New Student Center Initiative Presentation

8/14/2019 New Student Center Initiative Presentation

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CREATED FEBRUARY 11, 2010

COMPOSED BY

THE ASSOCIATED STUDENT GOVERNMENT OFNORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

The New Student Center Presentation


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WE ARE HERE TO ADVANCE THE MOVEMENT ON THE CREATION OF

A NEW STUDENT CENTER.

Introduction


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History of Need

The Norris University Center has fulfilled thestudent center 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 a

need for the University by several administrators 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 socialcenter, students would fill the building from dawn

till 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 inunifying the Northwestern Experience.


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Students Support the NSC Initiative

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.


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THE CURRENT NORRIS UNIVERSITY CENTER DOES NOT

MEET STUDENT NEEDS.

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According to B&D, Norris role as the campus common ground is limited by its outdated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



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A NSC WOULD HAVE A HEAVIER STUDENT FOCUS AND

FURTHER ENABLE STUDENT GROUPS.

Market Analysis


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What Students Want


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Students want more student space in their NSC

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

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

As of now, most Norrisvisitors are thoseinvolved in studentorganizations.

A New Student Center

can 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

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

convenient

Their friends are notthere

There is no space torelax.



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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:

$20 million renovationcompleted in 2007

Added 31,000 sq feet ofstudent space

Has a blackbox theatre

Late-night dining optionopen until at least 1amseven days a week

Centralized StudentServices (ex. Studentgovt, Religious,Community Service, etc.)

Stanford University

(Renovated) Old Union


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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 Center

located in campuscenter

Princeton University

Frist Campus Center


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Quick Facts:

Renovated and expanded in1994

Late-night dining option openuntil at least 1am seven days aweek; Open until 3am sevendays a week

Features a campus pub

Dartmouth College

Collis Center


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Some of our peer institutions have more meetingrooms per average student 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 Michiganhave more Meeting Rooms peraverage student group size.

Northwestern is in the middle of itscompetitive set for this indicator.

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

Additionally, B&D recommend intheir assessment to double thenumber of meeting rooms in theirideal student center.

Penn State

Michigan

U Penn

Columbia

Cornell

Illinois

Wisconsin

Stanford

DukeNorthwestern

Princeton



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Northwestern has a smaller ballroom than itspeer institutions

Northwestern has asmaller ballroom (TheLouis Room) that itscompetitors.

During large scaleevents, our sense ofcommunity is limited bythe small portion ofstudents that can fit into

this space.



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Northwestern has 4 options to meet the NewStudent Center Need

Part of the costcould be paid

through aStudent 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 bemore appealing to students(costly)

Updated building systemsand bring building up to code

Weaknesses No added space means asmaller benefit to students

Norris is not in the center ofNU

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 is

cheaper than starting from scratch. Has an atrium already in place which

could serve as a food court for the new

student center Right next to Deering Meadow, whichcould be used for moststudent/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 tocode/preparing to renovate could costmillions by itself

Not "exactly" between North and SouthCampus relative to where students live,

but close Other NU constituencies will want to

fight for this space. Need to figure out when Kellogg will

actually have enough money to moveover by SPAC


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Norris Center Renovation (Added space)

Strengths Added space addresses space

needs for students and studentgroups

Reconfigure space to improvespace allocation

Improve inner aesthetics toattract more students

Lake Michigan views Opportunity to incorporate vital

student services into studentcenter for more visibility

Updated Building systems

Weaknesses Services may need to be

relocated during renovation Norris is not in the center of

NU

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 Center

2. Student Life Center

3. The NU Downtown

4. The Welcome Center5. The Conference & Event Center

6. 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 withlake/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(nospace)

Jacobs Norris(addedspace)

NewStudentCenter

Loungeswith Lakeview

Enhanced

Food Venues

CareerServices inspace

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 the truestudent center life at Northwestern.

Provide key services and programs thatpromote student life.

In concept, improvements wouldinclude: More Student Organization office &

resource space.

Career Services offices brought intoNorris. 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(nospace)

Jacobs Norris(addedspace)

NewStudentCenter

AdditionalStudent OrgSpace

Career

Services inspace

Open Loungesand groupstudy

Additionalspace

Hall of Fame




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3: The NU Downtown

Make Norris the true destination for the

night 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

(nospace)

Jacobs Norris

(addedspace)

New

StudentCenter

Improveddiningservices

ImprovedRetail

Blackboxtheaters

Coffee-house

McCorm-ick

MovieTheater

Ice Rink




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4: The Welcome Center

Make Norris a welcome center for the campus and

visitors. In this concept, Norris would include elements that

would 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/Concierge

Center" for campus guest services- Opens lobby for Lakeview

Norris

(nospace)

Jacobs Norris

(addedspace)

New

StudentCenter

ExpandedLounges

ImprovedFood Venues

CampusServices inspace

EnhanceArts Campus

Addressspace needs

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 trueConference and Events Center.

Second, NU constructs a true "student activitycenter" 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

(nospace)

Jacobs Norris

(addedspace)

New

StudentCenter

New:Addition-alSpace needs

NA NA

New:EnhancedFood Service

NA NA

Norris:Addition-alSpace 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 many

critical 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 latenight/event space for evening activity. Move the games center and outdoor recreation from the lower

level 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 Shanley

Pavilion occurs - will quickly overwhelm a single space. No significant increase in retail food capacity will trigger a slow, but

costly 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 NorrisCenter 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

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 its

flexibility to meet the variousstudent demands. Renovating Norris and adding

space has large benefits but stilllimited by its location.

Building a New Student Centerhas the greatest benefits to thestudent body because it can becustomized to fit all of the studentneeds.


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Cost Benefit Analysis


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INCORPORATING EXISTING VISIONS AND ASSESSMENTSFOR AN OPTIMAL NSC SOLUTION

Looking forward

Ad i C itt U i it S


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Advisory Committee on University SpacePlanning Report (2004)

Our NSC plan follows thisreports strategy of maximizing

space allocation on campus.


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NU Plan ASG Plan

CommunityOur campuses are living and

learning communities withvarious centers of activity.Campus planning should

enhance these centers whilecreating spaces thatencourage interaction among

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

people to congregate andinteract.

CommunityA NSC would become the

center of campus activity.

A NSC will increaseinteraction amongst studentsand faculty because it will

become a true center for thecommunity.

A NSC will be welcoming to allstudents.

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

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

The proposed NSC location is in theGarrett parking lot. Parking would moveunderground or off-campus as proposed

by this plan.

Space Allocation Prioritization

Our plan is congruent with many

principles 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 campus

precincts by providing social andcollaborative spaces at the center ofcampus

Create new campus gateways andstrengthen Northwesterns identityalong Sheridan Road.

Relocating Lunt Hall to a sitefurther south along the historiccrescent would permit developmentopportunities for the area north ofthe Jacobs Center.

Location ImprovementsA NSC on Sheridan Road would

provide social and collaborativespace which would create anattraction point in the middle ofcampus.

A NSC on Sheridan Road wouldcreate a strong student-centricimpression with visitors and

prospective students. This space adjustment could be a

future 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 central

district 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 the

middle of campus.

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

Parking This allows development of the central

district and the potential for that space tocontain a NSC.

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 recommendationsfollow this vision to welcome the outside

community onto campus.

Source: 2004 Southeast Campus Master Plan


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THE NEED TO CREATE A TRUE NEXUS IN THE CENTEROF CAMPUS IS TOO LOUD TO IGNORE. WE RECOMMENDTHE CREATION OF A NSC IN A CENTRAL LOCATION THAT

IS DESIGNED FOR EVERY STUDENTS NEEDS.

Our Recommendations


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We Have Two Different Solutions


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The All-in-One Solution


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The All-in-One Solution

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 to

create 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


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The Two Building Solution


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The Two Building Solution

However, we understand there may be fundingconstraints and our second preference would be atwo 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 forstudents 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 importantstudent services to create a space that students need to goto. Instead of decentralized student services that students cannot find

on campus, students will learn to think these services are probablyin Norris.

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


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Norris University Center Student Center

Scaled down food court

to accommodatedecreased demand

Retain kitchenresources for

Ballrooms

Larger food court in studentcenter to accommodate

increased demandGrocery Store

Caf/Coffeehouse withdedicated performance

Scott Grill Recreation (openlate) with integrated bar

Food Space Allocation


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All Student Group

space in Norris isconverted to eithermeeting space or forstudent service space.

See Student ServicesSpace Allocation

Base for studentorganizations (Office

Space, Meeting rooms)Media Center (Daily

NU/NBN/WNUR)Student

Resource/BusinessCenter

NU Hall of Fame (artgallery)

Student Groups Space Allocation


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Larger Ballroom(s)

McCormickAuditorium

Blackbox Theater Keep near Pick-Staiger for

regional consistencyIce Rink (east lawn)

Bowling AlleyGame room/loungeBallroom (500 ppl)Movie theater (run by

studentsnot dedicated)Open space study

commons/lounge (likeWilliams?)group projectsA few dedicated group

rooms (quiet)

General Entertainment Space Allocation


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THE TIME HAS COME TO FULFILL THE NSC NEED ANDCREATE A TRUE NEXUS IN THE CENTER OF CAMPUS.

Conclusion

Th Ti H C T Add Thi N d


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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 limitedUniversity funds.

The other three options would significantly improvethe Northwestern experience.

The University should commit to addressing this

need in their next capital campaign.

Documents

New Student Center Initiative Presentation