Helicopters to deliver new exhaust stacks for Mudd Hall on April 23

On Sunday, April 23, six new exhaust stacks will be flown to the roof of Northwestern’s Mudd Hall by helicopter.

The exhaust stacks are part of the build-out of the fourth and fifth floors of Mudd to create new research and laboratory space for Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and McCormick School of Engineering. This is a major capital project to further the University’s ongoing commitment to research and academic excellence. The goal is to complete the build-out by Spring 2024.

Semi-trucks will deliver the stacks to the parking lot east of Mudd and west of the University’s athletic fields. Then, on Sunday starting at 8 a.m., helicopters will fly in from the east to pick up the materials from the lot and deliver them to the building’s roof. The entire flight delivery is expected to last an hour. University parking will close the lot and post signs to alert the community of the closure. 

Facilities also will post signs on the doors of Mudd as well as nearby Francis Searle and Cook Hall to alert the community of the work. 

Mechanical contractors determined that helicopters are the most efficient way to set this equipment on the roof versus using a multi-day crane pick.

The University does not expect any disruptions to previously scheduled events.

Please observe all posted traffic and sidewalk detour signs and be mindful of construction activities in the area. Contact Facilities by emailing facilities@northwestern.edu with project inquiries and concerns.