Rebecca Crown Center Security Controls and Technology Upgrades

Project Status

Construction start: May 2016
Completion: September 2016

Project Description & Statistics

As part of our plan to enhance safety and security throughout our campuses, access controls and security technology are scheduled to be installed throughout Rebecca Crown Center.

Duration of Project

The first phase of this project began on May 2, 2016, in the west tower and is nearing completion. Additional enhancements are planned for the north and east towers this summer and the schedule is as follows:

Tower/Location Project Dates System Go-Live Dates*
West Tower May 2, 2016 – June 30, 2016 August 15, 2016
West Tower
(Keys & Door Hardware)
July 18, 2016 – August, 14, 2016 August 15, 2016
North Tower July 18, 2016 – August 14, 2016 August 15, 2016
East Tower August 1, 2016 – August 1, 2016 September 5, 2016
Ground Floor July 18, 2016 – August 31, 2016 September 5, 2016
*System Activation Dates: Date of which access control and security technology systems will be operational.

Hours of Construction

Facilities Management will oversee the project in collaboration with our colleagues in the Department of Safety & Security. The work is scheduled to take place only on weekends and between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Monday through Friday.

What to Expect

Facilities Management strives to minimize the disruption to Rebecca Crown Center occupants. For this reason, all work will occur outside of business hours and there will be no construction equipment or debris visible during this period.

Scope of Work

The project scope will include the installation of surveillance cameras, electronic access controls, parking garage door replacements, and the re-keying of all office and office support spaces. While the focus of the enhancements is primarily safety and security, the project will also positively impact convenience in the following ways:

  • Installation of electronic access control on exterior doors, elevators, and select interior doors. This will allow occupants and other users to enter with their Wildcard, outside of normal business hours (to be determined).
  • Re-keying of all offices and support spaces and distribution of new keys to occupants.
  • Replacing Crown Parking Garage doors.
  • Installation of security cameras and video intercom systems live streaming to the reception desk to aid with visitor management.

Keying & Coordination Meetings

Coordination meetings & system training will be scheduled with each department head or designated individuals. These meetings are necessary to establish staff lists, access levels, Wildcard programming, and replacement key distribution.

Wildcard Programming

A valid Wildcard will be programmed for each occupant to use when the system is activated. There may be a need to provide replacement cards to some individuals. We will work with the Wildcard Office to make the replacement process as convenient as possible. In most instances the replacement card will be delivered directly to the cardholder eliminating the need to go to the Wildcard Office.

Building Access

This project will install remote locking of the main entrances and other designated doors and elevators within the towers. During the day, these doors will remain unlocked and easily accessible. Outside of business hours, these doors will be locked but can be accessed using individual Wildcards.  It is understood that special events may require that the building be accessible outside of business hours. Special accommodations will be made in these instances.

Asbestos Abatement

As with many structures of this era, asbestos containing materials are known to be in the Rebecca Crown. Abatement of these materials will occur after working hours and air quality tests will be conducted to ensure a safe working environment.

Power Interruptions

Power interruptions will be necessary during this renovation and will occur outside of business hours. If special accommodations are required, Crown occupants are requested to contact Carrie West at their earliest convenience for schedule coordination. Users will be provided 48 hours advanced notice prior to electrical service interruption.

Rebecca Crown Center Garage

The replacement of parking garage doors will be completed over the weekend and the garage will be closed. Occupants will be notified two weeks prior to this disruption and alternate arrangements for parking will be provided.

Communication

A website has been established to provide project details and progress reports. A frequently asked questions (FAQ) section has also been added. The site will be updated regularly, and serve as a key resource throughout the course of the project.

Questions

If you have questions, please contact Gloria Graham, Assistant Vice President and Deputy Chief of Police, at 847-467-5376 or via email at gloria.graham@northwestern.edu.


Please visit this website regularly to access the latest information, project details, and FAQs. The site will be updated regularly, and serve as a key resource throughout the course of the project.



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Project Team

Project Management

Vince Geraci, Manager of Maintenance Trades

Contact Information

All inquiries should be directed to:

Gloria Graham, Assistant Vice President and Deputy Chief of Police
Northwestern University
Safety & Security
Office: 847-467-5376
Evanston, IL 60208
Phone: 847-467-4380 
gloria.graham@northwestern.edu