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After a busy commencement season and summer quarter, we are excited to share that GMA continues to progress steadily with necessary finishing touches on the Black House. At this stage in the project, “finishing touches” include installation of trim in doorways (called casing), touch-ups on drywall, and remaining work on the rear patio, including the installation of safety rails. While these tasks seem small, this stage of renovation involves items that are critical in securing a the “certificate of occupancy,” which is what we need to safely allow students and staff to return home to the Black House. In full transparency, stock issues, shipping delays, and additional interior construction work shifted our anticipated date of securing our temporary occupancy certificates, but we are now moving forward on all cylinders. 

In addition to remaining construction touch ups, significant work has been done in curating – installing art and décor – for the newly renovated Black House. Last week, we had our curation team on site installing new and familiar wall art to welcome you back home. In the coming weeks, our focus will broaden to include landscaping efforts. Our intention is to fully reopen by early October 2021, in advance of our rededication ribbon cutting ceremony and program on October 15, 2021. For a fuller scope of rededication and reopening events and activities, please visit this site. 

Since our last update, work has continued toward completing the finishing touches of the Black House Renovation project. Specifically, GMA has worked diligently to work on completing fire alarm installation, kitchen lighting and accents, glazing windows, and working on pouring concrete for the outdoor rear deck. In the coming weeks, GMA will focus on finishing exterior siding, basement drywall and flooring, and exterior painting touch ups.

In early July, the Grand Re-Opening planning committee, comprised of university staff, students, and alumni, will begin meeting to plan several grand re-opening events that will last throughout the fall quarter.

As we shared in our last update, you can now view a tour video of the Black House, which will give you a feel for the floor plan and color scheme. This video can be viewed here. 

We are excited to announce that construction on the Black House is 90% complete! Work will continue through the summer to wrap up the remaining construction elements and curate the space, including the installation of the artwork. Watch the virtual tour video below, which shows the current state of renovation and provides an idea of the updated floor plan, furniture, and finishes.

The Black House will re-open in the fall of 2021, and a Grand Re-Opening Ribbon Cutting will be held during Reunion Weekend. Additional Grand Re-Opening events are currently in the works and will be announced soon.

If you have any questions about the Black House renovations project, please contact Lesley-Ann Brown-Henderson, Assistant Vice President of Inclusion and Chief of Staff for Student Affairs, at labrown@northwestern.edu.

 

Since our last update, the Black House renovations continue to progress steadily. In the past few weeks, our construction partners from GMA have completed the installation of flooring, plumbing fixtures, and the fire alarm system. They are now working steadily to wrap up interior paint touch-ups, the installation of radiators, and installation of interior doors. In the coming weeks, they will focus on the installation of the rear deck and exterior painting.  

 

Behind the scenes, the Black House Curating the Space subcommittee has worked diligently to finalize their plan on how to tell the story of the Black House using interior art and artifacts. Additionally, the furniture for the Black House has been delivered and is scheduled for installation in early June.

The Black House is beginning to look a little more like home!

Since our last update, significant work has been done on the ceilings, flooring, and priming/painting of walls. In the coming weeks, renovation efforts will focus on plumbing, radiator installation, flooring installation, and ensuring the fire alarm is installed. Additionally, work on the outside will continue, including painting.

See below for a glimpse of how the Black House renovations are progressing.

Renovation efforts on the Black House continue to progress steadily. Since our last update, our construction partners from GMA have completed wall compounding, subfloor installation, and wall priming. ACT grid installation – drop tile ceiling – has also been completed on the second floor and continues on the remaining floors. They continue to work on installing light fixtures and completing the elevator installation.

Within the next few weeks, renovation efforts will focus on painting, floor installation, and work on the exterior façade.  

 Since our last update, our construction partners continue to work steadily toward completing the black house. The elevator installation, including rales, platform, and motor, has wrapped up; within the next few weeks, they expect to complete the entire elevator shaft installation, including the doors. In addition to work on the elevator, work continues on finishing installation and priming of drywall, ceiling, and flooring. Light fixtures have been installed and testing continues on electric and fire suppression systems.

See the photo below for an example of what "drywall installation and priming" looks like. 

Work on the Black House continues. Since our last update, interior framing has been completed. Safety inspections have begun; the first floor through the attic have passed fire suppression inspection and ceiling electrical work has passed inspections. Moving forward, the basement fires suppression system will be completed and inspected and the elevator will be installed. Work continues on window repairs, flooring, and drywall priming.

 

See the picture below for an idea of what the Black House looks like.

The Black House renovation project has made significant progress in the last two weeks. All turret repairs, framing, and ductwork are complete and the HVAC/electrical/structural inspections have taken place. Drywall and electrical/lighting work are progressing steadily.

This week, GMA will focus on replacing schedule 10 piping throughout the Black House. Schedule 10 piping is thin metal pipes used for water supply and return; these pipes will be replaced with schedule 40 piping because it is more durable and long-lasting. This is a crucial step in the renovation process because once this is complete and inspected, many other pieces of the design process can begin. In the coming weeks, the construction team will focus on window repairs, installing the elevator, and working on the flooring.

You can see in the photos below that the inside of the Black House is coming together nicely.  

Furniture for the interior of the Black House was ordered just before the University closed for winter recess and work inside and outside the Black House continues.

Outside the Black House, final repairs are being made on the siding and roof. Inside the Black House, progress continues on the elevator and basement, including work done on the elevator framing and the basement concrete flooring. Additionally, LVL beams (permanent support beams) have been installed on the first floor in preparation for the installation of insulation and drywall in the coming weeks. Behind the scenes, the renovation team is preparing for the fire alarm, lighting, and window installations.

Since the last update, work continues inside and outside the Black House. Most exterior painting, as well as repairs to the roof and siding, have been completed. Inside the Black House, significant progress to the elevator, including the cutting and framing of the shaft and support beams, has been made. Electrical and plumbing work continues throughout and furniture has been ordered.

Within the next three weeks, it’s expected that electrical and structural inspections will be completed, in addition to the installation of drywall, radiators, and insulation.

Work continues to progress on the exterior of the Black House, including progress made on the painting of the exterior and siding and roofing repairs. Work on the inside of the Black House included preparation work for the elevator installation and framing on the second and third floors.

Furniture for the inside of the Black House is expected to be ordered by next week. The video below shows a concept of interior of the finished Black House.  

Work continues on the interior and exterior of the Black House.  Since our last update here are a few things that have been done:

• Painting of the exterior is 75% percent complete
• Olsen Tuckpointing (mason contractor) has completed the elevator installation to the 3rd floor
• Wood siding repairs have begun and are currently ahead of schedule

We are trying to get as much of the exterior work done before the weather changes and the temperature get colder. We will take a picture of the house once the painting in complete. We remain steadfast towards the completion of the project.

Work continues on the interior and exterior of the Black House.  Since our last update here are a few things that have been done:

• Paint Color selections have been made and painting will start early next week (weather permitting) on the exterior of the building
• Olsen Tuckpointing (mason contractor) has started installing the new elevator shaft in the basement and is working their way up to the 3^rdfloor
• Chicago Area Plumbing (plumbing contractor) installed the underslab piping in the basement and will continue with rough-in early next week

We are trying to get as much of the exterior work done before the weather changes and the temperature get colder. We will take a picture of the house once the painting in complete. We remain steadfast towards the completion of the project.

As is our process, we want to make sure we are keeping our community informed. Since our last update, the following has occurred:

•  The electrical contractor (Ashburn) began the excavation work for new electrical distribution to the building.
• The structural support beam has been installed in the basement which allowed for the removal of the scaffolding in the basement. 
• The Black House Renovation Steering Committee met for the first time this quarter.  The group welcomed three new members,  discussed the project work that has been completed since June 2020 and decided on a monthly meeting cadence through the end of construction.

We continue to work diligently towards the March 2021 completion date.

The Black House Renovation (BH) was paused at the end of March 2020 as a result of COVID-19.  We have worked for several week to remobilize the project and to establish a new construction timeline.  Given the pandemic and industry related delays, the new completion date for the renovation will be March 2021.  We will continue to keep the community updated with information on the progress of the renovation.  We look forward to unveiling and reopening the renovated space this academic year.

This project continues to be a priority for ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵand with the BH Renovation Steering Committee’s oversight it continues to steadily move forward.  It is has been and continues to be vital project for our entire university as we continue our work to honor and center Black students within the ethos of the ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵcommunity. We look forward to unveiling and reopening the renovated space this academic year. 

The Black House is uniquely important to Northwestern; this importance has been further emphasized in light of the anti-Black racism that has and continues to occur in our communities. With the recent shift to Phase 3 in the State of Illinois and the resulting changes in the University’s policies regarding contractors on campus, senior leadership has approved reactivation of The Black House renovation project.

We will share the new project timeline once our Facilities team has completed the details for the safe restart and completion of the project. We eagerly anticipate the reopening of The Black House. 

This week GMA has been working on flattening and securing the floors on each level of the Black House. Flattening started on the 1st floor and the work will move up up to the 3rd floor while securing starts on the 3rd floor and will move down the house.

Did you know that the renovated Black House will have an elevator? 

It will allow for the building to be accessible and for the community to easily flow up and down each floor of the house.

This week the foundation for the elevator was poured!

Cornelius Griggs, a ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ Master of Science in Executive Management for Design and Construction (EMDC) 2014 graduate, founded GMA in 2009.  GMA is fully integrated to provide General Contracting, Construction Management, Design-Build and Cost Engineering services. GMA is licensed, bonded, and insured in the State of Illinois, and is a Minority and Veteran-Owned Small Business with headquarters in Chicago, Illinois with offices in Dallas, Texas and New York, New York.

GMA is committed to developing people that will transform communities. GMA lives its mission through mentorship of its employees as well as providing job and training opportunities for members of the communities in which the firm works. GMA seeks work that improves quality of life for underserved communities, increases operational efficiency for the federal government, and provides sustainability for future generations.

The project is progressing well.  The end of demolition is in sight and then comes the shoring up and reconstruction. 

View a and a of the progress. (1/31/20)

On July 29th Multicultural Student Affairs hosted a small gathering to demonstrate appreciation for all who supported the temporary relocation. MSA staff provided coffee, tea and doughnuts, and tours of the new spaces as well. MSA Is looking forward to hosting a welcome back event at the temporary Black House for students at the start of the new academic year.

Construction zoning has begun, and fencing will be placed around the Black House at 1914 Sheridan by early next week.

“While I’m not very familiar with the sorority quad, I was struck by how nice the temporary space once inside: I appreciate the large gathering area of the first floor and MSA’s floor plan for the space. I like that the first floor has plenty of seats and couches, which I think will create a communal feeling when students return in the fall. I tend to gravitate to large, open areas in the original Black House because I like to use the space as an opportunity to socialize with other students of color. I’m hoping that this translates over to this temporary space.

On the lower level is the spacious TV and lounge room—I can definitely see myself socializing and relaxing there. On the upper-level are the student group offices, fashioned out of dorm rooms, and the computer room at the end of the hall. While the rooms feel petite, they’re still welcoming, and I appreciate that the computer room has all of its computers as a resource for students. As for the feel of BH, I’m really looking forward to when students return and will fill the space with their flyers, posters, artwork, and such that give it the feel of a student-centered space. Right now, I feel it has a ton of potential: it’s nice, clean, and easy to inhabit. I think when students return, it will give the space that homey feel that the Black House is known for.”

Sayeed Sanchez
MSA Summer Intern

Packing a house is time consuming and stressful, and the unpacking comes after that to make is just so. By now, we are in the new temporary space for the Black House and settling in quite nicely, finishing touches notwithstanding. Because we have had so much terrific help from the university community, the time flew, and the stress was lessened. We will recognize a group of helpful university partners at a small thank you reception to honor their extraordinary work. It would not have gone so smoothly without the cooperation and partnership of the many involved.

Last week and this week, we are working on way-finding and signage for 1856 Orrington, and we are evaluating contracting bids. For the way-finding and signage, we want to make sure that come fall, the space is on campus maps and websites. We want to make sure that signage is clear to find your way to the temporary Black House. As for the bids, we received 4 bids from construction firms, and we are working through those documents to understand which firm will work best for the facility and construction process.

If you are following along and missed an update from us last week, it’s because we spent last week packing and moving. The Black House has officially temporarily moved to 1856 Orrington! Last week Multicultural Student Affairs worked in partnership with Facilities, The Block, University Archives, Student Affairs Information Technology, Residential Services Operations and Services team, and the Director for Special Projects in Students Affairs to successfully temporarily store artwork, relocate technology, move furniture and prepare the temporary location for MSAs arrival. Whew. Currently, the staff is unpacking and working tirelessly to setup operations including computers, printing, phone lines, and more. Multicultural Student Affairs’ temporary space will be ready to receive the community on July 8th. Please follow MSA on Facebook @ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ Multicultural Student Affairs and Instagram @msaatnu, to view photos and videos of the temporary space.

Last week Multicultural Student Affairs in partnership with students and the Black Host Renovation Steering Committee hosted the “See you later, Black House” week-long series of events. Students recorded videos on their favorite memories in the Black House, wrote letters to next year’s students, and wrote on a banner that will be displayed in the temporary location. 

On Monday, Charla Wilson, the, and Daviree Velazquez Phillip, the Director for Multicultural Student Affairs, identified several pieces of art currently in the Black House that will be displayed in the temporary location of the Black House, 1856 Orrington. The remaining artwork will be stored in the University Archives until the construction project is completed.

General contractor bids are due next week. One of the contractor bids will then be awarded, followed by the construction of the Black House beginning the first week of July. 

The Black House Renovation Steering Committee & Multicultural Student Affairs are excited to host a week-long programming series titled “See you later, Black House.”

In partnership with students, the Steering Committee and MSA generated a list of events to send the Black House off into its renovation period. Below are the events for this week. Please reach out to MSA at msa@northwestern.edu for questions.

You can download and print a copy of a flier of these events here. (PDF)

Finals Wellness with FUBU | Jun 3, 6-8 PM

• A 90s TV Show Throwback Watch Party with FUBU

When I think of home: reflecting on the Black House with CAPS | Jun 4, 12-2 PM

• MSA invites you to join Olivia Hoskins from CAPS to talk about memories, hopes, and feelings as we say See You Later, to the Black House. 

Junior and Senior Reception | Jun 5, 5-7 PM

• The Black graduates of the Class of 2019 and the Class of 2020 are cordially invited to attend an event at the Black House to honor you and to say "See You Later, Black House."  

Black House Family Gathering | Jun 7, 2-6 PM

• Join us for a family style gathering at the Black House!  The family friendly event will feature food, DJ, games, and giveaways.  Photographer and videographer will be on site to capture your thoughts and memories of the Black House. 

The construction bid process has begun, and our team continues to work with our student, alumni, faculty, and staff communities on a number of issues, including a temporary Black House location. 

 After a thorough vetting process involving students, staff from multiple campus units, and Black House Renovation Steering Committee representatives, we are pleased to confirm that during construction, The Black House will be temporarily located in 1856 Orrington, a small residence hall (designed in a house-like fashion) in the south quadrangle area of housing. This location was selected for a number of reasons, including:

•  It meets all of the “must haves” for a temporary location, including programming space, hang out space, gender open restrooms, program accessibility, and space for current Black House staff and student organizations. 
• It includes some additional amenities that will be in the renovated Black House as well, including a pantry space.
• The location allows The Black House to be more closely connected to the MCC, and is in closer proximity to the current Black House location.
• Student representatives shared that the space feels “more like a home” and would meet the needs of the Black community well during the renovation.

 Thanks the Black House Renovation Steering Committee; to Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) for their significant work in identifying the must haves for a temporary location, and also connecting student representatives to the project; Mark Francis from the Provost’s Office and Carrie West from Facilities Management for their expertise and counsel, and Residential Services for their assistance and flexibility. Most importantly, we would like to thank ASG representatives, MSA student staff, and FMO representatives who helped make this happen.

The Black House Steering Committee in partnership with Multicultural Student Affairs hosting a weeklong programming series to properly say “See you later, Black House.”

If you are a student group who would like to add an event to the calendar for the week of June 3rd-June 7th please contact MSA at msa@northwestern.edu. More information to come soon!

The rescheduled tour for temporary spaces for the Black House took place yesterday in the late afternoon. Representatives from ASG, MSA student staff, and the Black House Renovation Steering committee attended. 

Before the tour, Black House Steering Committee members and staff from facilities met with tour participants to review the decision-making process, considerations for spaces, and comparison of two options. From there the group toured two spaces and de-briefed after the second tour. 

Once the decision-making process was outlined, considerations for temporary site selections were discussed. Considerations included such topics as location on campus, security and access needs, the financial impact, the community impact when thinking about adjacencies, and the size of the temporary space. 

Community must-haves for the space were considered as well, with students and staff compiling and prioritizing the needs for the temporary space. The needs  identified and prioritized for the temporary space are:

• Office space for student organizations
• Office space for staff currently in The Black House
• Lounge areas (more than 1 is ideal)
• Study space
• Storage space

Once all of the considerations were taken into account, there emerged two clear options for the tour. Next steps are for student representatives from the tour to take their impressions of the two spaces along with a fact sheet that compares options one and two. Options one and two are not being identified at this time based on needs for that information to remain confidential for the time being.

If you have any questions about this update you can contact the cochair of the Black House Renovation Steering committee, Julie Payne-Kirchmeier at jp-kirchmeier@Northwestern.edu.

"See you later, Black House"

On Tuesday, April 23rd, students and staff gathered in the Black House to collaborate on events designed to intentionally recognized students who have been in the space, who use the space, and who will be coming in to the temporary space in the fall. Students along with MSA staff are working on a calendar of events that will be shared next month.

Temporary Spaces Tour

Tuesday, April 30th, the Black House Renovation Steering Committee members will tour two potential temporary Black House locations with Black students invited from the steering committee, ASG, and MSA student staff.  One of the two locations will potentially serve as the temporary space for the Black House once it undergoes renovation beginning this summer and lasting until fall of 2020. Locations for the temporary space were selected based on fit and function of how the space is currently used, and based on the limited inventory available on campus.

ASG Resolution and Senate Visit 

Wednesday, May 1st, staff from Student Affairs will attend ASG’s senate meeting to discuss points from the resolution passed last week that outlines concerns previously voiced by some in the Black student community about issues related to the Black House and the Black student community.

As mentioned at the conclusion of the Architecture Presentation, MSA and the Black House Renovation Steering Committee are looking to partner with students for a week-long “See you later, Black House” programming series. An email went out on April 10th inviting those who attended the Architecture Presentation to join us for a planning meeting on Tuesday, April 23rd at 5:30pm in the Black House first floor conference room - dinner will be provided. All are welcome - please feel forward this invitation, and do let Dav know if you have any questions via the email address later in this update. Below are some reflection questions to think about and discuss with others in order to help us jump into planning.

1. How do we say “see you later” for each class year?
   1.  Anything special for Seniors?
   2.  How about Juniors who won’t be on campus as students for the opening of the refreshed Black     House?
   3. Anything we want to do for incoming first year students?
2.  What is already being planned for the week of June 3rd so that we do not duplicate or over-program?
3. How do we document the temporary closing of the house? Example: videos, photos, storytelling…

Hope to see you at the Black House! But in case you cannot make it or if you have questions, please email Dav (Dav Velazquez Phillip).

Architecture Presentation

On April 9, there was a meeting for community members in the Black House to review the Black House renovation project. The project, in the phase called design development was described by architects from the Moody Nolan architecture firm, a premiere firm, black owned and operated. The floor-by-floor review of the building was explained in detail by the architects, and students and community members asked questions and made comments.

On the first floor, space is dedicated to larger gatherings, with the warmth of the wood being left intact. Out of the back of the house, a patio is planned for outside gatherings and community building. The spaces reflect widespread agreement from stakeholders about how the black house should be organized. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni all have a similar vision for the organization of the house.
 
The second and third floors house black staff office spaces, large group student organization space, and quieter spaces for students to be able to relax and study. The second floor also has a balcony off of the back side of the house. The outside of the house will look mostly as it does now, but with a fresh exterior.

Student & Community Member Questions & Comments

Questions and comments came from a group of approximately 30 people who were in the room. There were a fair number of questions about the architecture itself, the process of getting the building renovated, and the timeline for the work.

Moody Nolan responded to the questions about architecture, noting that next steps for feedback include finalizing the functional use of the spaces, and deciding the furnishings in the spaces. There was a special mention of art throughout the black house and how the messaging of the house will tell the story of Northwestern's black community.

The 15-month timeline for the renovation begins July 1, 2019 and continues through until fall 2020 when the Black House is scheduled to reopen. During the time that the black house undergoes its renovations, there will be an alternate location for the black house. Once a space or spaces are identified, the black house renovation steering committee will work with the community about plans for a transition. Because this has been a two-year process, there was a desire from those gathered in the room to have more regular updates regarding the happenings for the renovation.

Co-chairs Lesley-Ann Brown-Henderson and Julie Payne-Kirchmeier will be updating the website with periodic updates and/or summaries from the steering committee's meetings.