, fabricate, and install all exterior wall paneling for The Legacy.
Precision Fabrication: 40 Shipments, 0 Delays
Every TFC project begins with a detailed 3D scan performed by our in-house experts. This helps us find the exact measurements needed to provide specific guidance for our fabrication and installation teams. For a project of this magnitude, we worked with Royce 3D Scanning to capture accurate field dimensions and drone aerial photography of all 19 stories.
With this data, our fabrication team could officially get to work. Our team worked quickly to fabricate the necessary materials:
- 5,878 ALPOLIC MCM wall panels in 3 colors
- Mill finish and corrugated perforated panels
- Various sizes of louvered panels
- 22-gauge break metal
- Mineral wool insulation
The best part of this process? Our fabrication team in Garrett, Indiana never missed a scheduled ship date across 40 separate complex shipments, keeping Landmark’s schedule on track.
Turnkey Installation: Safely Managing Logistics
In November of 2024, installation on The Legacy officially began. At TFC, we handle the installation of all our projects through our vetted network of installers. We utilized three separate installation companies to keep the project moving swiftly and safely. At the peak of installation, our team had 35 workers on site working through each stage of installation on swing stages. By acting as the single point of contact, we absorbed the logistics of crew coordination, allowing Landmark’s team to focus on the broader project.
Working in the middle of a bustling city requires a relentless commitment to safety. All TFC installers are at a minimum of OSHA 30 certified. Landmark’s team also implemented robust safety protocols that our team adapted to and closely followed.
To ensure total alignment, we committed to weekly check-ins with Landmark’s team to field any issues and keep everything on track. After completion in June of 2025, Landmark Construction’s Senior Project Manager commented on how impressive it was to watch multiple crews come together to orchestrate the tough logistics that a 19-story project entails.
The Impact: The Legacy Built on Trust
Executing a large-scale architectural façade requires a turnkey fabrication partner with deep technical understanding and a collaborative mindset. By combining our dedicated customer service with our 50+ years of experience, we brought Landmark Construction’s vision to life seamlessly and safely.
Today, The Legacy stands as a testament to what happens when a general contractor and fabricator collaborate from the earliest stages. It’s not only a luxurious student community but proudly stands as one of the most visually stunning additions to the Ann Arbor skyline.
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