Project kicks off to replace Allen Center on north campus

Other construction updates include Cohen Lawn, Jacobs Center and new Ryan Field

December 2, 2024 | By Kayla Driessen

Major projects will kick off in the new year, transforming parts of Northwestern's campus as we strive to remain on the cutting edge of academic technology and welcoming community spaces.

Ongoing and scheduled projects align with the University's strategic priorities in academics and the student experience, as well as athletics facilities and essential campus infrastructure.

Northwestern is committed to accessibility and sustainability in all facility enhancements, and crews are making every effort to minimize disruptions to the campus and Evanston communities during construction. Additionally, the Office for Research is working with Facilities and the schools to minimize the impact of construction on research activities on north campus and will communicate directly with those who might be affected.

The following provides updates on several campus projects, including suggested detours for pedestrians.

Allen Center demolition begins in January

Work to replace the Allen Center on north campus will begin late this year, with fencing going up this week, and demolition beginning in January.

Built to support the most advanced technology, the new building will position Kellogg as a trailblazer in hybrid education models, creating an environment where virtual participants from around the world can fully engage as teachers and learners. The new facility will provide nearly double the number of seats, adding capacity in dynamic classrooms.

In alignment with Kellogg's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality across its operations by the year 2030, the new building is expected to earn LEED v4 Gold status from the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a green building rating system administered by the U.S. Green Building Council.

This commitment to sustainable building begins on day one, with crews salvaging materials from the existing building - including millwork and mechanical, electrical and plumbing equipment - for other uses. During demolition, crews will recycle concrete from the existing structure and process it on site for reuse in the new building. Steel and non-ferrous metals will be sent for recycling, reforming the metals into new components needed for a variety of uses.

The new building is expected to open for use by fall 2027. During construction, the drive between the Allen Center and Pancoe will be closed. Pedestrians are encouraged to use the walk under the Silverman bridge to access Pancoe through the west entrances. Additional intermittent pathway closures are expected. Detour signage will be posted.

Learn more about plans to replace the Allen Center.

South lakefill pedestrian bridge to open in January

A new, wider pedestrian bridge to the south end of the lakefill is expected to open in January. The bridge will be wide enough to accommodate emergency vehicles, thereby improving emergency response capabilities along the lakefill.

The bridge replacement is part of a wider project to protect the south campus shoreline from erosion following record-high lake levels in recent years. Crews continue work to extend the pier on the south edge of campus to better protect Northwestern's Sailing Center and beach, both of which will remain closed until summer 2025.

Parts of the pedestrian path along the southeastern edge of campus will remain closed through summer. During construction, pedestrians are advised to follow the footpath that runs west of the Segal Visitor's Center and the Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts. Detour signage is posted.

Parts of Cohen Lawn to open by summer 2025

Community members will be able to enjoy views of Lake Michigan from the Cohen Lawn east of Norris University Center this summer. The lawn and a covered pavilion, complete with fire pits, will be accessible throughout the summer, while the pub is expected to open later in 2025.

The lawn and adjacent paths along the cooling pond edge will remain inaccessible to pedestrians through spring quarter. Detour signage is posted.

Learn more about the Cohen Lawn redevelopment.

Coon Auditorium coming down in January

A key milestone in the renovation of the Donald P. Jacobs Center is scheduled for January, when the Coon Auditorium on the east end of the building will be demolished.

The renovations, expected to be completed in fall 2026, will transform the building into a hub for social sciences and global studies. The renovated building will include classrooms, meeting and seminar rooms, labs, offices, a café, dining areas and gathering spaces for students and faculty. A new exterior courtyard and entrance will be created on the east, leading to an enhanced public lobby space on the first floor.

Adjacent sidewalks will be closed intermittently through 2025. Detour signage will be posted for pedestrian foot traffic.

Learn more about the Donald P. Jacobs Center renovations.

Deering Library renovations will enhance the facility while preserving its history

Deering Library is undergoing renovations to improve accessibility, upgrade technology, increase collaboration opportunities and restore and preserve its historic features. The upgrades will enhance building infrastructure and prominent public spaces, including the Eloise W. Martin Reading Room, the third-floor lobby and room 208, a reading room and event space.

Renovations are expected to last through September 2025. Deering Library will be inaccessible during this time. Library staff will be available upon request to retrieve materials from Deering Library's collections.

Learn more about the Deering Library renovations.

Steam plume expected above Evanston's Central Utility Plant week of Dec. 2

Efforts to renew equipment in Evanston's Central Utility Plant are expected to continue through 2025. A large steam plume may be visible above the Central Utility Plant the week of Dec. 2 as workers put new equipment into operation. The upgrades will ensure the reliability of campus heating and cooling operations.

Intermittent closures of Campus Drive are expected near the utility plant throughout the year. Pedestrian walkways will remain open, and the work will not cause any disruption to utility services.

Learn more about the Central Utility Plant equipment upgrades.

First structural steel placed at the new Ryan Field

Construction at Ryan Field reached a milestone this month as crews placed the first structural steel for the new stadium.

Northwestern's new stadium is expected to open for the 2026 football season, offering a facility that is smaller, more environmentally friendly and accessible as a community venue throughout the year. The new, privately funded stadium will be a catalyst for local economic growth, bringing new jobs, boosting local businesses and creating a vibrant cultural hub in Evanston.

Learn more about plans to redevelop Ryan Field.

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