June 18, 2007
The Finance, Facilities and Operations Committee has recommended that NIU begin studying a series of projects that could, among other things, return Gilbert Hall to use as a residence hall, improve and expand parking on campus and modernize the Holmes Student Center.
All of those projects come with substantial price tags, and no funding sources have been identified. However, the time to explore options is now, says Jeff Daurer of Finance and Facilities.
“All of the projects on this list address significant needs for the university, especially our students. To have any meaningful discussion about how to accomplish them, we need more information,” says Daurer. “At this point, nothing is approved or imminent, but we are hoping to hire consultants who can help us get a better handle on exactly what it will take to accomplish these things so that we can set priorities and explore options.”
Projects that Finance and Facilities wants to explore include:
Residence Hall Renovation – Most of the residence halls at NIU have not had significant renovation work in 40 years. As the buildings and their mechanical systems age, they are becoming more expensive to maintain. To address those issues, the university plans to investigate the possibility of bringing Gilbert Hall back online as a residence hall. That would not only return student life to the east side of campus, but would also provide “swing space” where students could be housed while West Campus halls are renovated. Current thinking is that Grant Towers would be the first of the West Campus halls in line for upgrades.
Road Work and Parking Study – The current Parking Master Plan used by the university was drafted in 1992 and no longer reflects current campus demands. The university wants consultants to study new usage levels and traffic patterns, create new guidelines for planning changes to student parking lots and devise a comprehensive plan for the repair and resurfacing of West Campus roads.
Intramural Playing Fields – While the student population is continually changing and evolving, one thing has remained constant for the last two decades: the demand for more recreational facilities. In an effort to keep up with those needs, the university will investigate the creation of an outdoor intramural sports venue, located near West Campus residence halls, which would include fields for football, soccer and softball. The fields would be maintained and managed by the Campus Recreation Center.
Holmes Student Center Renovation – One of the most heavily used public spaces on campus, the Holmes Student Center is in need of remodeling and repair. The mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems at the center are all in need of major overhauls, and the décor of the building is sorely in need of updating. Consultants also will look at ways to make the building more handicapped accessible.
The Finance, Facilities and Operations Committee unanimously endorsed the proposal to hire consultants to study the proposed projects. The full board will consider the matter at its meeting on June 21.