The new year will see major projects underway that transform parts of campus as Northwestern strives to stay on the cutting edge of academic technology and welcome collaborative spaces.
Ongoing and planned projects are consistent with the University's strategic priorities in the areas of academics and student experience, as well as athletic facilities and essential campus infrastructure.
Northwestern places great emphasis on accessibility and sustainability in all facility improvements, and staff are making every effort to minimize disruption to the campus and Evanston communities during construction. Additionally, the Office of Research is working with facilities and schools to minimize the impact of construction on research activities on North Campus and will communicate directly with those who may be affected.
Below you will find updated information on several campus projects, including recommended pedestrian detours.
Demolition of the Allen Center will begin in January
Work to replace the Allen Center on North Campus will begin later this year. The fence will be erected this week and demolition will begin in January.
Designed to support cutting-edge technology, the new building will position Kellogg as a pioneer 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 offer nearly double the number of seats, increasing the capacity of dynamic classrooms.
In keeping with Kellogg's commitment to achieve carbon neutrality across all of its operations by 2030, the new building is expected to receive LEED v4 Gold status from the US Green Building Council. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a rating system for green buildings administered by the US Green Building Council.
This commitment to sustainable construction 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 prepare it on-site for reuse in the new building. Steel and non-ferrous metals are recycled, converting the metals into new components needed for a variety of uses.
The new building is expected to be ready for occupancy in autumn 2027. Access between Allen Center and Pancoe will be closed during construction. Pedestrians are asked to use the footpath under Silverman Bridge to access Pancoe via the western entrances. Further temporary closures of traffic routes are expected. Detour signage will be installed.
Learn more about plans to replace the Allen Center.
The South Lakefill Pedestrian Bridge will open in January
A new, wider pedestrian bridge at the southern end of the lake fill is expected to open in January. The bridge will be wide enough to accommodate emergency vehicles, improving emergency response capabilities along the lake infill.
The bridge replacement is part of a broader project to protect the campus's south shore from erosion following record-high lake levels in recent years. Crews continue to work to expand the pier on the southern edge of campus to better protect Northwestern's sailing center and beach, both of which will remain closed until summer 2025.
Portions of the pedestrian path on the southeastern edge of campus will remain closed throughout the summer. During construction, pedestrians are encouraged to follow the walkway that runs west of the Segal Visitor's Center and the Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts. Detour signage is in place.
Portions of Cohen Lawn are expected to open by summer 2025
Community members can enjoy views of Lake Michigan this summer from Cohen Lawn, east of Norris University Center. The lawn and a covered pavilion 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 edge of the cooling pond will remain inaccessible to pedestrians during the spring quarter. Detour signage is in place.
Learn more about the Cohen Lawn renovation.
Coon Auditorium will close in January
A major milestone in the renovation of the Donald P. Jacobs Center is scheduled for January when the Coon Auditorium at the east end of the building will be demolished.
The renovations, expected to be completed in fall 2026, will transform the building into a center for social sciences and global studies. The renovated building will include classrooms, meeting and seminar rooms, laboratories, offices, a café, dining areas and meeting rooms for students and faculty. A new exterior courtyard and entrance will be created to the east, leading to an expanded public lobby area on the first floor.
Adjacent sidewalks will be temporarily closed until 2025. Detour signs will be installed for pedestrian traffic.
Learn more about the renovations at the Donald P. Jacobs Center.
The renovation of the Deering Library will enhance the facility while preserving its history
The Deering Library is currently undergoing renovations to improve accessibility, modernize technology, increase collaboration opportunities, and restore and preserve its historic features. The upgrades will improve 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.
The renovation work is expected to last until September 2025. The Deering Library will not be accessible during this time. Library staff is available upon request to retrieve materials from the Deering Library collections.
Learn more about the Deering Library renovations.
A steam cloud is expected over the Evanston Central Utility Plant during the week of December 2nd
Efforts to upgrade equipment at the Evanston Central Utility Plant are expected to continue through 2025. A large cloud of steam could be visible over the central utility plant during the week of Dec. 2 as workers start up new equipment. The upgrades will ensure the reliability of heating and cooling operations on campus.
Intermittent closures of Campus Drive near the utility plant are expected throughout the year. Pedestrian paths will remain open and the work will not result in any disruption to utility services.
Learn more about the modernization of the Central Utility Plant's equipment.
First structural steel placed at new Ryan Field
Construction at Ryan Field reached a milestone this month when crews placed the first structural steel for the new stadium.
Northwestern's new stadium is expected to open for the 2026 football season and will provide a facility that is smaller, more environmentally friendly and accessible as a year-round community venue. The new, privately funded stadium will be a catalyst for local economic growth, creating new jobs, stimulating local businesses and creating a vibrant cultural center in Evanston.
Learn more about plans to redevelop Ryan Field.