I am devastated by VCB closing and am mourning as if it would be a death in the family. I have been shopping at VCB several times every year for almost 50 years. The great things I bought there over the years have brought me so much joy. A trip to NIU is not complete without shopping at VCB. To me, NIU without VCB is no longer NIU.

(01-16-2021 04:41 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  I am devastated by VCB closing and am mourning as if it would be a death in the family. I have been shopping at VCB several times every year for almost 50 years. The great things I bought there over the years have brought me so much joy. A trip to NIU is not complete without shopping at VCB. To me, NIU without VCB is no longer NIU.

There's never been a time I've gone to DeKalb without going to the VCB. I'm devastated.

(01-16-2021 01:33 PM)HuskiePride12 Wrote:  So is the sale still on?

I really hope that since VCB is closing (which is really sad as it has been a staple on the campus) that an investor buys the property demos the entire thing and builds apartments on top of store fronts. Allowing for hopefully another NIU store can open there on a smaller scale and then some other food places. Would allow for a smaller amount of stores so There isn’t much vacancy and instantly add to the appearance of Lucinda. Would also allow for more “off campus” housing that isn’t affiliated with the school but right in the heart of campus. Prime location for students.

The whole strip had always looked out of place and somewhat of an eyesore.

Is "more apartments" what NIU needs right now?

I thought the number of apartments was one of the big problems.

Looks like they have stopped online sales. Taking inventory. Must have been a rush on merchandise

Yeah I ordered prior to it closing down, but still no second confirmation email if I actually will be receiving anything.

In addition to just enjoying going to VCB, it was so easy to get to on game day. The university bookstore location is so awkward and a pain for a visitor to park and go to. It's disappointing.

(01-16-2021 10:20 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(01-16-2021 01:33 PM)HuskiePride12 Wrote:  So is the sale still on?

I really hope that since VCB is closing (which is really sad as it has been a staple on the campus) that an investor buys the property demos the entire thing and builds apartments on top of store fronts. Allowing for hopefully another NIU store can open there on a smaller scale and then some other food places. Would allow for a smaller amount of stores so There isn’t much vacancy and instantly add to the appearance of Lucinda. Would also allow for more “off campus” housing that isn’t affiliated with the school but right in the heart of campus. Prime location for students.

The whole strip had always looked out of place and somewhat of an eyesore.

Is "more apartments" what NIU needs right now?

I thought the number of apartments was one of the big problems.

Anything is what NIU needs now

(01-16-2021 10:20 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(01-16-2021 01:33 PM)HuskiePride12 Wrote:  So is the sale still on?

I really hope that since VCB is closing (which is really sad as it has been a staple on the campus) that an investor buys the property demos the entire thing and builds apartments on top of store fronts. Allowing for hopefully another NIU store can open there on a smaller scale and then some other food places. Would allow for a smaller amount of stores so There isn’t much vacancy and instantly add to the appearance of Lucinda. Would also allow for more “off campus” housing that isn’t affiliated with the school but right in the heart of campus. Prime location for students.

The whole strip had always looked out of place and somewhat of an eyesore.

Is "more apartments" what NIU needs right now?

I thought the number of apartments was one of the big problems.

The large number of apartments isn't the problem, the small number of students is. We need to get back over 20k. Step one is the state of Illinois not sucking for several years in a row. Fingers crossed.

(01-16-2021 10:20 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(01-16-2021 01:33 PM)HuskiePride12 Wrote:  So is the sale still on?

I really hope that since VCB is closing (which is really sad as it has been a staple on the campus) that an investor buys the property demos the entire thing and builds apartments on top of store fronts. Allowing for hopefully another NIU store can open there on a smaller scale and then some other food places. Would allow for a smaller amount of stores so There isn’t much vacancy and instantly add to the appearance of Lucinda. Would also allow for more “off campus” housing that isn’t affiliated with the school but right in the heart of campus. Prime location for students.

The whole strip had always looked out of place and somewhat of an eyesore.

Is "more apartments" what NIU needs right now?

I thought the number of apartments was one of the big problems.

More safe apartments are needed. University Plaza is probably the closest to luxury apartments DeKalb has for students and they have waitlists to get in most years even though they're the most expensive. Building expensive apartments on Lucinda would sell out in a heartbeat just so students didn't have to risk their lives on hillcrest everyday.

(01-17-2021 03:48 PM)dogdangit Wrote:  

(01-16-2021 10:20 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(01-16-2021 01:33 PM)HuskiePride12 Wrote:  So is the sale still on?

I really hope that since VCB is closing (which is really sad as it has been a staple on the campus) that an investor buys the property demos the entire thing and builds apartments on top of store fronts. Allowing for hopefully another NIU store can open there on a smaller scale and then some other food places. Would allow for a smaller amount of stores so There isn’t much vacancy and instantly add to the appearance of Lucinda. Would also allow for more “off campus” housing that isn’t affiliated with the school but right in the heart of campus. Prime location for students.

The whole strip had always looked out of place and somewhat of an eyesore.

Is "more apartments" what NIU needs right now?

I thought the number of apartments was one of the big problems.

More safe apartments are needed. University Plaza is probably the closest to luxury apartments DeKalb has for students and they have waitlists to get in most years even though they're the most expensive. Building expensive apartments on Lucinda would sell out in a heartbeat just so students didn't have to risk their lives on hillcrest everyday.

Unless, of course, the Hillcrest trouble makers move into the expensive apartments on Lucinda. Where there is a will, there’s a way.

(01-17-2021 03:48 PM)dogdangit Wrote:  

(01-16-2021 10:20 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(01-16-2021 01:33 PM)HuskiePride12 Wrote:  So is the sale still on?

I really hope that since VCB is closing (which is really sad as it has been a staple on the campus) that an investor buys the property demos the entire thing and builds apartments on top of store fronts. Allowing for hopefully another NIU store can open there on a smaller scale and then some other food places. Would allow for a smaller amount of stores so There isn’t much vacancy and instantly add to the appearance of Lucinda. Would also allow for more “off campus” housing that isn’t affiliated with the school but right in the heart of campus. Prime location for students.

The whole strip had always looked out of place and somewhat of an eyesore.

Is "more apartments" what NIU needs right now?

I thought the number of apartments was one of the big problems.

More safe apartments are needed. University Plaza is probably the closest to luxury apartments DeKalb has for students and they have waitlists to get in most years even though they're the most expensive. Building expensive apartments on Lucinda would sell out in a heartbeat just so students didn't have to risk their lives on hillcrest everyday.

Pappas has built and continues to build more expensive apartments. He has the ones across from Walgreens. He's build more at the old Fourth Street Motors. And, he's buying the DeKalb Municipal Building and will tear it down to build more apartments.

(01-17-2021 08:00 PM)GeorgeBorkFan Wrote:  

(01-17-2021 03:48 PM)dogdangit Wrote:  

(01-16-2021 10:20 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(01-16-2021 01:33 PM)HuskiePride12 Wrote:  So is the sale still on?

I really hope that since VCB is closing (which is really sad as it has been a staple on the campus) that an investor buys the property demos the entire thing and builds apartments on top of store fronts. Allowing for hopefully another NIU store can open there on a smaller scale and then some other food places. Would allow for a smaller amount of stores so There isn’t much vacancy and instantly add to the appearance of Lucinda. Would also allow for more “off campus” housing that isn’t affiliated with the school but right in the heart of campus. Prime location for students.

The whole strip had always looked out of place and somewhat of an eyesore.

Is "more apartments" what NIU needs right now?

I thought the number of apartments was one of the big problems.

More safe apartments are needed. University Plaza is probably the closest to luxury apartments DeKalb has for students and they have waitlists to get in most years even though they're the most expensive. Building expensive apartments on Lucinda would sell out in a heartbeat just so students didn't have to risk their lives on hillcrest everyday.

Pappas has built and continues to build more expensive apartments. He has the ones across from Walgreens. He's build more at the old Fourth Street Motors. And, he's buying the DeKalb Municipal Building and will tear it down to build more apartments.

I find it hard to believe the apartments you are talking about are geared towards students. Rumor has it companies like 3M rent them out for the year to put people in when there are company meetings.

(01-17-2021 12:06 PM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(01-16-2021 10:20 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(01-16-2021 01:33 PM)HuskiePride12 Wrote:  So is the sale still on?

I really hope that since VCB is closing (which is really sad as it has been a staple on the campus) that an investor buys the property demos the entire thing and builds apartments on top of store fronts. Allowing for hopefully another NIU store can open there on a smaller scale and then some other food places. Would allow for a smaller amount of stores so There isn’t much vacancy and instantly add to the appearance of Lucinda. Would also allow for more “off campus” housing that isn’t affiliated with the school but right in the heart of campus. Prime location for students.

The whole strip had always looked out of place and somewhat of an eyesore.

Is "more apartments" what NIU needs right now?

I thought the number of apartments was one of the big problems.

The large number of apartments is the problem, the small number of students is. We need to get back over 20k. Step one is the state of Illinois not sucking for several years in a row. Fingers crossed.

Sure, but building more apartments doesn't solve the problem.

(01-17-2021 03:48 PM)dogdangit Wrote:  

(01-16-2021 10:20 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(01-16-2021 01:33 PM)HuskiePride12 Wrote:  So is the sale still on?

I really hope that since VCB is closing (which is really sad as it has been a staple on the campus) that an investor buys the property demos the entire thing and builds apartments on top of store fronts. Allowing for hopefully another NIU store can open there on a smaller scale and then some other food places. Would allow for a smaller amount of stores so There isn’t much vacancy and instantly add to the appearance of Lucinda. Would also allow for more “off campus” housing that isn’t affiliated with the school but right in the heart of campus. Prime location for students.

The whole strip had always looked out of place and somewhat of an eyesore.

Is "more apartments" what NIU needs right now?

I thought the number of apartments was one of the big problems.

More safe apartments are needed. University Plaza is probably the closest to luxury apartments DeKalb has for students and they have waitlists to get in most years even though they're the most expensive. Building expensive apartments on Lucinda would sell out in a heartbeat just so students didn't have to risk their lives on hillcrest everyday.

It just amazes me the way "luxury" apartments have exploded in recent years.

It's unsustainable, imo.

Btw, I lived for 3 years in the UP and not in the "luxury" suites or whatever they have now. I just don't see how anyone, let alone college students, can afford luxury apartments.

(01-17-2021 09:37 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(01-17-2021 03:48 PM)dogdangit Wrote:  

(01-16-2021 10:20 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(01-16-2021 01:33 PM)HuskiePride12 Wrote:  So is the sale still on?

I really hope that since VCB is closing (which is really sad as it has been a staple on the campus) that an investor buys the property demos the entire thing and builds apartments on top of store fronts. Allowing for hopefully another NIU store can open there on a smaller scale and then some other food places. Would allow for a smaller amount of stores so There isn’t much vacancy and instantly add to the appearance of Lucinda. Would also allow for more “off campus” housing that isn’t affiliated with the school but right in the heart of campus. Prime location for students.

The whole strip had always looked out of place and somewhat of an eyesore.

Is "more apartments" what NIU needs right now?

I thought the number of apartments was one of the big problems.

More safe apartments are needed. University Plaza is probably the closest to luxury apartments DeKalb has for students and they have waitlists to get in most years even though they're the most expensive. Building expensive apartments on Lucinda would sell out in a heartbeat just so students didn't have to risk their lives on hillcrest everyday.

It just amazes me the way "luxury" apartments have exploded in recent years.

It's unsustainable, imo.

Btw, I lived for 3 years in the UP and not in the "luxury" suites or whatever they have now. I just don't see how anyone, let alone college students, can afford luxury apartments.

The Knolls was luxury in my day.

(01-17-2021 09:35 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(01-17-2021 12:06 PM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(01-16-2021 10:20 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(01-16-2021 01:33 PM)HuskiePride12 Wrote:  So is the sale still on?

I really hope that since VCB is closing (which is really sad as it has been a staple on the campus) that an investor buys the property demos the entire thing and builds apartments on top of store fronts. Allowing for hopefully another NIU store can open there on a smaller scale and then some other food places. Would allow for a smaller amount of stores so There isn’t much vacancy and instantly add to the appearance of Lucinda. Would also allow for more “off campus” housing that isn’t affiliated with the school but right in the heart of campus. Prime location for students.

The whole strip had always looked out of place and somewhat of an eyesore.

Is "more apartments" what NIU needs right now?

I thought the number of apartments was one of the big problems.

The large number of apartments is the problem, the small number of students is. We need to get back over 20k. Step one is the state of Illinois not sucking for several years in a row. Fingers crossed.

Sure, but building more apartments doesn't solve the problem.

Building more units on the outskirts of campus, no. Building the Shodeen-proposed luxury units on Lincoln Highway, yes. We need to finish off the downtown, and do it right. Necessary for the first time potential visitor-parents as they do their quickie drive through.

(01-17-2021 11:16 PM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(01-17-2021 09:35 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(01-17-2021 12:06 PM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(01-16-2021 10:20 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(01-16-2021 01:33 PM)HuskiePride12 Wrote:  So is the sale still on?

I really hope that since VCB is closing (which is really sad as it has been a staple on the campus) that an investor buys the property demos the entire thing and builds apartments on top of store fronts. Allowing for hopefully another NIU store can open there on a smaller scale and then some other food places. Would allow for a smaller amount of stores so There isn’t much vacancy and instantly add to the appearance of Lucinda. Would also allow for more “off campus” housing that isn’t affiliated with the school but right in the heart of campus. Prime location for students.

The whole strip had always looked out of place and somewhat of an eyesore.

Is "more apartments" what NIU needs right now?

I thought the number of apartments was one of the big problems.

The large number of apartments is the problem, the small number of students is. We need to get back over 20k. Step one is the state of Illinois not sucking for several years in a row. Fingers crossed.

Sure, but building more apartments doesn't solve the problem.

Building more units on the outskirts of campus, no. Building the Shodeen-proposed luxury units on Lincoln Highway, yes. We need to finish off the downtown, and do it right. Necessary for the first time potential visitor-parents as they do their quickie drive through.

And what happens when those places struggle to fill vacancies?

(01-15-2021 08:56 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(01-14-2021 07:44 PM)NIUfrankie Wrote:  Too bad Niu has the worst logo and marketing department in D1

Marketing department maybe, but NIU has several great logos. Great color scheme. Great brand. The only logo I avoid is the 3 dogs.

The niu is good. They don’t push it you get a split between the semi pro looking 2000ish dog and niu. No media marketing push gets you no. Illinois on tv. Embarrassing.

(01-17-2021 11:48 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(01-17-2021 11:16 PM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(01-17-2021 09:35 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(01-17-2021 12:06 PM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(01-16-2021 10:20 PM)Big Red Wrote:  Is "more apartments" what NIU needs right now?

I thought the number of apartments was one of the big problems.

The large number of apartments is the problem, the small number of students is. We need to get back over 20k. Step one is the state of Illinois not sucking for several years in a row. Fingers crossed.

Sure, but building more apartments doesn't solve the problem.

Building more units on the outskirts of campus, no. Building the Shodeen-proposed luxury units on Lincoln Highway, yes. We need to finish off the downtown, and do it right. Necessary for the first time potential visitor-parents as they do their quickie drive through.

And what happens when those places struggle to fill vacancies?

Section 8

(01-18-2021 12:22 AM)NIUfrankie Wrote:  

(01-15-2021 08:56 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(01-14-2021 07:44 PM)NIUfrankie Wrote:  Too bad Niu has the worst logo and marketing department in D1

Marketing department maybe, but NIU has several great logos. Great color scheme. Great brand. The only logo I avoid is the 3 dogs.

The niu is good. They don’t push it you get a split between the semi pro looking 2000ish dog and niu. No media marketing push gets you no. Illinois on tv. Embarrassing.

What is the official "stance" or institution position on this?

I'm fully on board with going 100% "NIU". But I'm not sure exactly what the university and/or athletic department wants and/or demands from the media.

(01-17-2021 09:37 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(01-17-2021 03:48 PM)dogdangit Wrote:  

(01-16-2021 10:20 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(01-16-2021 01:33 PM)HuskiePride12 Wrote:  So is the sale still on?

I really hope that since VCB is closing (which is really sad as it has been a staple on the campus) that an investor buys the property demos the entire thing and builds apartments on top of store fronts. Allowing for hopefully another NIU store can open there on a smaller scale and then some other food places. Would allow for a smaller amount of stores so There isn’t much vacancy and instantly add to the appearance of Lucinda. Would also allow for more “off campus” housing that isn’t affiliated with the school but right in the heart of campus. Prime location for students.

The whole strip had always looked out of place and somewhat of an eyesore.

Is "more apartments" what NIU needs right now?

I thought the number of apartments was one of the big problems.

More safe apartments are needed. University Plaza is probably the closest to luxury apartments DeKalb has for students and they have waitlists to get in most years even though they're the most expensive. Building expensive apartments on Lucinda would sell out in a heartbeat just so students didn't have to risk their lives on hillcrest everyday.

It just amazes me the way "luxury" apartments have exploded in recent years.

It's unsustainable, imo.

Btw, I lived for 3 years in the UP and not in the "luxury" suites or whatever they have now. I just don't see how anyone, let alone college students, can afford luxury apartments.

I was a University Plaza resident in the 80s---by far the nicest and ahead of their time with the individual bathrooms, etc considering it was built in the 60s.

THEN about six-seven years ago ownership sold to a big box company--and renovated beautiful BUT NOT among the most expensive---my son stayed there the year after the renovation---some nostalgia--BUT not the best play to stay. He continually told my wife and I that he was scared to even walk from the parking lot to the door.