SIUC officials are looking to trim the price tag of one of the largest projects in the university’s history.

Representatives from 360 Architecture are working on a less expensive plan for the first phase of Saluki Way – an extensive overhaul of the east side of campus -Athletic Director Mario Moccia said Tuesday.

The first phase is projected at $76 million, and includes building a new football stadium and renovating the SIU Arena. Officials plan to pay for the project with $38 million in student fees and $38 million in private donations.

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As of Monday, $560,000 has been raised in private donations, said Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement Rickey McCurry, SIUC’s chief fundraiser.

Moccia said he has talked extensively with the architects – who have yet to sign their contract for the project – and they think the cost-cutting idea is feasible.

“I think they’re up for the challenge,” he said. “When they really get here and take a look at it, I think that’s when they’ll be able to make some more progress.”

A 360 Architecture representative did not return calls for comment.

SIU President Glenn Poshard said he supports the idea of lowering costs.

“If he (Moccia) tells us that he can do it at a cheaper price, then I have to say, great,” Poshard said. “We’re not going to sacrifice basic need here, but on the other hand, we’re not going to build a Taj Mahal.”

Poshard said the proposed restructuring is not in response to the state of fundraising for the project, plans for which were announced in September 2005.

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“I think some of our biggest potential donors are still out on this,” he said. “We feel like we’ll get there.”

Moccia said he hopes to have blueprints from the architects to show prospective donors by April or May.

“Right now, that’s what we’re waiting for from the architects. We need those tools,” he said. “It’s like an encyclopedia salesman without the books – you’re not going to be successful. But once he gets the books, you’re going to find out pretty quick if he can sell or not. I think we’re going to be pretty successful here, but I need the books.”

Moccia said he has no problem with the status of the fundraising.

“I think it’s about as far as it can be,” he said. “I don’t expect a whole lot of people to give us money just based on a vision in the sky. Most alums, they love the institution, but they’re business people.”

Moccia said he assumed the proposal to raise the student fee for athletic facilities- which are set to pay for half of phase one – by $44 would decrease accordingly if the phase one price decreases.

The SIU Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote on a number of student fee increases at its Feb. 28 meeting in the Student Center.

Moccia said he does not expect the price of phase one to increase, but assumed fees would not rise again if it did.

“If some projections came back more, I certainly wouldn’t think the students would pay more. Our goal is less,” he said.

Phase one also calls for a new student services building, recreational fields and courts, and a facility for core curriculum classes.

Interim Chancellor John Dunn and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Larry Dietz, who both deal with the proposed increases, did not immediately return calls for comment Tuesday.

Moccia said he understands that many students are against spending more in fees, but he hopes they will realize how the new stadiums could help the university.

“Whereas not everybody is a fan, I would hope they’d at least recognize that they are investing in something that is good for the overall university,” he said.

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