Norris Lawn Renovations

[its_the_sauce]

Yes, a bar will be returning to Norris! Good timing with possible football games on the lake.

Norris University Center renovation to feature pub, rooftop patio

Northwestern will renovate and rename the Norris University Center’s East Lawn this summer, the University announced Friday. The new campus hub will feature a glass-lined pub with a stage for bands, DJs, comedy troupes and more, according to a Friday morning news release. A rooftop patio over...

dailynorthwestern.com

 

[Gatabowl]

They’ve made a lot of improvements but it’s so ugly and not central. I wish they’d just tear it down and build a legit centrally located student center where Jacobs is.

 

[gocatsgo2003]

Yes, a bar will be returning to Norris! Good timing with possible football games on the lake.

Norris University Center renovation to feature pub, rooftop patio

Northwestern will renovate and rename the Norris University Center’s East Lawn this summer, the University announced Friday. The new campus hub will feature a glass-lined pub with a stage for bands, DJs, comedy troupes and more, according to a Friday morning news release. A rooftop patio over...

dailynorthwestern.com

So… not only will we be trying to build a football stadium on the lakefront to host football games, there will also be construction that likely constricts the only way into the stadium area coming from the south.

What could possibly go wrong?

 

[gocatsgo2003]

Good timing with possible football games on the lake.

“Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2025.”

 

[Gatabowl]

So… not only will we be trying to build a football stadium on the lakefront to host football games, there will also be construction that likely constricts the only way into the stadium area coming from the south.

What could possibly go wrong?

You’d probably take campus drive or walk from the parking garage to the lake fill to enter from the south. It doesn’t really make sense to walk on the lawn side of Norris.

 

[gocatsgo2003]

You’d probably take campus drive or walk from the parking garage to the lake fill to enter from the south. It doesn’t really make sense to walk on the lawn side of Norris.

Foot traffic shouldn’t be materially impacted — they can either divert through the main part of campus or over onto the lake fill and approach the area from the south.

The bigger issue is that literally the only other road that connects off campus to the south (Campus Drive) will likely be impacted by whatever construction is happening on Norris. To say nothing of potential security concerns in having a stream of cars running basically the length of campus from the south to the north. That means that the entrance off Lincoln on the north end of campus is the one and only way to get vehicles (whether personal or shuttle) into the direct vicinity of the stadium. Sure you could have shuttles drop people on Sheridan and walk east to the area, but I doubt Evanston would be thrilled at having Sheridan blocked off or otherwise impeded for any period of time.

Yet another example of the granular details that have to be worked through to host lakefront games where, frankly, I think there’s a zero percent chance this NU administration can pull off in less than 5 months. AND we just made it harder on ourselves with a separate construction process.

https://www.northwestern.edu/campus-experience/visiting-campus/documents/ev_campus_2021_111521.pdf

 

[BarefootCat]

Yes, a bar will be returning to Norris! Good timing with possible football games on the lake.

Norris University Center renovation to feature pub, rooftop patio

Northwestern will renovate and rename the Norris University Center’s East Lawn this summer, the University announced Friday. The new campus hub will feature a glass-lined pub with a stage for bands, DJs, comedy troupes and more, according to a Friday morning news release. A rooftop patio over...

dailynorthwestern.com

I love that the article says the original bar closed down due to "low sales". There were low sales, b/ there were unlimited keg parties at all the fraternities during that time and no need to go anywhere else. 🤣 Will be different now.

 

[Gatabowl]

Foot traffic shouldn’t be materially impacted — they can either divert through the main part of campus or over onto the lake fill and approach the area from the south.

The bigger issue is that literally the only other road that connects off campus to the south (Campus Drive) will likely be impacted by whatever construction is happening on Norris. To say nothing of potential security concerns in having a stream of cars running basically the length of campus from the south to the north. That means that the entrance off Lincoln on the north end of campus is the one and only way to get vehicles (whether personal or shuttle) into the direct vicinity of the stadium. Sure you could have shuttles drop people on Sheridan and walk east to the area, but I doubt Evanston would be thrilled at having Sheridan blocked off or otherwise impeded for any period of time.

Yet another example of the granular details that have to be worked through to host lakefront games where, frankly, I think there’s a zero percent chance this NU administration can pull off in less than 5 months. AND we just made it harder on ourselves with a separate construction process.

https://www.northwestern.edu/campus-experience/visiting-campus/documents/ev_campus_2021_111521.pdf

Okay but that concern is generally more about south car traffic. I’m assuming the Noris construction crew can move trucks to the side for 4 Saturdays lol. But setting that aside: you could restrict traffic to certain types of vehicles for the game (eg food trucks and other setup) on south campus drive and could easily use the Segal/south campus parking lots/garages for parking, from which people can walk. It’s conservatively a 20 min walk which is not that much crazier than Central Purple Line to Ryan Field. Handicap, media, and VIP parking in the lots next to the stadium.

There’s a ton of street parking too as you know both west and south of campus. Parking garage at maple and church to Davis purple line. Shuttles from Ryan Field West lot. Additional parking at the tailgate overflow lot on Sheridan across from tech.

It’s not “easy” but there are options.

Let’s also not forget our average attendance was like 25k last year, including in conference and that seems generous. Under 15k for the home opener against UTEP and we’re talking 15k max for these games, right? Not everyone drives to Ryan Field or parks in the lots.

 

[gocatsgo2003]

Okay but that concern is generally more about south car traffic. I’m assuming the Noris construction crew can move trucks to the side for 4 Saturdays lol. But setting that aside: you could restrict traffic to certain types of vehicles for the game (eg food trucks and other setup) on south campus drive and could easily use the Segal/south campus parking lots/garages for parking, from which people can walk. It’s conservatively a 20 min walk which is not that much crazier than Central Purple Line to Ryan Field. Handicap, media, and VIP parking in the lots next to the stadium.

There’s a ton of street parking too as you know both west and south of campus. Parking garage at maple and church to Davis purple line. Shuttles from Ryan Field West lot. Additional parking at the tailgate overflow lot on Sheridan across from tech.

It’s not “easy” but there are options.

Let’s also not forget our average attendance was like 25k last year, including in conference and that seems generous. Under 15k for the home opener against UTEP and we’re talking 15k max for these games, right? Not everyone drives to Ryan Field or parks in the lots.

Right… but my whole point is that any such restrictions mean that there’s no way to “flow” traffic, leaving just the north entrance for all kind of vehicular traffic. Which is recipe for a complete shit show.

 

[PurpleWhiteBoy]

I love that the article says the original bar closed down due to "low sales". There were low sales, b/ there were unlimited keg parties at all the fraternities during that time and no need to go anywhere else. 🤣 Will be different now.

If I remember right, when the bar opened in Norris, it was called the Norris Bar.
That was cool.
Then they re-modeled it, re-named it "The Gathering Place" and it was lame.

But your point about frat parties is spot on.

This article and video brought back some memories

Good night, sweet Norris

A brief tribute to Norris’ glory days.

apps.northbynorthwestern.com

 

[Gatabowl]

Right… but my whole point is that any such restrictions mean that there’s no way to “flow” traffic, leaving just the north entrance for all kind of vehicular traffic. Which is recipe for a complete shit show.

Sounds to me like most people won’t be parking on campus.

 

[gocatsgo2003]

Sounds to me like most people won’t be parking on campus.

…which is a big part of the reason this is gonna be a shit show.

 

[Katatonic]

Not going to happen, but they should just demolish Norris and the library and build something much more aesthetically pleasing.

During my years, barely spent any time in either place.

 

[zeek55]

Biggest problem is that renovating Norris is a tough project to raise money for...

That's pretty much why it's always been so far down the list.

Hard to find a rich donor who'll say "the student center is my pet project!" as opposed to some particular passion project in a specific area of academics or athletics.

Last estimate I saw was $140 million for a rebuild of Norris and donor interest was nowhere near enough to justify that.

 

[Eurocat]

Funny thing was in my senior year I was in a play in the theater building. It was a very odd play with about 16 actors in the first act, but after intermission it was just two actors just talking to each other. So we started going to Norris to drink (Norris was 50 feet from our back door in the theater) while the second act was taking place, I mean, there is nothing to do in dressing rooms for the most part, (this was years before the internet where you could surf). It started getting crazier and crazier where by the end of the run some of us had problems not falling down flat on our faces when we returned to take the bows. Twice we hit it off war Gathering Place patrons and invited them to take the bows with us. Ah college pranks....

 

[Gatabowl]

Not going to happen, but they should just demolish Norris and the library and build something much more aesthetically pleasing.

During my years, barely spent any time in either place.

I’m not as against brutalism as many — and there are good and bad examples — (UChicago’s is better but I find our main library to be cool) but there are so few windows facing east at Norris which is insane. It’s also a student center that is not centralized on what is effectively a north-south linear campus. I’ve posted this before but the Jacobs Center site (old Kellogg) would be an amazing place for a student center.

A lot of work to demo but that feels like a really big positive impact for students.

 

[techtim72]

I’m not as against brutalism as many — and there are good and bad examples — (UChicago’s is better but I find our main library to be cool) but there are so few windows facing east at Norris which is insane. It’s also a student center that is not centralized on what is effectively a north-south linear campus. I’ve posted this before but the Jacobs Center site (old Kellogg) would be an amazing place for a student center.

A lot of work to demo but that feels like a really big positive impact for students.

That's a great idea. That building would be demolished and history in less than a month. What is the Jacobs Center used for now? I remember when that building was built. Was never a fan. Like placing a Chicago suburban office building on the central University gathering place next to a historically significant architectural gem in Deering Library. Dumb but consistent with Northwestern's historically consistent (until recently) practice of letting donations define the quality and architecture of the facilities. When donation levels were lower, the buildings were for the most part awful. Can't touch that endowment. Also, I believe the lack of significant visual/physical arts programs left the choices in the hands of the unqualified - accountants, business types, attorneys and engineers.

 

[Gatabowl]

That's a great idea. That building would be demolished and history in less than a month. What is the Jacobs Center used for now? I remember when that building was built. Was never a fan. Like placing a Chicago suburban office building on the central University gathering place next to a historically significant architectural gem in Deering Library. Dumb but consistent with Northwestern's historically consistent (until recently) practice of letting donations define the quality and architecture of the facilities. When donation levels were lower, the buildings were for the most part awful. Can't touch that endowment. Also, I believe the lack of significant visual/physical arts programs left the choices in the hands of the unqualified - accountants, business types, attorneys and engineers.

I really cannot stand the Jacobs Center design either. Rumor has it that it hurt Kellogg’s ranking and I agree it did not align with a top business school.

I’m not positive but I think the Econ department is still there. I’d imagine Owen Coon Forum is still in use for speakers but can’t picture the entire building being at full capacity.

 

[BosCat]

I really cannot stand the Jacobs Center design either. Rumor has it that it hurt Kellogg’s ranking and I agree it did not align with a top business school.

I’m not positive but I think the Econ department is still there. I’d imagine Owen Coon Forum is still in use for speakers but can’t picture the entire building being at full capacity.

I guess the news about Jacobs Center rebuild isn't as prominent as other projects....

Jacobs Center renovation will create collaborative space to address pressing societal issues
LINK
The project will be home to scholars from the School of Education and Social Policy (SESP), several departments within the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, the Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Affairs and the Institute for Policy Research (IPR), as well as the Weinberg College Center for International and Area Studies and Weinberg College’s Program in Global Health Studies.

 

[techtim72]

Maybe they could fit in a beer and wine bar on the first floor with outdoor seating. Just kidding - sort of.

 

[T_Levine]

Maybe they could fit in a beer and wine bar on the first floor with outdoor seating. Just kidding - sort of.

they are opening it to deering and adding a food option.

 

[AdamOnFirst]

Funny thing was in my senior year I was in a play in the theater building. It was a very odd play with about 16 actors in the first act, but after intermission it was just two actors just talking to each other. So we started going to Norris to drink (Norris was 50 feet from our back door in the theater) while the second act was taking place, I mean, there is nothing to do in dressing rooms for the most part, (this was years before the internet where you could surf). It started getting crazier and crazier where by the end of the run some of us had problems not falling down flat on our faces when we returned to take the bows. Twice we hit it off war Gathering Place patrons and invited them to take the bows with us. Ah college pranks....

As somebody who was also involved in some theatrical productions at NU that involved me being fairly blitzed on stage, I great appreciated this story.

 

[Gatabowl]

I guess the news about Jacobs Center rebuild isn't as prominent as other projects....

Jacobs Center renovation will create collaborative space to address pressing societal issues
LINK
The project will be home to scholars from the School of Education and Social Policy (SESP), several departments within the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, the Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Affairs and the Institute for Policy Research (IPR), as well as the Weinberg College Center for International and Area Studies and Weinberg College’s Program in Global Health Studies.

This looks.. remarkably the same.

 

[techtim72]

This looks.. remarkably the same.

Perhaps they will plant ivy. Popular with boring architecture that has usable, paid for space.

 

[Gatabowl]

Perhaps they will plant ivy. Popular with boring architecture that has usable, paid for space.

Truly. I like opening it up more to Deering Meadow but consider me uninspired.

 

[Katatonic]

I’m not as against brutalism as many — and there are good and bad examples — (UChicago’s is better but I find our main library to be cool) but there are so few windows facing east at Norris which is insane. It’s also a student center that is not centralized on what is effectively a north-south linear campus. I’ve posted this before but the Jacobs Center site (old Kellogg) would be an amazing place for a student center.

A lot of work to demo but that feels like a really big positive impact for students.

Don't agree that the Lib is a good/cool example of brutalism.

Not a fan of the architecture of RCC either, but at least it has some distinguishing features.

 

[Hkjb]

Foot traffic shouldn’t be materially impacted — they can either divert through the main part of campus or over onto the lake fill and approach the area from the south.

The bigger issue is that literally the only other road that connects off campus to the south (Campus Drive) will likely be impacted by whatever construction is happening on Norris. To say nothing of potential security concerns in having a stream of cars running basically the length of campus from the south to the north. That means that the entrance off Lincoln on the north end of campus is the one and only way to get vehicles (whether personal or shuttle) into the direct vicinity of the stadium. Sure you could have shuttles drop people on Sheridan and walk east to the area, but I doubt Evanston would be thrilled at having Sheridan blocked off or otherwise impeded for any period of time.

Yet another example of the granular details that have to be worked through to host lakefront games where, frankly, I think there’s a zero percent chance this NU administration can pull off in less than 5 months. AND we just made it harder on ourselves with a separate construction process.

https://www.northwestern.edu/campus-experience/visiting-campus/documents/ev_campus_2021_111521.pdf

Don't worry - I'm sure Gragg is on top things.

 

[Max_Power]

I guess the news about Jacobs Center rebuild isn't as prominent as other projects....

Jacobs Center renovation will create collaborative space to address pressing societal issues
LINK
The project will be home to scholars from the School of Education and Social Policy (SESP), several departments within the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, the Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Affairs and the Institute for Policy Research (IPR), as well as the Weinberg College Center for International and Area Studies and Weinberg College’s Program in Global Health Studies.

Many have probably forgotten but about 10 years ago, NU was going to tear Norris to the ground and build a new student center. They never got a donor for the project and I did not win the lottery so the Max Power Student Union was not to be. Anyway, part of that project involved moving everything in Norris to the Jacobs Center and then a refacing of the building to make it more consistent with the rest of campus. The project went the way of the replacing Bobb and adding floors to 1835 Hinman.

 

[jne381]

It really seems they made some vast improvements to the facilities since I was in school. Kresge didn't even have air conditioning when I took some classes in the Summer, let alone a bunch of additions. I think they added like two new buildings to it.

 

[techtim72]

Just a matter of time before Norris is either demolished or repurposed and Jacobs Center is demolished in favor of a true campus center. There is a wonderful opportunity for big money to put their contribution towards a reimagining of Deering Library and Meadow plus the library addition and Jacobs. Think big. Say $1 bil. I don't know but in today's world aren't the physical requirements of leading libraries being redefined? Vault like storage for materials - limited access - and more visual and audio experiences for users.

Perhaps there is an offshoot of the McCormick family looking to leave a legacy. Fascinating story of the progeny moving to Miami to build their dream home(s) there.

 

[PurpleWhiteBoy]

Just to get people's minds right, they aren't going to demolish Norris anytime soon.
A donor just paid for a big project outside - between the building and the lagoon.
Its gonna be something like the "Cohen Lawn" (not kidding - its the donor's name with the word LAWN after it)
Also, and more interestingly, they are building a rooftop bar on Norris.
That part sounded excellent, especially if you can see Chicago's skyline.
Thats in the article at the top of this thread.

From what I've heard, Bobb Hall is slated for demolition fairly soon.

Oh, and the College of Arts and Sciences convocation was a disaster at Welsh-Ryan. Literally one exit. Everybody blocked by construction fencing in all directions except the one where a car was parked and dozens of families thought would be good for pictures. Thousands trying to get thru a 15 foot wide passage, with people blocking it.
People in wheelchairs, stuck in the rain for 15-20 minutes. No security or crowd control whatsoever. Colossal embarrassment for NU.

 

[Hungry Jack]

So… not only will we be trying to build a football stadium on the lakefront to host football games, there will also be construction that likely constricts the only way into the stadium area coming from the south.

What could possibly go wrong?

Positively Dr. Ggarg…

 

[techtim72]

Just to get people's minds right, they aren't going to demolish Norris anytime soon.
A donor just paid for a big project outside - between the building and the lagoon.
Its gonna be something like the "Cohen Lawn" (not kidding - its the donor's name with the word LAWN after it)
Also, and more interestingly, they are building a rooftop bar on Norris.
That part sounded excellent, especially if you can see Chicago's skyline.
Thats in the article at the top of this thread.

From what I've heard, Bobb Hall is slated for demolition fairly soon.

Oh, and the College of Arts and Sciences convocation was a disaster at Welsh-Ryan. Literally one exit. Everybody blocked by construction fencing in all directions except the one where a car was parked and dozens of families thought would be good for pictures. Thousands trying to get thru a 15 foot wide passage, with people blocking it.
People in wheelchairs, stuck in the rain for 15-20 minutes. No security or crowd control whatsoever. Colossal embarrassment for NU.

The Evanston fire marshal will take note. Very surprised that the planning wasn't better. It is an enormous risk for the contactor, Northwestern and, of course, the attendees. If Northwestern won't get it right the contractor will need to step in for self protection.

 

[techtim72]

If NU had a school of architecture (candies and nuts), it would make a for a wonderful charrette (short design competition) to come up with solutions for creating a true campus center. I never looked at it with any rigor, but my feeling when I walk through the Lakefill is that buildings were plopped down wherever and whenever NU had enough donations.

Always wondered why NU doesn't have a school of architecture. Low cost. Definitely in line with its focus on the liberal arts. Natural adjunct to Tech. If I only had $100 mil spare.

PS I kind of think if I was going big on a redesign I would stick an underground parking lot under Deering Meadow and then put a lawn on top. Have to think about that. Encouraging cars would not play well with the climate crowd which is pretty much everybody on campus.

 

[CMcCat]

…which is a big part of the reason this is gonna be a shit show.

My question is how are visiting teams’ bus caravans going to depart? They might was well have boats take them to Mitchell International in Milwaukee. Or take the Purple Line home to Oxford.