North Carolina Central University has seen the cost of renovating its main campus dining hall, Pearson Cafeteria, more than double because officials neglected to account for some state code requirements

FM Staff

North Carolina Central University has seen the cost of renovating its main campus dining hall, Pearson Cafeteria, more than double because officials neglected to account for some state code requirements, reports the Raleigh News & Observer. Officials had initially submitted an $840,000 budget request submitted to NCCU trustees last year, who approved it. However, the request didn’t factor in required components like a sprinkler system, fire alarm or parking for the handicapped. As a result, the project’s budget has more than doubled, with trustees recently approving a second, $1 million expenditure. The change in plans will mean a five-month delay in opening the renovated facility. It had been planned for this November but will now likely open next April. Meanwhile, students are being served from a temporary 350-seat facility that is costing the university $45,000 a month to rent.