new student center presentation

8/14/2019 New Student Center Presentation

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W E A R E H E R E T O A D V A N C E T H E M O V E M E N T O N T H EC R E A T I O N O F A N E W S T U D E N T C E N T E R .

Introduction


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History of Need

The Norris University Center has fulfilled the studentcenter need since it opened in 1972. Logo represents Old Oak tree near Harris Hall which served as

a university center point.

The conversation to replace or improve Norris hasbeen ongoing since 1995.

The Student Center need has been identified as aneed for the University by several offices and need

assessments. This need was not addressed in the $1.5 Billion

campaign which concluded in 2003.


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The NSC Should Be For All Students

A New Student Center (NSC) should be a destination beyond just on-campus convenience. As a social

center, students would fill the building from dawntill dusk. As a cultural and recreational center,

students would perform in state-of-the-art blackboxtheaters in front of their friends. As a learningcenter, students would find access to the vital

resources that give direction to their college career. ANSC should be the catalyst for all students in

unifying the Northwestern Experience.


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Students Support the NSC Initiative

13%

33%

28%26%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

Other Moderate

Priority

High Priority Very High

Priority

Q: How high a priority should NU place on renovating/expanding/replacing Norris?

Source: University Center Needs Assessment Conducted by Brailsford & Dunlavey in 2005


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It is time to address this unmet need atNorthwestern University.

Current Status: In the proposal phase.

Goal: Receive an affirmative response from theadministration that the New Student Center need

will be addressed in the next Capital Campaign. Complete by Spring 2010


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T H E C U R R E N T N O R R I S U N I V E R S I T Y C E N T E R D O E S N O T M E E T S T U D E N T N E E D S .

The Norris Shortcomings


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Norris does not meet the Student Need

Brailsford & Dunlavey, a facility planning and programmanagement firm, was tasked in 2005 to assess how theNorris University Center was addressing campus demandto: Interact socially Grow culturally Relax recreationally Learn experientially

According to B&D, Norris role as the campus common ground is limited by its outdated

design, inadequate facilities and limited service mix.

Students dont go to Norris to hang out. Norris lacks space for the high demand of student group needs.



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Norris Location and Facilities do not attract high traffic.

As of 2005, daily traffic declined for 10 years.

The majority of visitors visit Norris for less than an hour.

Norris's location is cited as an "inconvenience" that impacts daily usage.

The inevitable loss of Shanley Pavilion will lead to a supply shock of

theater space for theater groups.

Relevant student services such as University Career Services, the AdvisingCenter or the Study Abroad Office should be in the same facility.



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A N S C W O U L D H A V E A H E A V I E R S T U D E N T

F O C U S A N D F U R T H E R E N A B L E S T U D E N TG R O U P S .

Market Analysis


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What Students Want


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Students want more student space in their NSC

4434

2821

2018

1715

1414

1310

9

77

54

0 10 20 30 40 50

Coffee house

Sports bar/bar/pub (serving alcohol)

Quick-serve food items

Group study spaces

Individual study spaces

Lounge/Informal study spaces

Outdoor social space/amphitheater

Passive recreation space

Table service restaurant

Retail space (Non-Food)

Large theater/performance space/venue

Meeting rooms for studentsBlackbox theatre space

Other programs and services

Sportsbar/bar/pub (non alcoholic)

Large social event space/ballroom

Office space/meeting space for student organizations

% of Response Population

What are the three most important spaces toinclude in an improved Norris?

There is a large desireto add spaces thatappeal to all studentsand foster socialopportunities.

We believe that whilesome improvementsare not valued highhere, they are still vitalto a New StudentCenter Proposal. Thatincludes Blackbox theater Ballroom Student Organization

space



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Students not in student groups frequent Norris less

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

%ofRespo

ndents

Norris Usage by StudentInvolvement

None

One totwo

Three ormore

This graph emphasizesthe point that morefeatures that appeal to allstudents are needed.

As of now, most Norrisvisitors are thoseinvolved in studentorganizations.

A New Student Centercan do a better job ofattracting all students atNorthwestern.

Source: University Center Needs AssessmentConducted by Brailsford & Dunlavey in 2005

Number ofStudentGroups

involved in:


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Students want a more social NSC

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Location is not convenient

Friends do not visit Norris Center

Lack of comfortable places to relax

Not aware of programs & activities offered

Cost of services & activities are too expensive

Lack of variety & quality of services

Appearance/atmosphere of building

Lack of variety & quality of activities

Other

Lack of convenient parking

Building is too crowded

Hours of operation are too limited

Quality of technology is unsatisfactory

Lack of convenient public transportation

Restrictive rules

Building is unsafe

% of total response population

Question: If you do not currently visit Norris5+ times per week please indicate why:

Students currently donot go to Norris becauseit is not social enough.

The location is notconvenient

Their friends are notthere

There is no space torelax.



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What peer institutions are doing


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Quick Facts:

Completed in 2007

116,000 Sq. Feet

Provides 522underground parking

spaces

Centralized StudentServices (ex. CareerServices, Greek LifeCenter, etc.)

Graduate Center onthird floor

Washington University at St. Louis

Danforth University Center


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Quick Facts:

Opened in September2000

185,000 Sq. Feet

Features a shipping and

packing agency

Film and PerformanceTheater (w/ DressingRoom and storage)

Tech Help Centerlocated in campuscenter

Princeton University

Frist Campus Center


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Quick Facts:

Renovated andexpanded in 1994

Late-night diningoption open until at

least 1am seven days aweek; Open until 3amseven days a week

Features a campus pub

Dartmouth College

Collis Center


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Some of our competitors have more meetingrooms per average student group size.

0

5

10

15

20

2530

35

40

45

0 50 100 150

#ofMeetingR

ooms

Average # of students per

organization

Meeting Rooms per AverageStudent Group Size

The line through the originindicates if competitor schoolshave more or less meeting roomsper average student group size.

From this graph, Duke,Princeton, Illinois, Wisconsin

and Michigan have more MeetingRooms per average student groupsize.

Northwestern is in the middle ofits competitive set for thisindicator.

In addition, given the lack ofavailability of Norris space in theshort run, there is a shortage ofevent space on campus forstudent groups.

Penn State

Michigan

U Penn

Columbia

Cornell

Illinois

Wisconsin

Stanford

DukeNorthwestern

Princeton



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Northwestern has a smaller ballroom than itscompetitors.

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

8000

9000

10000

NASF

Northwestern has asmaller ballroom (TheLouis Room) that itscompetitors.

During large scaleevents, our sense ofcommunity is limited bythe small portion of

students that can fit intothis space.



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W E E N V I S I O N A N E W S T U D E N T C E N T E R T H A T

B E C O M E S T H E T R U E C E N T E R O F C A M P U S A N DE N H A N C E S A L L A S P E C T S O F T H E S T U D E N T

E X P E R I E N C E .

The NSC Vision


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Northwestern has 4 options to meet the StudentCenter Need

$0

$20

$40

$60

$80

$100

$120

Norris

Center

Renovation(no added

space)

Jacobs

Center

Renovation(estimate)

Norris

Center

Renovation(addedspace)

New

Student

Center

Cost(millions)

Options

Total Cost

Fundraising Target

Part of the cost

could be paidthrough a

Student Fee

Note: these are 2005 dollars estimated by Brailsford & Dunlavey in 2005


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Norris Center Renovation (No added space)

Strengths Lake Michigan views Reconfigure space to

improve space allocation. Improve inner aesthetics to

attract more students Improve front entry to be

more appealing to students(costly)

Updated building systemsand bring building up to code

Weaknesses No added space means a

smaller benefit to students Norris is not in the center of

NU Services need to be relocated

for renovation Bringing the building up to

code/preparing to renovatecould cost millions by itself

A large portion of cost wouldbe dedicated to aesthetic

improvements which arenecessary for a studentcenter, but not necessarilyother services


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Jacobs Center Renovation

Strengths Centralized location on Sheridan Road More accessible to off-campus

community.

Moving into existing building ischeaper than starting from scratch.

Has an atrium already in place whichcould serve as a food court for the newstudent center

Right next to Deering Meadow, whichcould be used for most student/community-centric events

CTA, Intercampus, Athletic, and othercampus shuttles already stop there, soit would be easy transportation in the

winter.

Large size would fulfill student needs Opens up Norris for other uses.

Weaknesses Currently not built to be a "true

student center. This leads to a lessefficient use of funds when renovatingthe building to become a studentcenter.

Bringing the building up to code/preparing to renovate could cost

millions by itself Not "exactly" between North and South

Campus relative to where students live,but close

Other NU constituencies will want tofight for this space.

Need to figure out when Kellogg willactually have enough money to moveover by SPAC


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Norris Center Renovation (Added space)

Strengths Added space addresses space

needs for students andstudent groups

Reconfigure space toimprove space allocation

Improve inner aesthetics toattract more students

Lake Michigan views Opportunity to incorporate

vital student services into

student center for morevisibility

Updated Building systems

Weaknesses Services may need to be

relocated during renovation

Norris is not in the center ofNU

A large portion of cost wouldbe dedicated to aestheticimprovements which arenecessary for a studentcenter, but not necessarilyother services.


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New Student Center (New Building at GarrettParking Lot)

Strengths Centralized location on

Sheridan respective to wherestudents live

More accessible for the off-campus community

Will give NU an opportunityto design a student centerfrom scratch

Could allow other resourcesto move into the Jacobs

Center and Norris This option provides the

greatest benefit to students

Weaknesses Would have to move the

parking lot to anotherlocation or underground

Most expensive option


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Student Center Concepts

1. The Northwestern Community Center2. Student Life Center3. The NU Downtown4. The Welcome Center5. The Conference & Event Center6. Renovate Norris Center without expansion



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1: The Northwestern Community Center

Norris becomes the true campuscommunity center creating cross-college interaction by providingsomething for everyone underone roof.

Expanded lounges with lake/lagoon views

Re-configured & enhanced foodvenues

House all vital student servicesunder one roof such as: Academic Advising Study Abroad

Fellowships International Center

Smart Meeting Rooms

Norris(no

space)

Jacobs Norris(added

space)

NewStudent

Center

Loungeswith Lakeview

EnhancedFoodVenues

CareerServicesin space

Cross-collegeoffices

SmartMeetingRooms


Note: Green boxes indicate the option can fulfill the specific need.


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2: Student Life Center

Redefine the Norris Center as thetrue student center life atNorthwestern.

Provide key services and programsthat promote student life.

In concept, improvements wouldinclude: More Student Organization office &

resource space. Career Services offices brought into

Norris. Open lounges & group study. More and "smarter" meetings rooms. Additional Space

Coffeehouse/dance club/performancevenue

Student Media re-located tounderground.

Two blackbox theaters plus Acapellarehearsal space.

NU Student Life Hall of Fame

Norris(no

space)

Jacobs Norris(added

space)

NewStudent

Center

Additional

StudentOrg Space

CareerServicesin space

Open

Loungesand group

study

Additional

space

Hall of

Fame




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3: The NU Downtown

Make Norris the true destination for thenight out for all NU community members.

Focus on providing facilities, services,programs and retail space that would attractevening and late night hours traffic.

In this concept, the Norris Center programwould include: Cafe/pub (w/ alcohol) & outdoor seating patio

with lake view

Scott Grill re-creation Improved Retail

Street-front bookstore for window-shopping/browsing

Additional retail with perhaps a grocery store An area to have a weekly farmer's market

Two blackbox theatres adjacent to more foodoptions

Coffeehouse/dance club/performance venue McCormick used for regular movie schedule. East Lawn used as an ice rink during the winter.

Norris(no

space)

Jacobs Norris(added

space)

NewStudent

Center

Improveddiningservices

Improved

Retail

Blackboxtheaters

Coffee-house

McCorm-ick MovieTheater

Ice Rink




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4: The Welcome Center

Make Norris a welcome center for the campus andvisitors.

In this concept, Norris would include elements thatwould make it the "can't miss" stop for visitors tocampus.

This concept might include: Expanded lounges with lake/lagoon views Enhanced food venues

Food court re-configured to "Scott Hall Grill" concept Create floor level space for cafe/pub with outdoor

seating patio to further celebrate the lake view Coffeehouse with performance space, games, & TVs

Integrate Campus Services into Student Center Career Services Office relocate to Norris Alumni Relations/Association office relocate to Norris

Further enhance Arts Campus with: Blackbox theatres Coffeehouse/performance venue

Address space needs Large Ballroom Additional meeting rooms

Transform welcome desk into a "Welcome/ConciergeCenter" for campus guest services

- Opens lobby for Lakeview

Norris(no

space)

Jacobs Norris(added

space)

NewStudent

Center

ExpandedLounges

Improved

FoodVenues

CampusServicesin space

EnhanceArtsCampus

Addressspaceneeds

Welcomedesk

Source: University Center Needs AssessmentConducted by Brailsford & Dunlavey in 2005 Note: Green boxes indicate the option can fulfill the specific need.


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5: The Conference and Event Center

This is a two building concept. First, the Norris Center be retrofitted into a true

Conference and Events Center. Second, NU constructs a true "student activity

center" in a more central location, either by buildinga new facility or by backfilling a suitable existingfacility.

The new Student Activity Center would house:

Additional Space Needs More Student Organization office & resources Open lounges & group study rooms Two Blackbox theatres Small conference rooms and 1-2 small multipurpose

Enhanced Food Service A coffeehouse/dance club/performance venue Lisa type retail food service Cafe/pub (w/alcohol) & outdoor seating patio for

conference attendees and arts campus audiences

The existing Norris Center would then include:

Additional Space Needs Larger ballroom/multipurpose space

More & "smarter" meeting rooms Expanded business center (FedEx/Kinko's) Additional space for enhanced catering.

Cafe/pub (w/alcohol) & outdoor seating patio forconference attendees and arts campus audiences

Norris(no

space)

Jacobs Norris(added

space)

NewStudent

Center

New:Addition-al Space

needs

NA NA

New:EnhancedFood

Service

NA NA

Norris:Addition-al Space

Needs

NA NA

Norris:Care/Pub

NA NA




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6: Renovate Norris without Expansion

If funding was not available for expanding the building'sfootprint, then any of the five concepts above could bemodified to fit within the existing 160,000 sq ft building.

Typically, large student union renovation only projectsare problematic because of the need to relocate manycritical building services and personnel duringconstruction as well as the fact that to bring olderfacilities up to code would require significant funds

before any programmatic and "visible" improvementswere addressed.

In a few student union projects B&D has worked on, thecost to upgrade the building's systems and infrastructureonly was approaching $10 million.



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If a renovation only concept was developed, it shouldinclude:

A small box theater on the lower level of the building.

Renovating the ground floor to incorporate more late night/event space for evening activity.

Move the games center and outdoor recreation from the lowerlevel to help improve its visibility.

Renovating and expand the student organization offices. Providing a plaza in front of the west entrance.



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This approach would leave many important opportunities andexisting shortcomings unaddressed. Demand for independent student theatrical and musical production and

rehearsal space. Even if a small box theater and rehearsal space could be created on the lower

level, the volume of activity - especially when the inevitable loss of ShanleyPavilion occurs - will quickly overwhelm a single space.

No significant increase in retail food capacity will trigger a slow, butcostly decline in traffic as students, faculty and staff stop making theeffort to come to Norris as the overcrowded conditions and challengingserving conditions outweigh menu preference.

Losing benefits and efficiencies that could be created by the relocation ofthe Career Center and Alumni Relations/Association offices to the Norris

Center are relatively clear.While synergy that might be achieved as a result of such a co-location is

difficult to forecast, it could produce nothing but positive results for thedevelopment of campus community and spirit.



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Cost Benefit Analysis

$0

$20

$40

$60

$80

$100

$120

NorrisCenter

Renovation(no

addedspace)

JacobsCenter

Renovation

(estimate)

NorrisCenter

Renovation

(addedspace

)

NewStuden

t

Center

Cost(millions)

Total Cost

Benefit

From the strength and weaknessanalysis above we believe: Renovating Norris without

additional space has benefits lessthan the cost to renovate thefacility.

Renovating the Jacobs Centerwould have large benefits given itsflexibility to meet the variousstudent demands.

Renovating Norris and addingspace has large benefits but stilllimited by its location.

Building a New Student Centerhas the greatest benefits to the

student body because it can becustomized to fit all of the studentneeds.


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I N C O R P O R A T I N G E X I S T I N G V I S I O N S A N D

A S S E S S M E N T S F O R A N O P T I M A L N S CS O L U T I O N

Looking forward


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Advisory Committee on University SpacePlanning Report (2004)

Our NSC plan follows this

reports strategy of maximizing

space allocation on campus.


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NU Plan ASG Plan

Community Our campuses are living and

learning communities withvarious centers of activity.

Campus planning shouldenhance these centers whilecreating spaces thatencourage interaction among

students and faculty in theirmany intellectual endeavors. Create welcoming spaces for

people to congregate andinteract.

Community The NSC would create a large

center of activity.

A NSC will increaseinteraction amongst studentsand faculty because it will

become a true center for thecommunity.

The NSC will be welcoming toall students.

University Space Planning Report (2004)


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NU Plan ASG Plan

Location Create pedestrian corridors that make the

lakefront easily accessible.

Northwestern's Evanston campus shouldbecome pedestrian-oriented by reducingthe density of parking in the centralcampus

Space Allocation Prioritization When conflicts arise, as they inevitably

will, there must be a process for resolvingcompeting interests and addressingopportunities or constraints that mayarise.

Part of this involves crafting principlesthat enjoy wide acceptance from thecommunity.

Location

The NSC can be built along a corridor toincrease traffic to the lakefront.

The proposed NSC location is in theGarret Parking Lot. Parking would moveunderground or off campus as proposed

by this plan.

Space Allocation Prioritization

Our plan is congruent with manyprinciples as developed by various plans.Therefore, we believe this space to havepriority over many other interests for ourproposed locations.

University Space Planning Report (2004)


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NU Plan ASG Plan

Location Improvements: Calls for bridging the divide

between north and south campusprecincts by providing social andcollaborative spaces at the centerof campus

Create new campus gateways andstrengthen Northwesternsidentity along Sheridan Road.

Relocating Lunt Hall to a sitefurther south along the historiccrescent would permitdevelopment opportunities forthe area north of the JacobsCenter.

Location Improvements A NSC in the middle of NU on

Sheridan Road would providesocial and collaborative spacewhich would create an attractionpoint in the middle of campus.

A NSC on Sheridan Road wouldcreate a strong student centricimpression among passersby.

This space adjustment could be afuture site of the NSC which ismore deserving of the centrallocation.

Campus Framework Plan (2008-2009)


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NU Plan ASG Plan

District Development Given its relationship to Sheridan Road,

the pond and Lake Michigan, the centraldistrict has the potential to be, withprudent planning, a more powerful nexusof campus life than it is today.

The significance of the central district,therefore, is its geographic centrality, itsestablished iconic features, and itscapacity to be developed asNorthwesterns great civic square.

Parking The framework plan proposes a new

underground parking garage located northof the Jacobs Center.

District Development A NSC would be the large attraction point

needed to create a strong nexus in themiddle of campus.

A NSC should be integrated into thecentral district to provide a social andcollaborative space for students in thisarea.

The Central District would be placed inthis area.

Campus Framework Plan (2008-2009)


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The Southeast Campus Master Plan

The plan envisions a Main Street in thesoutheast of campus. Our recommendations

follow this vision to welcome the outside

community onto campus.

Source: 2004 Southeast Campus Master Plan


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T H E N E E D T O C R E A T E A T R U E N E X U S I N T H E

C E N T E R O F C A M P U S I S T O O L O U D T OI G N O R E . W E R E C O M M E N D T H E C R E A T I O N O F

A N S C I N A C E N T R A L L O C A T I O N T H A T I SD E S I G N E D F O R E V E R Y S T U D E N T S N E E D S .

Our Recommendations


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We Have Two Different Solutions

The All-in-One Solution

This would be the ideal New StudentCenter configuration for Northwestern.

The Two Building Solution

In the event that funding eliminates theabove solution from consideration, werecommend this approach.


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Our first preference is a central facility on campusthat facilitates food services, student organizationspace, general entertainment space and studentservices.

A one stop shop will revolutionize how studentsinteract with each other and the university.

The NSC should be placed in a central location tocreate a nexus in the center of campus.

This building would house all student-based featuresin Norris and more.

Norris would be left for use by the University.


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Summary of All-in-One Student Center Features

Food

Food Court with large seating areas.Grocery Store (larger than C-store)Sports Bar/Pub/Scott Grill recreationCaf/Coffeehouse with dedicated performance

space

General Entertainment

Movie TheaterBowling AlleyGame Room/Entertainment CenterStudy LoungesStudent Groups

Blackbox TheatresStudent Organization OfficesMeeting RoomsLarger Ballroom(s)Daily NU/NBNWNUR

Student Services

Post Office/Retail Copy CenterBankCareer ServicesVisitors CenterStudent Affairs Administration

Wildcard OfficeCSI OfficesAlumni ServicesMSA OfficesStudy AbroadOffice of Fellowships & Undergraduate researchAcademic AdvisingBookstoreGraduate Center


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However, we understand there may be fundingconstraints and our second preference would be a

two building solution.

The Two Building Solution would address all of theshortcomings from Norris, be an efficient use ofspace for the University and create a nexus for

students in the center of campus.


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Individual Building Concepts

Building #1: Construct a New Student Center or moveinto Jacobs to create the fun space that all students wantto go to. If Building #1 is a new building, it would not be as large as the All-in-

One facility. Building #2: Retain Norris to centralize all important

student services to create a space that students need togo to. Instead of decentralized student services that students cannot find on

campus, students will learn to think these services are probably inNorris.

We break down the features in each space on thefollowing slides.


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Norris University Center Student Center

Scaled down food courtto accommodatedecreased demand

Retain kitchenresources for

Ballrooms

Larger food court instudent center toaccommodate increaseddemand

Grocery Store Caf/Coffeehouse with

dedicated performance Scott Grill Recreation

(open late) withintegrated bar

Food Space Allocation


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All Student Groupspace in Norris isconverted to eithermeeting space or for

student service space.

See Student ServicesSpace Allocation

Base for studentorganizations (OfficeSpace, Meeting rooms)

Media Center (DailyNU/NBN/WNUR)

Student Resource/Business Center

NU Hall of Fame (artgallery)

Student Groups Space Allocation


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Larger Ballroom(s) McCormick

Auditorium

Blackbox Theater Keep near Pick-Staiger for

regional consistency Ice Rink (east lawn)

Bowling Alley

Game room/lounge Ballroom (500 ppl) Movie theater (run by

studentsnot dedicated)

Open space studycommons/lounge (likeWilliams?)group projects

A few dedicated grouprooms (quiet)

General Entertainment Space Allocation


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Book Store (Merchandise, WelcomeCenter, Apple Store)

Bank

Career Services Student Affairs Administration Undergraduate Housing (and an off

campus option?)

Wildcard Office Alumni Services Study Abroad Office of Fellowships and

Undergraduate Research Academic Advising? Norris Mini Courses

Post Office/Retail CopyCenter

ATM CSI Offices MSA(?) cultural/

religious groups

Graduate center?

Space Allocation by Building Student Services


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T H E T I M E H A S C O M E T O F U L F I L L T H E N S C

N E E D A N D C R E A T E A T R U E N E X U S I N T H EC E N T E R O F C A M P U S .

Conclusion


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The Time Has Come To Address This Need.

Fulfilling the Student Center need is a high priority. Simply renovating Norris without adding space is

not enough and would be an inefficient use of limited

University funds. The other three options would significantly improve

the Northwestern experience.

The University should commit to addressing thisneed in their next capital campaign.

new student center presentation

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