In 1931, Raoul Wallenberg arrived in Ann Arbor from Sweden, beginning his studies as an architecture major at U-M. Unbeknownst to him, his initial residence at 308 E. Madison St. would later become a historic landmark. Nearly a century later, the University of Michigan is taking steps to preserve this site. By the end of the month, the house will be moved across town to sit next to the former student home of playwright Arthur Miller.
On the move
The U-M Board of Regents approved a plan in May to relocate Wallenberg’s former residence to Jefferson and Division streets, adjacent to Miller’s old home. This move is part of preparations for the Central Campus Residential Development, which will add over 2,300 student beds. Construction crews started laying the foundation at South Division Street earlier this fall, with the physical relocation scheduled for Nov. 22. The aim is to link the homes of two influential U-M graduates, uniting Wallenberg’s humanitarian legacy with Miller’s artistic contributions.
Wallenberg, born in 1912 to a prominent Swedish family, came to Ann Arbor at 19, attracted by U-M’s global reputation. He thrived, joining a debate society, enjoying films, and integrating into American culture. A classmate remembered Wallenberg’s humility, noting he avoided joining a fraternity to stay connected with less affluent peers. Graduating in 1935, Wallenberg returned to Europe with high marks in architecture.
Courage under fire
During the Holocaust, Wallenberg was sent to Budapest as a special envoy to protect Jews from the Nazis. He ingeniously used his design skills to create protective “Schutz-Pass” passports, safeguarding Jews from deportation. Establishing safe houses and confronting German officers, Wallenberg is credited with saving approximately 70,000 lives. However, in 1945, after Soviet troops seized Budapest, he was detained by the Russians and subsequently disappeared. His fate remains unknown, but in 1981, he was made an honorary American citizen by the U.S. Congress.
A house that holds stories
In Ann Arbor, Wallenberg’s former home served as a modest student rental for years. John White, a U-M alumnus, lived nearby in the 1960s, unaware of Wallenberg’s legacy. White later learned of Wallenberg’s heroics through various sources and shared this connection with his former roommates. The relocation of Wallenberg’s house ensures that his legacy, along with Miller’s, endures for future students. Though they likely never met, both men shared formative experiences in Ann Arbor, carrying those lessons into their impactful lives.
This story has been adapted from a Michigan Today piece, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” by Deborah Holdship.
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