The Montgomery Ward Building, Wieboldt Hall and Levy Meyer Hall/Gary Law Library have been praised years after its initial opening and are recognized as an iconic feature of the Chicago Campus. Today, this group of buildings is officially considered as historic landmarks by the Chicago City Council. In the summer of 2014, former Mayor Rahm Emanuel petitioned the Council to designate a portion of Northwestern’s Chicago campus as a landmark district. It was highly recommended by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks and was approved by the city's Department of Planning and Development. The Commission on Chicago Landmarks formally recommended the Chicago campus stating that “The buildings reflect Northwestern University’s importance to the history of Chicago and represent significant examples of work by a nationally-prominent architect.” The university spokesperson responsible for helping the Chicago campus become a historic landmark had opinions about the beauty of these buildings: “The buildings are very lovely and they (represent) famous names to Chicago history.” Considering how well the building was received initially and its ability to develop an iconic identity, it was a quick decision to include it as a historic landmark of Chicago. With these glowing recommendations and the approval of the City Council, it received its landmark status later on in 2014. 

          Kresge Hall, a building that has become a staple in the Evanston campus, was first built in 1955 to commemorate the university’s 100th year anniversary. Years later, in 2014, plans were made to significantly renovate the interior of Kresge. Despite the redesign and renovation, which resulted in a postmodern façade that fits into the very advanced architectural theme of Northwestern’s Evanston Campus, the seal of northwestern was preserved on the outside of the building. This architectural decision is an intriguing one. It seems as if the seal has become obsolete due to the evolving identity of the university today. In the past, the seal was treasured and embodied Northwestern’s identity which was why it was featured in the Kresge building in 1955. The decision to include the seal in the redesign and renovation in 2001 and 2014 could have been a result of an attempt to save money (as it would be cheaper to use the same backbone of the building rather than tearing it down and starting again), or it was a way to respect the seal’s past. By reserving the seal for formal, high-profile, and sophisticated communications and/or buildings, perhaps they are elevating it to a place of honor and importance.