Northwestern Lake Shore Building
Chicago, Illinois

Client: Northwestern University
Consultant: Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates
Assignment: Terra Cotta & Masonry Restoration
Duration: Ongoing work (started 2002)
Project Value: $3.7million

Northwestern University’s Lake Shore Center, stoically overlooking the shores of Lake Michigan, is currently undergoing a five year terra cotta and masonry restoration program. The 17 story dormitory building was built on the Chicago Campus in 1903. Years of harsh lake effect weathering has caused deterioration of the underlying structural steel. Over time, the corroded steel has caused major distress of the terra cotta and brick facades. The scope of the project is generally focused on replacing the deteriorated terra cotta lintels and brick masonry at the shelf angles, with the underlying steel being either replaced or restored depending on the condition. The remaining façade is being tuckpointed and resealed to tighten up the façade against future weathering.