Famous for its lakeside beauty, purple pennants and unique mix of modern and historic architecture, Northwestern’s campus is a sight to behold in all seasons, but especially when you arrive for freshman fall.
As you pack your bags for Evanston, NU prepares to greet you with a new array of housing, amenities and educational spaces — some of which have been years in the making, while others remain under construction.
Larry Blouin, senior director of Northwestern Capital Programs, said NU Facilities worked on the following projects and a significant number of less visible, time-sensitive projects during “a very busy summer.”
“These new projects are shaping the future of campus and will impact education, research and the student experience for years to come,” Blouin said.
Housing
1835 Hinman Ave., a large South Area residence hall, will reopen its doors after seven years to house students long-term in September. Located in the southeast corner of campus close to the Segal Visitors Center and South Beach, it is equipped with single and double rooms, community-style bathrooms and a full kitchen. In the past, it used to be an option for substance-free housing and was the site of quarantine and isolation housing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bobb and McCulloch Halls, are connected Northeast Area dorms, which will both undergo construction in the next two years. McCulloch will remain open to house students for the school year starting this fall, while Bobb will be under construction until Fall 2026. By the 2026-2027 academic year, Bobb will be open while McCulloch undergoes construction.
Education
Kellogg Education Center is on track to complete construction in September 2027, and will house the Kellogg School of Management’s Executive MBA and Executive Education programs. Until then, construction of this new, state-of-the-art facility will impact the Lakefront Path sporadically and close Pancoe Drive.
The vacant Donald P. Jacobs Center, which will be revamped as the new Social Science and Global Affairs Hub, is slated to be completed in December 2026. The project will open for occupancy in January 2027, and aims to create an “interdisciplinary nexus” of social sciences and global affairs research and learning.
Student amenities
Deering Library, NU’s own ivy-covered “Hogwarts-style” library, will open during Fall Quarter after a year of construction. Bask in the light of the historic building’s stained-glass windows, and take advantage of newly upgraded public spaces, improved accessibility and updated technology features.
One of the most highly anticipated on-campus projects, the Cohen Lawn Pavilion will open in August 2025, just in time for the Class of ’29 to enjoy. Connected to Norris University Center with scenic views of the Lakefill, the pavilion will feature an open-air plaza, outdoor dining spaces and a campus pub set to open in early December.
A year into construction, NU has no updates yet for the redevelopment of the new Ryan Field, the University’s historic football stadium. The new stadium is projected to open in Fall 2026.
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