Construction update from the Central Street Consortium

Ryan Field demolition activities are in high gear, with the demolition of the tower on the southwest portion of the stadium set to begin the week of March 11. Above-ground demolition of the east side is nearly complete, to be followed by foundation removal in the coming weeks.

Demolition of the west side of the stadium — which features more robust structures such as the press box and two towers — is expected to move more slowly due to the coordination of utility infrastructure. Demolition of this area will last several weeks. Excavation activities will then begin in mid to late April, followed by construction of foundation elements in early May. More detail about these processes will be shared in future communications.

Demolition and construction activities began in earnest in mid-February with the installation of the temporary perimeter fence. Environmental operations were completed in compliance with state, county and city regulatory requirements. Salvage operations also were completed, with items including seating, signage, TVs and food service equipment recovered for resale by the Evanston Rebuilding Exchange.

Though not directly related to demolition and construction at Ryan Field, the City of Evanston has approved upgrades to fiber infrastructure that will impact the public right of way in the area near the stadium on Isabella St., from 4th St to Ridge Ave.; on Ridge Ave., from Isabella St. to Clinton Place; and on Clinton Place, from Ridge Ave. to Orrington Ave. Work will begin next week and continue for about three weeks.

We will share another progress update with you in the coming weeks. In the meantime, find important construction notices online at RebuildRyanField.com.

Photo taken March 6 by the Central Street Consortium

Demolition began at Ryan Field in mid-February and is expected to continue through May.

Promoting open lines of communication

Northwestern and the Central Street Consortium, in coordination with the City of Evanston, are committed to maintaining a responsive and robust channel of communication with the community throughout the process to Rebuild Ryan Field. Visit the Ryan Field website to explore several ways to ask questions and stay informed about upcoming milestones.

Northwestern partners with Evanston Rebuilding Exchange to preserve Ryan Field memorabilia

Northwestern has partnered with Rebuilding Exchange, an Evanston and Chicago-based nonprofit that reduces construction waste, reuses building materials and provides workforce training in the building trades, to save key pieces of the stadium for Wildcat fans, alumni and collectors. Read more about the partnership. Photo credit: Rebuilding Exchange

Construction career information session

On March 6, Rebuilding Exchange and the University hosted a construction career information session for those interested in work opportunities on the Ryan Field project, with over 70 attendees participating to learn about how they can get involved. Photo credit: Rebuilding Exchange