The multitude of construction projects on campus now has an order of financial priority.

That’s the result of the Board of Trustees Finance, Facilities and Operations Committee, which met Friday to discuss budget reports and current construction projects.

For the capital improvements requests, the Stevens building renovation is the first priority.

The second priority is Barsema Hall, the new college of business building. The foundation and the entire steel frame for the body of the building have been constructed; the concrete floor decks should be poured next month.

According to the meeting agenda, selections of the finishing touches, audio-visual equipment and furnishings are being finalized to complete the interior of the building. It should be ready to use next fall.

Eddie Williams, senior vice president of finance and facilities, said he talked to Stacy Barsema, wife of donor and alumnus Dennis Barsema, who said this was one of the few projects she’s seen working on schedule.

“We are very pleased about that,” Williams said.

For the arena, excavation of the lower level of the complex is complete. The concrete floor for the office wing is 90 percent complete. The building is still on schedule and should be ready in late summer 2002.

At the last meeting, the board approved the construction of a North Forty Utility Tunnel. They wanted to extend the existing tunnel, which serves the Engineering Building, to also serve Barsema Hall and beyond. The budget for the tunnel will increase $245,100 to a new cost of $887,600.

The cost has been increased because of the tunnel depth at the tie-in to the existing tunnel. Safety preparations also should be taken to prevent cave-ins and working around utility lines that need excavation with machinery, some hard excavation and utility support during construction.

No alternative approach can be taken and original approval level can be funded from existing capital renewal funds.

“The financial situation is in very good shape,” NIU President John Peters said. “We’re making every dime count.”