Ryan Center for the Musical Arts

Project Status: COMPLETED

Construction start: Summer 2012
Completion: January 2015

Project Description & Statistics

Construction of a new building to accommodate the School of Music and the School of Communication (70 Arts Circle Dr, Evanston, IL 60208) began in June, 2012 along the lakefront at the southeastern part of campus. The new building envelopes Regenstein Hall on two sides. Additionally, the area south of Pick-Staiger Concert Hall and between the new building and the Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts developed into a new Arts Green. Approximately one third of the existing parking deck was removed to provide a dramatic vista of Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago. 

The 155,000 square foot building consists of 5 stories plus a lower level. The top floor accommodates administrative and faculty offices of the School of Communication. The majority of the building, serves the Bienen School of Music, and includes classrooms, teaching labs, academic faculty offices, teaching studios for choral, opera, piano and voice faculty, practice rooms, student lounges and administrative offices. There is also a choral rehearsal room and library, an opera rehearsal room/black box theater and a 400-seat recital hall.

Northwestern University has named the building the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center for the Musical Arts.

View the building's time lapse video



Project Team

Project Management

Bonnie Humphrey, Director Facilities Design & Construction
Deborah A. Burkhart, Project Manager

Architect, Engineers & Consultants

Goettsch Partners - Architect

General Contractor

Power Construction Company

Contact Information

All questions should be directed to:

Deborah A. Burkhart
Northwestern University
Facilities Design & Construction
2020 Ridge Avenue, Suite 200
Evanston, IL 60208
Phone: 847-467-5093
deborah.burkhart@northwestern.edu