This case study explores whether the retention or removal of historical features on historic buildings affects the sense of place and community on a university campus. Three Union buildings, located on the campuses of the University of Michigan, Purdue University and Michigan State University, all designed by the architectural firm of Pond and Pond, were selected as the basis for the research. Each Union building was built at approximately the same time and for the same purpose. Each has undergone numerous renovations. This research investigated how each university approached the renovations. One of the universities used a Stylistic theory of renovation where each addition or renovation is easily identifiable; furthermore most of the historical architectural features were removed or obscured with each renovation. The other two universities predominately used the Conjunctive theory of renovation and retained the original historical features incorporating the original Collegiate Gothic design into the renovations. Using a qualitative research approach, 30 people on the Michigan State University campus were interviewed and data was analyzed by use of the Mean's End Theory distribution method. The interviews determined that students, faculty and staff do care that the original architectural features are retained during a renovation. It was also shown that when the architectural features are removed or altered, the integrity of the building and sense of place and community is also affected.
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