Evanston, IL
2018
Phi Gamma Delta fraternity has occupied its house at Northwestern since the building’s construction in 1912. Over the years there have been several small renovations but no comprehensive overhaul. WLW was hired in 2014 to gut the entire building down to structure and rebuild a modern facility in the shell of the original. The exterior masonry was completely restored and a new accessible ramp was installed at the main entrance. The main floor lounge was reconstructed with wood paneling and detailing to match the original and with the addition of a small kitchenette and common use accessible lavatory. The basement dining room and full commercial kitchen were rebuilt with a focus on maximizing seating and natural light. The upper floor sleeping rooms and bathrooms are all new and the large vaulted ceiling with exposed steel trusses at the 5th floor lounge were restored.
Accessibility within the building was achieved with a new lift running from the basement to the first floor and to the 2nd floor accessible sleeping rooms. A small suite for a house director was accommodated on the 2nd floor as well. Building systems were completely replaced and now include wifi throughout and air conditioning.
