Dearborn Observatory Exterior Restoration
- Featured
- Preservation Architecture
- Education
- Building Envelope
The historic Dearborn Observatory located on Northwestern University’s Evanston campus underwent a complete exterior restoration led by McGuire Igleski. The original details were restored or replicated to replace missing features and bring the unique details of the observatory back to life. Masonry repairs included full building envelope cleaning, tuckpointing to match the original beaded joint, and limestone parapet repairs. Other features that were carefully restored included the slate roof, copper gutters and downspouts, wood windows, doors, and art glass, and the exterior steel and wrought iron observatory walkway was carefully removed, repaired, and reinstalled.
Photos: Leslie Schwartz Photography
Evanston, Illinois
Northwestern University
35,000 SF
Design Evanston Award for Rehabilitation/Renovation
City of Evanston Preservation Award for Proper Rehabilitation/Restoration
In 1887, the Chicago Astronomical Society, in affiliation with Northwestern University, moved the telescope, including the famed 1860s lens, from The University of Chicago to Northwestern’s Evanston campus. For its new home, the architecture firm of Cobb & Frost designed the Richardsonian Romanesque style building, which opened in 1889. Originally located at the edge of Lake Michigan, approximately 100 yards northwest of the current location, Dearborn Observatory was moved in 1939 for the construction of the Technological Institute. The observatory dome was replaced in 1997. The observatory is open for public viewing on Fridays (hours vary).