Northwestern Honored for Historic Preservation

EVANSTON, Ill. --- The City of Evanston recognized Northwestern University’s commitment to preserving and enhancing its historic properties by presenting Evanston Preservation and Design Awards to recent campus construction projects.

The three projects received awards for proper restoration and sensitive alteration and were responsive to the guidelines outlined by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Two of the properties, former single-family residences, now are used as office space and one is a sorority house on the historic Quadrangle.

629 Colfax Street: Sensitive Alteration/Adaptive Reuse

The project consisted of completely gutting the interior and installing all new mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems with new finishes for the study abroad office. A new ADA ramp was installed and updated to match the existing Tudor style. The two-and-a-half story wood frame house was built in 1920 as a single-family residence.

630 Dartmouth Place: Proper Rehabilitation/Restoration

This project included refurbishing original windows and doors, painting and tuckpointing. Bad areas of the roof were replaced, and new copper gutters were installed. The former residence now houses the international office and supports foreign students. The house was designed in 1925 by architect Elmo Lowe.

Delta Gamma Sorority House: Sensitive Addition/Alteration

The original limestone terrace was redesigned to include an ADA accessible entry with a wheelchair ramp from the Quadrangle, located in an Evanston historic landmark space. The new ramp, stairs and terrace were constructed with smooth dolomite stone paving and stairs, brick paved ramp and limestone facing. Original limestone was reused and salvaged for reuse on future campus projects. The Delta Gamma house was designed in 1926 by architect James Gamble Rogers.

“Northwestern strives to be sensitive to its environment by constantly improving the quality of our buildings and infrastructure,” said Andrew McGonigle, project manager of facilities management. “And we greatly appreciate Evanston’s recognition of our efforts to properly maintain these historic structures.”

City of Evanston Preservation and Design Awards are given annually in several categories by Evanston’s Preservation Commission. Winners are determined by a jury under the guidance of the Evanston Preservation Commission and the planning division of the City.