The Evanston Land Use Commission on Wednesday night gave a unanimous nod of approval for the signage plan for Northwestern University’s new Ryan Field.
Yvette Fevurly, the principal for branded content for design firm Perkins&Will, presented the plan. She noted that the stadium will mostly have non-illuminated signage, with the face-lit signs on the north elevation and one backlit sign on the west elevation using what she called a “halo” illumination promising to be “much more harmonious with the environment.” The west elevations would have two spaces for illuminated retail signage.
The south elevation calls for two face-lit signs, while the west elevation would have another halo-effect sign and space for illuminating banners, Fevurly said. A sign on the back of the stadium’s scoreboard would be illuminated by ambient light within the stadium, she added.
Commission Chair Jeanne Lindwall asked whether the signs in question would be lit up during off hours, when there are no games or other events taking place at the stadium, and if it’s possible for them to be switched off.
“It is 100% possible to turn them off,” Fevurly answered. “They are programmable, dimmable, seven days a week, 24 hours a day. That will be worked out with the schedule and timing with the city and the university.”
Commissioner Kiril Mirintchev asked whether the sign lighting would be backed up by a generator in the event of an emergency. Fevurly said they would not.
“How is everybody outside the stadium secured during a power outage or other disasters, including signage and lighting, and so on?” Mirintchev asked.
“The signage is not traditionally needed for emergency on the outside to identify the building,” Fevurly replied. “Most municipalities’ fire departments know right where to go and have emergency procedures in place.”
Perkins&Will Principal Chris Hale added that lights in the plazas surrounding the stadium would be turned on in the event of an emergency.
Commissioner Darush Mabadi asked whether solar power or other renewable energy would be used to power the lights. Hale indicated that wouldn’t be the case.
“So basically you’re just plugged in, like everyone else, to good old Commonwealth Edison?” asked Mabadi.
“Yes, it’s off of building power,” Hale answered. Commissioner Jamieka Mangum pressed the issue a bit more, asking whether solar power had been considered in the planning process. Fevurly said that Perkins&Will would be open to changes, and that her team could consider it.
Commissioner Loren Berlin made a motion for approval, but with a request that the university consult with the city on plans for dimming the lights when they’re not needed and for potentially utilizing solar panels. Berlin’s motion passed 5-0.
Land Use Commission endorses Ryan Field sign plan is from Evanston RoundTable, Evanston's most trusted source for unbiased, in-depth journalism.