• Photo by Blake Pleasant

  • Photo by Blake Pleasant

  • Photo by Blake Pleasant

  • Photo by Blake Pleasant

Northwestern University, Rebecca Crown Center

Originally designed by SOM in 1963 as an administrative center and plaza over a parking garage, the plaza was renovated in the 1980s, at which time the lower terrace levels were largely removed and replaced with planted areas. Later additions included an access ramp that effectively cut-off portions of the plaza from use by pedestrians. When these earlier renovations began to deteriorate—including spalling concrete paving and leaking membrane above the parking garage—Hitchcock Design Group and the project team were hired to design and document the plaza renovation. This included coordinating the design of a new waterproofing membrane system with the addition of clay brick pavers, installation of a hydronic snow-melt system, new planting beds with irrigation, new pedestrian and effect lighting, and the integration of the access ramp into the larger circulation system. The plan also provides new benches, signage, raised planters, and bicycle parking. Future phases will include a zero-depth fountain, monument stairs, and site walls.

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Craig Phillips

“One of Hitchcock’s strengths is the amount of work they put in when they’re getting to know a community. They show you they really understand the issues your community is considering. They’re very thorough in their approach. It’s clear they’ve done their homework.”

Craig Phillips
Town Manager, City of St. John

Mike DeRouin

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Mike DeRouin
President, FitzGerald Associates

Jonathan Kubow

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Jonathan Kubow
Development Manager, Lennar Multifamily Communities

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Tim Brennan
Senior Associate/Retail Practice Area Leader, Gensler

Ann Ziegelmaier

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Ann Ziegelmaier
Landscape Architect-Northwestern University

Cee Cee Hodgson

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Cee Cee Hodgson
Lead Architect–C.C. Hodgson Architectural Group

Jim Basala

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Jim Basala
COO, Lake County Parks & Recreation Dept.

Patrick Lyons

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Patrick Lyons
Director of Construction-Advocate Healthcare

Steve Gulden

“Some architects will just say ‘how dare you!’ but Hitchcock encourages changes. Relationships and creativity is what it boils down to—it’s why I like them the best and what sets them apart from others.”

Steve Gulden
Village Manager, Village of Romeoville

Doug Sampson

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Doug Sampson
University Architect/Director-Missouri State University