Redevelopment of Norris University Center’s East Lawn to begin this summer
Transformational project will create a new campus hub — renamed the Cohen Lawn — for Northwestern students to relax and socialize
- Link to: Northwestern Now Story
EVANSTON, Ill. --- Construction will begin this summer to redevelop Northwestern University’s East Lawn — an open area adjacent to Norris University Center on the Evanston campus.
With stunning views of nearby Lake Michigan, the new space will serve as a welcoming outdoor destination for student, faculty, staff and community interaction. A pub will be the centerpiece of the reimagined campus hub, alongside noteworthy amenities such as a rooftop patio, a covered performance pavilion and fire pits.
Architecture firm SmithGroup developed the designs for the project. Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2025.
The renovation is supported by gifts from lead donors University Trustee Frank Cohen ’95 and Julie Cohen, Ken and Jana Kahn (’25 P), and University Trustee Paul Schneider ’96, ’11 MBA and Nicole Schneider (’22, ’26 P). The East Lawn will be renamed the Cohen Lawn.
“We are grateful to the generous donors who have helped us move forward with this exciting project, which benefits every member of our community, particularly our students,” Northwestern President Michael Schill said. “The Cohen Lawn will give our community the space to gather and enjoy our beautiful campus any time of year. It also serves as another example of how we are meeting one of our institutional priorities, to build resilient students and a sense of belonging.”
New gathering spaces will include a glass-lined building featuring a pub with a small stage to host bands, DJs, comedy nights and more. A rooftop patio over the pub will provide an open-air space for gathering and dining, connected to the Cohen Lawn via a grand staircase.
Designed to engage students year-round, the Cohen Lawn will feature flexible outdoor seating arrangements, sheltered areas and fire pits. A covered performance stage pavilion and open-air plaza, along with expanded seating, will accommodate events and seasonal activities.
Cohen Lawn’s green space will be enhanced with the addition of a native plant garden, an oak tree grove and improved pedestrian access.
“This project is an excellent example of how we can focus on wellness and inclusion in a multifaceted way to support the student experience,” said Susan Davis, vice president of Student Affairs. “I believe that it will transform how our students build community and form connections to both place and space at Northwestern.”
Jeremy Schenk, associate vice president of operations and services in Student Affairs, noted that the project reflects Northwestern’s commitment to creating holistic, student-focused campus spaces.
“We know spending time relaxing and enjoying the outdoors enhances mental health and wellbeing,” Schenk said. “By creating this vibrant green space, we’re providing a dynamic hub for relaxation and socialization — with everything from planned outdoor events to casual interactions.”
The Cohen Lawn is Northwestern’s third major construction announcement in recent weeks. Work has begun on a Jacobs Center renovation that will turn the building into a new hub for the social sciences and global studies. And next year, construction will begin on Kip and Sara Kirkpatrick Stadium, a new softball facility that will create spaces for student-athletes, increase the stadium’s seating capacity and elevate the fan experience.
