NIU plans remodel for building where gunman killed students

By NGUYEN HUY VU | Associated Press Writer

11:57 PM EDT, May 8, 2008

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Northern Illinois University wants to remodel a building where five students were slain by a suicidal gunman on Valentine's Day, instead of demolishing it, the school president said Thursday.

The auditorium where the killings took place would no longer be used as a classroom, but Cole Hall's other auditorium would be reopened under the proposal, President John Peters said, citing overwhelming support from an online survey.

Peters initially wanted to tear down the hall, create a memorial in its place and build a new $40 million structure. The idea proved unpopular. University officials then collected thousands of opinions on the building's future through e-mail, open forums and meetings.

The new $7.7 million plan also includes new 7,800-square-foot, 400-seat auditorium in the center of the campus in DeKalb, which officials said was necessary as they struggle to find space for the classes once held at Cole Hall.

"These are not two separate projects, they are one solution to an emergency situation," Peters said in a telephone interview.

Cole Hall has been empty since a gunman killed the students and wounded 18 others before shooting himself.

Peters and other NIU officials met with representatives from the governor's office and legislators Wednesday to update them about the plans. University officials believe the proposal could be finished by 2010 if the state agrees to pay for the plans this year.

"I'm optimistic that we've put together a proposal that meets our emergency instructional needs that is cost effective," Peters said.

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