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by: Michael Johnson, Mike Lowe
by: Michael Johnson, Mike Lowe
EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern University is exploring a plan to construct temporary facilities to hold the school’s football games at an athletic field on campus while the permanent home of the football team is under construction.
According to an internal memo from City of Evanston Planning Manager Liz Williams to Mayor Daniel Biss and other elected officials, obtained by WGN’s Mike Lowe, the city’s Community Development Department received an application from Northwestern on Tuesday seeking a zoning determination for the construction of temporary football facilities at Lakeside Field while the new Ryan Field is being built.
The memo says this would include building temporary facilities surrounding Lakeside Field that would hold up to 15,000 fans and host gameday operations. Lakeside Field is located at 2235 Campus Drive and is home to Northwestern’s varsity soccer and lacrosse teams. Sports clubs and intramural teams also use the facilities there, which have outdoor lighting.
Northwestern, according to the memo, is seeking a zoning determination to confirm that use of Lakeside Field for a temporary football stadium “aligns with zoning requirements for parking, height and setbacks established in the U3 University Lakefront Campus District.”
A review by the city “should be finalized by staff later this week or early next and is likely to comply with zoning requirements based on a high-level review,” the memo states.
“Following the use determination, Northwestern will need to apply (to the City of Evanston) for building and associated permits to authorize construction of the temporary improvements (to Lakeside Field),” the memo says.
The memo then goes on to request input from elected officials “on how best to engage your respective neighborhoods as we develop a communication and engagement plan to address neighborhood/community concerns.”
A spokesperson for Northwestern University shared the following statement with WGN:
“Northwestern is committed to creating the best fan experience for our students, alumni and fans while our football stadium is under construction. We have been in close contact with local venues to explore opportunities for the Wildcats to play at their facilities. We are also exploring the feasibility of playing games on our campus in a temporary facility. We will share information as soon as our plans are final.”
Last November, despite considerable controversy over the project, the Evanston City Council voted to move forward with the rezoning and rebuilding plan for a new Ryan Field to replace the 97-year-old Ryan Field, built in 1926 and originally called Dyche Stadium.
The project includes the demolition of the old Ryan Field, which is well underway, to erect a privately funded $800 million stadium in its place. Additionally, the rezone paves the way for Northwestern to host six concerts a year at the new Ryan Field.
Northwestern offered up a benefits package to Evanston that’s worth around $175 million over 15 years.
In spite of local opposition, the project has proceeded, as detailed in this Daily Northwestern story from last month.
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