University President Morton Schapiro’s house was built in the early 1900s, but he didn’t move in until last week. After almost a year of renovations – and two full years of being Northwestern’s president – Schapiro and his family moved into the Wieboldt House, 2601 Orrington Ave., on July 10.
“The place is spectacular,” Schapiro said via email shortly after moving in.
Schapiro said he realized renovations to the house, which went unaltered throughout former University President Henry Bienen’s tenure, would be necessary soon after moving to Evanston two summers ago. He enlisted the help of the University’s trustees, and construction began last August.
“We … quickly figured out that it would be impossible to entertain at the President’s House the way we wanted to,” Schapiro said.
While work was completed mid-June, the move-in date was delayed by Schapiro’s post-Commencement trip to India, Singapore and China. In the meantime, NU Facilities Management prepared the Wieboldt House for his return.
“We moved the president’s belongings in before he left for his trip,” said Ron Nayler, associate vice president for Facilities Management. “When they came back, they were able to just enjoy moving into the house.”
Facilities Management oversaw the renovations, which included replacements and upgrades to heating, cooling and electrical systems as well as improvements to upstairs bedrooms. However, the main focus was the ground floor, which Nayler said was revamped with Schapiro’s official duties in mind.
“We moved walls and opened up spaces on the main floor so that it flows much better and provides a much better atmosphere for hosting receptions and dinners than it did before,” Nayler said.
Schapiro, who regularly hosts events for students, faculty and staff, is already planning his first function in the new space. On Aug. 7, he will test the house’s abilities during a dinner in honor of a new University program.
He said he is not intimidated, however, by the prospect of entertaining thousands of guests each year in his new home.
“We have total flexibility – from dinners for 10 to dinners for 70 to dinners for as many as 120.” he said. “The trustees took over the renovation and created the perfect place.”
