Kellogg School of Management Unveils Plans for a Cutting-Edge Educational Facility

Kellogg School of Management Breaks Ground on New Building

The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University took a monumental step forward on May 14, 2025, with the groundbreaking ceremony for a cutting-edge educational facility aimed at transforming the learning experience for students, alumni, and business leaders. This impressive new building is set to redefine the traditional business education landscape by facilitating seamless hybrid instruction and fostering global engagement through advanced technology.

During the ceremony, various stakeholders, including Kellogg's leadership, alumni, and supporters, gathered to celebrate this pivotal moment in the school's history. Dean Francesca Cornelli emphasized the significance of this project, stating, "This is a momentous occasion in Kellogg's history. The new building will enrich the student experience across our programs and grow the impact Kellogg has on the world." This statement encapsulates the vision behind the new facility—creating an environment that not only beautifies the campus but also enhances innovation in business education.

The new building will be closely connected to the Kellogg Global Hub via an underground corridor, creating a cohesive campus experience referred to as "One Kellogg." This integration aims to strengthen the connection between various programs, ensuring that both MBA and Executive Education students benefit from top-notch facilities and resources.

This ambitious construction project is a key component of Kellogg's Full Circle Campaign, a $600 million fundraising initiative designed to promote faculty research, student scholarships, and curricular innovation. As of now, the building is nearly 75% funded—with generous contributions from alumni and supporters, many of whom participated in the groundbreaking ceremony.

President Michael Schill remarked, "Today's event marks an important milestone for Northwestern and the Kellogg School of Management. We are driving critical research and teaching that will have a profound impact on business and society. This new building will enhance our ability to support important initiatives and will elevate Kellogg's profile even further." His comments reflect not only the aspirations of Kellogg but also its commitment to making significant contributions to education and society at large.

Vision for the New Building

The state-of-the-art facility will replace the aging James L. Allen Center on the Evanston campus. Designed with global collaboration in mind, this new structure will feature classrooms and technology that facilitate interactions among students, alumni, and industry leaders worldwide. Moreover, it is expected to double the seating capacity of the Allen Center, allowing for larger classes and enhanced networking opportunities.

Slated to open its doors in fall 2027, the facility reflects a future-oriented approach to business education.

Construction Progress so Far

As construction gets underway, significant milestones have already been achieved. The demolition of the Allen Center was completed ahead of schedule, with a keen focus on sustainability. The concrete from the demolished structure has been recycled and repurposed to construct new onsite facilities, minimizing waste and environmental impact.

Additionally, the local workforce has played an essential role in the project, with many Evanston residents involved in the early construction phases. Approximately 250 workers are expected to be onsite at the peak of construction, reinforcing Kellogg's commitment to supporting the local economy.

In line with sustainable practices, over 5,807 tons of crushed concrete have been reused, which significantly reduces the need for new material transportation. Regarding foundational work, a total of 107 caissons have been drilled to a remarkable depth of approximately 80 feet—totalling 8,560 feet, showcasing the ambitious scale of this undertaking.

Looking Ahead

As the Kellogg School of Management's new building project progresses, the focus will shift to earth retention, de-watering, mass excavation, and completion of the underground utilities. Excitingly, the construction will soon include the installation of a tower crane, which will facilitate the concrete structure's buildout.

Kellogg continues to connect its community and uphold its mission of providing unparalleled business education, setting the stage for its next generation of leaders. This groundbreaking project not only reflects Kellogg's commitment to innovation but also underscores its role as a leader in global business education.

For those interested in following the progress of this inspiring project, photos from the groundbreaking event and updates about the new building model will be shared regularly on Kellogg's official platforms.

This is just the beginning of what promises to be a transformative chapter in Kellogg's rich history, offering hope and excitement for future students and the overall community.