The Board of Regents approved a 10-year acquisition contract for the property at 801 N. First Street, DeKalb, formerly known as the Palmer Music Building.

The approved contract-for-purchase of the facility, located on the eastern edge of the NIU campus, provides for payment of $650,000 to the NIU Foundation over a 10-year period at an interest rate not to exceed 10 percent.

The property, purchased by the foundation for $375,000 in 1986, has been determined by the board as an appropriate site for broadcast activities at NIU once renovations are complete.

NIU President John LaTourette said Kishwaukee Hall, the present facility for WNIU and WKDI, needs to be “gutted to the walls” and then will be remodeled for administrative offices or small academic departments.

Regent Jerome Bender said he approved of the property acquisition of the Palmer Music Building because the physical condition of Kishwaukee Hall is “deplorable,” and an improved facility for WNIU and WKDI is needed.

Regents Chancellor Roderick Groves’ report to the Regents states the relocation of these activities would provide for additional needed space which is not available at the current facility.

In addition, the report states that the new facility would provide room for further expansion because NIU has indicated a desire to explore the potential for a second broadcast license.