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contractors it started with the $800 million Ryan Field Northwestern University’s football stadium in Evanston, Illinois earlier this month, despite legal challenges from local residents who don’t want a new concert hall in their backyard.
A New York City joint venture Turner Construction and Walsh Construction of Chicago is now working on the construction of the new stadium, according to a new statement from July 11, after months of demolition of the old site. The new facility will emphasize a more intimate setting of just 35,000 seats instead of the nearly 47,000 in the old stadium.
But the 100% privately funded facility, which benefited from a $480 million donation from Pat Ryan, the founder and retired CEO of insurance giant AON, still faces legal challenges.
Part of the reason for downsizing the original stadium came from a desire to use the new venue for multiple events, including women’s lacrosse games and concerts. But to a group of neighbors has reported block the project due to concerns about noise, parking and alcohol being served at the facility, according to local news outlet Patch.
After a judge dismissed three of the residents’ four counts in April, the group filed an amended complaint, which named the university in addition to the city. A ruling on the new complaint is expected in August.
At the recent groundbreaking ceremony, officials praised this multi-purpose design.
“This state-of-the-art facility will also serve as a vibrant venue for the Evanston community, hosting community-oriented events such as winter festivals, family movie nights and youth sporting events,” he said. said Northwestern president Michael Schill in the statement.
That’s just one of the benefits supporters listed in the groundbreaking release about the project. Others include $659 million in positive economic impact for Evanston and more than 2,900 jobs during the rebuild.
The facility will open in 2026 and will include a community park and public green spaces for residents to enjoy year-round, according to the release.
