Northwestern University Moves Forward with Athletics and Recreation Center

Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, is preparing to seek the needed approvals to move forward with development of an athletics and recreation complex along Lake Michigan.

The university says in a news release that it plans to file a permit request with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and other agencies in regard to construction of the building.

The facility, the Lakefront Athletic and Recreation Complex, will include a new field house that will provide a large, indoor multipurpose facility that will be used for football practice as well as other athletic team practices and competitions, recreational activities and non-sporting events.

The project is a key component in Northwestern’s push to improve its athletic and recreation facilities. Last year, the university opened a major expansion of the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion that included new fitness studios, a room with new weights and exercise equipment, and related facilities.

The project will include a full-sized indoor athletic field that will enable Northwestern’s student-athletes to practice and compete indoors during inclement weather, three basketball courts that will be used for intramural sports and recreational activities, an indoor running track, sports performance areas with weights and exercise equipment, and sports medicine facilities. Construction will begin as soon as permits and approvals are secured.

“The expansion completed this fall already provides greatly improved recreational and fitness facilities for members of the Northwestern community, as well as Evanston residents who are members of the Sports and Aquatics Center,” said Jim Phillips, vice president for athletics and recreation. “In addition to providing outstanding facilities for our Wildcat football team, the Lakefront Athletics and Recreation Complex will further enhance and expand opportunities for our students and other members of the community.”