Main Quadrangles reopen after project to improve sustainability, accessibility

The University of Chicago has reopened the iconic center of the Main Quadrangles, following a summer-long restoration project to enhance the long-term sustainability of the scenic corridor that lies at the heart of UChicago’s campus-wide botanic garden.

Among the improvements are a redesigned pavement system, which emulates the feel of sandstone but is more durable and accessible; a new stormwater detention system underneath the pavement, which will improve drainage; and hundreds of new plantings, including a perennial mix of pollinator-friendly native and non-native plants, which will beautify the pathways.

The changes reflect extensive feedback from the UChicago community on ways to improve the heavily traversed center of campus, which was transformed into a pedestrian walkway in 2009.

“We are excited to welcome our UChicago community back to a newly beautified and modernized Main Quad,” said Katie Martin Peck, associate director for campus environment, who led the landscape architecture redesign. “These pathways lead students, faculty, staff and visitors to the heart of our campus, and people will be delighted to see the historic character of the architecture and landscape have been elevated, and the paths more accommodating.”