“March’s I Spy is on the exterior of the Clements Library at 909 South University,” writes Susan Wineberg. “The angel relief sculptures hold the library name,” says Barb Tester. You’ll find this “winged victory … above the portico,” adds Pamela Kittel.
The library is named for William L. Clements, who “collected thousands of rare books, newspapers, maps, etc. of early Americana,” writes Tester. When he donated his collection to the university in 1920, “he asked Albert Kahn to create a special library to house his collection.” Constructed in 1923, the building was “modeled after the 1587 Villa Farnese in Italy,” says Wineberg, who adds that Kahn’s sketches from earlier visits to Italy are in the U-M Museum of Art collection.
“Kahn designed many buildings throughout his career in Detroit and Ann Arbor,” says David Karl. This includes numerous buildings on the U-M campus, residences, and notable buildings and factories in the Detroit area. “Per the clue he once said this library was the one building he felt most proud of.” The Clements “is truly one of the gems of Ann Arbor,” says Dan Romanchik. “I can see why Albert Kahn considered it one of his favorites.”
We received eighteen entries in March. Our winner from the sixteen correct answers is Silvia Ruiz. She will enjoy her $25 gift certificate at Zingerman’s.
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Order The Fake Ad Book and I Spy: Ann Arbor Architecture at annarborobserver.com/books.
