Great Room created as dining, study space

Students chat and munch at the grand opening of The Great Room, 610 Haven St., Northwestern's newest dining and study space, on Tuesday evening. The Great Room is located in the former home of the Seabury-Western Theological Seminary. NU began leasing part of the property starting in Winter Quarter and formally acquired the Seabury property in July. The Great Room space was renovated starting later that month, according to administrators. The Gothic-style space features wireless and four big-screen TVs and will serve "pub grub."

University President Morton O. Schapiro, interim Dean of Students Burgwell Howard and other administrators were present for the ribbon-cutting. Vice President for Student Affairs William Banis said that beyond being an ideal spot for students to study or watch sporting events, the Great Room will be a "safe place" for those traveling between on- and off-campus.
"It'll be a comfortable place for students to break bread together," he said.

Banis added the Great Room has a "coffeehouse feel" and the stage in the southern end of the room could be used in the future for student performances.

The dining space had a "grand opening special" Tuesday night where students could order a complimentary burger, fries and drink.

Operated by NUCuisine, the Great Room will be open Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., and students will be able to use points, meal equivalency and Munch Money as well as cash and credit cards to buy food.