It is almost time for the holidays, and the university is looking to cash in on some much-desired construction projects. Much like the eager child in the midst of preparing for the upcoming shopping season, NEIU has submitted its wish list to the powers that be in Springfield, hoping for a nice surprise under the tree.
According to a press release from the Department of Facilities Management, NEIU has submitted its capital development requests for the 2008 fiscal year totaling $105.6 million to the Illinois Capital Development Board. The university has requested, among other things, money for the planning and construction of an education building.
In its Sept. 26 issue, the Independent reported that the education building’s cost was estimated at $64,273,700. Since this initial reporting, not much had been said on the issue until very recently.
As previously reported, the building would most likely be constructed on the site of the athletic field located along Foster Avenue. The Facilities Management bulletin states that, “this project would address the continuing growth of the success, and pressing needs of NEIU students.” Despite repeated attempts, Facilities Management could not be reached for comment.
In addition to the education building, Facilities Management is requesting funds for remodeling the Classroom Building, replacement of the exterior window walls of Buildings D and E, and the beginning of a first phase in remodeling the Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies (CCICS).
The Classroom Building project, according to the bulletin released by Facilities Management, would occur after the College of Education is relocated into the proposed education building and would work to renew existing finishes, modernize HVAC and utility systems, and remodel interior areas in response to program changes in the Classroom Building.
The window and wall replacement in Buildings D and E would replace 1,800 linear feet of the original wall, significantly reducing energy costs to the university.
CCICS would undergo remodeling of its existing interior finishes, exterior façade and modernization of the HVAC and utility systems.