An NIU official said it is unclear what effect construction of a new science building will have on NIU’s parking situation.

Gov. Jim Edgar released money for the long-awaited Faraday II project Monday and NIU officials said they hoped to be building by April.

The new structure will be built next to Faraday Hall and will eliminate the parking lot between Faraday and the Psychology Building.

Eddie Williams, vice president of Finance and Planning, said the effect on parking is not yet known, but the elimination of the lot is being taken into consideration under NIU’s parking study. Walker Construction was on campus Tuesday to do a study on the parking needs at NIU.

“The effect on future areas of development is all being considered,” Williams said.

Funds for construction of the new engineering building remain frozen. The proposed building will be located north of Anderson Hall, having a minimal effect on parking, Williams said.

Williams also said the state actually saved money by waiting to release the funds. “The economy has resulted in some excellent bids,” he said. The lack of construction due to the recession is making the bidding process more competitive.

NIU has seen bids on some of its smaller projects come back 15 to 20 percent lower than original estimates, he said. “We are encouraged that inflation didn’t hurt us.”

Faraday II will provide new instructional space for physics and chemistry students. The 115,000 square foot building will add 39 laboratories and 45 offices as well as two large lecture

halls.

NIU hopes to complete construction by early 1994. The bidding process can start within 60 days with help of the Capital Development Board, he said.

The state is providing all of the funds for the $21 million facility. Faraday II will be the first state-funded building at NIU since Founders Memorial Library was erected in 1973.