The Wirtz Quadrangle, located between Wirtz Hall and the University Health Center, is about to receive an $85,835 makeover.

The NIU Campus Parking Committee Thursday supported one of three alternate plans for the quadrangle redevelopment, designed to improve the looks of the area as well as to alleviate pedestrian safety problems.

Semmy Ju, associate director of budget and planning, said the area is currently “an eye-sore, which is really embarrassing.” He also said the pedestrian areas in the quadrangle are undefined, but would be improved with each of the three development proposals.

The project is now in the drawing stage. Ju said he would use input from the parking committee as well as other university committees in the final design phase. The project could be completed before the 1987 fall semester, he said.

Of the three alternatives discussed, the first two plans involve the inclusion of a green area between Wirtz Drive and the service drive in front of the health center. The alternatives differ in price and in the number of parking spaces that would be lost.

The second alternative, which was supported by the committee, would cost $85,835.40 and would result in the loss of about 10 to 13 spaces. It would cost $5,835.40 more than the $80,000 budget for the project, which is funded with Build Illinois money, Ju said.

The least expensive design plan, at $57,915.20, was the first alternative discussed. However, this plan would result in the loss of about 36 parking spaces.

The third alternative was more elaborate, involving the construction of new parking spaces and the elimination of the service drive in front of the health center. The $216,403.80 cost of this plan is well above the budget and therefore probably will not be done, Ju said.

The committee also addressed a subcommittee proposal to increase the price of student parking permits from $7 to $13, which would be effective next year. A similar increase was proposed for faculty and staff permits.

Lynn Fraser, campus parking manager, said the permits have brought in $75,000 to date. If the same number of permits is sold under the new rates, $51,000 more would be brought in next year. However, Fraser said it is unlikely the same number of permits would be sold at a higher cost.

Amy Timmerman, student committee member, said, “I don’t think it (the increase) is unreasonable. The committee will not make a decision on this issue until its February meeting.”