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Campus construction update

Northwestern Works to Mitigate Research Disruptions Amid Evanston Campus Construction

Construction on Northwestern’s Evanston campus is ramping up. Significant activities—including caisson drilling—begin the week of March 3 at the Allen Center site and the Kellogg Executive Center (KEC) project. These developments, part of critical campus expansion efforts, are expected to generate increased vibrations, raising concerns among researchers whose work requires sensitive environments.

To address these challenges, the Office for Research (OR), in partnership with the Provost’s Office, Facilities Management, and other key campus stakeholders, has been working since July 2024 to minimize disruptions and support affected research groups. These collaborative efforts have been crucial in maintaining research continuity while ensuring the success of essential construction projects.

Key Measures to Support Research

  • Animal Research Relocation: The Center for Comparative Medicine (CCM) facilitated safely relocating breeding colonies and behavioral research animals to temporary spaces in Evanston and Chicago.
  • Vibration Monitoring: Ten vibration sensors have been deployed to track the impact of construction. Research led by Professor Suzan Van Der Lee (Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences) has identified the quietest available research spaces.
  • Proactive Impact Assessments: Facilities Management, led by Andrea Ohrmundt (KEC Project Manager), and the general contractor provide weekly construction forecasts to help anticipate and mitigate disruptions.
  • Centralized Communication: A dedicated Office for Research construction news website provides up-to-date information, while Weinberg Research Dean Michael Schmitt helps field faculty concerns.
  • Ongoing Engagement and Feedback: Weekly meetings, hosted by OR Associate Vice President Rex Chisholm, CCM Director Lisa Forman, and Senior Director of Facilities and Planning Steven Matz, offer researchers direct opportunities to discuss concerns and receive real-time updates. Key contributions from Weinberg’s Neurobiology leadership, including Chair Indira Raman and Co-Chair Tom Bozza, have helped ensure research adaptations remain smooth.

Stay Informed

Northwestern remains committed to balancing research continuity with campus development. Researchers are encouraged to stay informed by visiting the Office for Research’s construction website and joining the Evanston_Construction listserv for timely updates.

Faculty members can contact Weinberg Research Dean Michael Schmitt or Office for Research Senior Director of Facilities and Planning Steven Matz with concerns or additional information.

These collective efforts reflect Northwestern’s commitment to supporting its research community through transparent communication, proactive planning, and cross-campus collaboration.  —Matt Golosinski