NCCU to repair, expand Chidley

DURHAM -- N.C. Central University plans to spend at least $30 million to repair and expand Chidley Hall, a decrepit but beloved dorm that closed a couple of years ago.

University planners once expected to tear down the brick building, but students and alumni objected.

The project is expected to be complete by fall 2010. It will provide 714 beds for students; currently, 1,000 or more students are on a waiting list for campus bed spaces.

The university has $30 million in authorized funding for the project, and Zack Abegunrin, NCCU's facilities chief, believes the project can be completed at that price.

But a consultant that assessed Chidley recently puts the price far higher — $48.8 million — citing extensive renovations and the desire to change the traditional two-students-per-room configuration to a suite-style setup.

If the costs exceed the budgeted $30 million, the plan may have to be scaled back, Abegunrin said.

Chidley is actually two buildings, a main dormitory building and an annex added later. The main building will be renovated, while the annex will be demolished. A new dorm is planned to replace the annex. It also will feature suite-style living popular with college students.