By TORI SCHNAUFER
Student Reporter
Northwestern administrators envision a major renovation and overhaul to the campus mall area over the next few years.
Vice President of Administration David Pecha said the biggest hurdle yet to overcome is acquiring the money necessary for such a large makeover. Pecha said, “We have some private donors but are not able to start right now.”
According to Pecha, there are plans for a new clock tower, a new smaller fountain and a gazebo in the area starting on the west side of the Education Center and ending on the east side of Jesse Dunn Hall.
Although plans have been made, the process is just in its beginning stages.
“We are working with an architect to get the layout formed, but there are a couple smaller projects that have to be done before we can start with the mall area — starting with the windows of the Fine Arts building. They need to be replaced so we do not have to worry about bringing in large equipment,” said Pecha.
Students want to know what will happen with the dry abandoned fountain in front of the library.
Sophomore Don Holly said, “The fountain is a good idea, but that’s all it is — a good idea. There is so much more that space could be used for. With all due respect the fountain is just an eyesore.”
The fountain is a piece of Northwestern’s history. It was a centennial project for the Northwestern class of 1998. Pecha said, “We plan on keeping the historical pieces from the fountain now and incorporating that into our new plans.” Stories of the legendary fountain still float around campus but not many students have never actually seen it run.
“It is in disrepair and has lived beyond its years,”