Written by Shayna Starr
The facilities at Northwestern serve their purpose. While most buildings are fairly old, buildings like the McCormick Tribune Center and Crowe Hall are some of the newer and nicest buildings on campus. Harris Hall, home to many history and social science classes, completed its renovations in 2011. The chandeliers in the main lecture hall and overall polished look have made any lecture class more bearable. The Technological Institute (Tech) is by far the biggest building on campus, large enough to rival many of your high schools. Inside Tech, there is a secret Einstein Bros. Bagels and Tech Express (a café), so if you get lost, which can happen occasionally, at least you won’t go hungry. Kresge Hall is notorious for having difficult-to-climb stairs. If you have a class on the fourth floor, brace yourself for a tiring walk. Overall, many of Northwestern's buildings have history, but nothing is decrepit.
Deering Library is one of Northwestern’s biggest attractions. Legend has it that J.K. Rowling got her inspiration for Harry Potter from walking the halls of Deering Library. The Norris Student Center, built in the 1970s, could use a renovation and a more central location. Students use the center for necessary activities and the occasional non-dining hall meal, yet its location is off the beaten path for most students. Northwestern boasts many athletic facilities. Blomquist, the only gym on South Campus, has cardio equipment and a smattering of weights. Don’t come here expecting to see power-lifters or athletes, though. Patten Gymnasium is the northernmost point of campus, and is home to intramural and club sports, with a weight room in the basement. SPAC (Sports and Aquatic Center) is the fitness jewel of Northwestern. Here, you can find basketball/volleyball courts, an indoor pool and track, racquetball/squash/tennis courts, and weights (both machines and free weights). Anything you need, you will find it at SPAC.