Preliminary studies of the damage on the top of the Holmes Student Center have revealed the possibility that the entire building might have to be resurfaced, NIU Physical Plant Director John Harrod said.

Although NIU engineers originally planned to complete repairs to the HSC by the end of this semester, unknown and possible extensive damage has called for more comprehensive studies.

However, the first study was “premature,” Harrod said. “We need to do a comprehensive study and find out to what degree is the problem,” he said.

esults of the first study revealed that moisture had been trapped in a 1-inch gap between the brick and the wall, Harrod said.

The moisture was not able to drain properly, and therefore, caused the bricks to fall off, he said. The study also showed that the flashing, which acts as a vapor barrier, was missing.

NIU now will work to hold all the bricks in place by the beginning of winter, and prevent any more damage due to moisture from penetrating the area.

In the early 1980s, the parts of the HSC tower were repaired. However, the damage now is not limited to the tower and might be over the entire surface of the building, Harrod said.

“We need to check over the entire building,” Harrod said.

Currently, NIU is investigating the past building evaluations and repairs, Harrod said.

Depending on the terms of contract with the company who repaired the HSC in the early ‘80s, NIU might take action to have the work redone, he said.

arrod said although he did not know the company responsible for the repairs done in the early ’80s, NIU “is looking at all the options available.”

NIU is working with the engineers to send recommendations to the Board of Regents for approval, he said.

arrod said re-evaluation of the damagesis planned for this fall, which will allow the design phase to be completed by late winter. Bids for the repairs will go out early next semester, and the project should be completed by the end of next semester, he said.

arrod said a more permanent structure will be constructed to keep pedestrians from walking through the danger zone.

As a result of the extended construction time, the Student Association Mass Transit Board voted to keep the Huskie buses running as they have been.

Currently, bus routes 2,6,7, and the Sycamore Shuttle load off Normal Road. Bus routes 3,4, and 5 will use the turn-around on Carroll Avenue.

Phil Kessler, SA services adviser and chair for the MTB, said he wants to keep the system running as it is now. To change the system would confuse the students even more, he said.

Assistant City Manager Gary Boden said he did not see any problem with allowing the buses to run on Normal Road, despite efforts to eliminate traffic in that section of campus.

The problem of health, safety and welfare of the community “outweighs the congestion problem of Carroll and Lucinda avenues,” he said.