The torn-out sidewalks between Reavis and Watson Halls should be replaced before winter after problems arose with a cooling system replacement project initiated last spring.

The sidewalks were first removed last April during the installation of a new cooling system for Reavis and Watson Halls.

The project was plagued with a series of problems beginning with a cost underestimation. Initially, $141,000 was appropriated from the Build Illinois Project, and the engineering firm of Buchanan, Bellows, and Associates of Bloomington, Ill. was hired to design the new system and represent the university in negotiations with contractors.

Mechanical, Inc. of Freeport, Ill., submitted the lowest bid of $168,000 to replace the ailing 30-year-old compressor with a cooling coil.

The project was delayed when the cooling coil designed for the project turned out to be the wrong model. NIU Project Manager Conrad Miller said the mistake cost about $9,000 because a new coil had to be ordered.

However, the two firms accepted responsibility for the mistake, so NIU did not have to pay for it. Since both companies were responsible, they split the cost of the new coil, which took an additional $1,000 to $1,500 to install.

Miller said the mistake was the result of an oversight by both the engineers and contractors. “The engineers failed to go down to the job site to make sure their plans were carried out, and the contractors should have known what parts they needed,” Miller said.

Miller said NIU has had dealings with the companies before and they are generally quite reliable. “The fact that they admitted their mistakes reflected well on them,” he said.

Once installation was complete, Flagg Construction, Inc., of Rochelle, Ill. who was hired to restore the area, allowed a subcontractor to replace the sidewalks. Although sidewalks were poured, NIU refused to accept the work because it was shoddy and substandard. “They (the sidewalks) would have cracked up over the winter, leaving us right back where we started,” Miller said.

Miller said Flagg is responsible for replacement of the sidewalks, and suspects they will be finished before winter. “They won’t get paid until it’s finished,” he said.

In spite of the problems during installation, the new cooling system is “up and operational” said John Harrod, physical plant director. The new system is based in Zulauf Hall, and will serve Reavis and Watson Halls. Previously, each building had its own system. Harrod said consolidating the three buildings into one system is more cost efficient.