Although construction was temporarily suspended as January's polar vortex brought subzero temps and minus 50-degree wind chills to the Chicago area, progress on our Campus Master Plan Phase One capital enhancements has otherwise been steady throughout the winter season. After spending much of the summer and fall on demolition, site preparation and excavation, construction crews spent the winter months framing out our new John D. Norcross ’54 Aquatic Center and the piazza—a light-filled gathering space that will serve as a hub for Loyola life while connecting the aquatic center to the west gym and the rest of the school.
By January, crews had completed the steel skeletons of the aquatic center and piazza and installed their roof decks. Masonry work is now underway and interior work on the aquatic center and piazza—including mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire-protection systems—is about to begin.
This spring, craftsmen will begin working on interior finishes—from paint and tile to signage—as landscapers transform the plaza outside of the piazza and aquatic center into a welcoming oasis with benches, bicycle racks, shade trees and colorful gardens. Stay tuned for more news about our grand opening celebration in Fall 2019!
Campaign Master Plan: Project Timeline
Spring 2019 Aquatic center and piazza building envelopes completed; STEAM lab makerspace fundraising begins
Summer 2019 Aquatic center and piazza interiors completed
Fall 2019 Aquatic center and piazza open for student use
Spring 2022 Construction begins on Phase Two capital enhancements, including a new theater for the performing arts