WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderNIU getting state money to renovate Cole Hall

NIU getting state money to renovate Cole Hall

DEKALB (WREX) - NIU is getting more than $10 million from the state to upgrade and renovate two campus halls.

The money announced by Governor Pat Quinn during a Wednesday press conference will be used for upgrades and renovations at Cole Hall and Stevens Hall.

Cole Hall hasn't been used since the February 14, 2008 shooting that left five students and the gunman dead. $9.5 million has been approved by the NIU Board of Trustees to renovate the hall, $8 million of that money will come from this state funding.

The Stevens Building is expected to get $20 million worth of upgrades. NIU officials say the Stevens building has been deteriorating for years and has been near the top of their capital fund requests for a long time. $2.3 million worth of state money will go towards that project.

"We are most grateful for these funds, which will address two of our most pressing facilities-related issues," said NIU President John G. Peters. "The money for Cole Hall will not only help us remodel and reopen one of the busiest academic buildings on campus, it will also enable the continued healing from the events of February 14, 2008. We can also begin work to rehabilitate the Stevens Building into a facility befitting the quality of the outstanding programs it houses."

"We can never fully put this tragedy behind us but it is important to move forward," said Governor Quinn. "Renovating Cole Hall, along with the funding for Stevens Building construction planning, provides a vital step in helping the NIU community heal from the impact of this senseless shooting."