Dearborn Observatory Exterior Restoration
Project Status: COMPLETED
Construction start: Summer 2015
Completion: Fall 2016
Project Description & Statistics
The historic Richardsonian Romanesque style Dearborn Observatory (located at 2131 Tech Drive) was designed by Cobbs & Frost and opened in 1898. In 2015 and 2016 it underwent a complete exterior restoration including limestone repairs, cleaning and tuckpointing to match the original beaded joint; wood window repair; at glass restoration; slate and copper roof replacement; and dismantlement, structural repair, and restoration of the wrought iron observatory walkway.
In 1887, the Chicago Astronomical Society in affiliation with Northwestern University moved the telescope including the famed 1860's lens from the University of Chicago to Northwestern's Evanston campus. Originally located at the edge of Lake Michigan, approximately 100 yards northwest of the current location, Dearborn Observatory was moved in 1939 to make way for the Technological Institute Building. The observatory dome was replaced in 1997. was the original beaded joint; wood window repair; slate and copper roof replacements; and major repairs to the exterior steel
Dearborn Observatory is an Evanston Landmark. The observatory is open for public viewing Fridays 8-10pm: www.physics.northwestern.edu
Project Team
Project Management
Richard Painter, Project Manager
Architect, Engineers & Consultants
Architect: McGuire Igleski & Associates, Inc.
Structural Engineer: The Structural Group, Ltd.
General Contractor
Berglund Construction Company
Contact Information
All inquiries should be directed to:
Richard Painter, Project ManagerNorthwestern University
Facilities Design and Construction
2020 Ridge Ave., Suite 270
Evanston, IL 60208
Phone: 847-467-2342
r-painter@northwestern.edu