Upgrades to Campus Recreation Center East moved a step closer to reality with the Board of Trustees approving a bid for renovation work from Williams Brothers of Peoria, Ill.

The board approved the bid from Williams Brothers, the lowest bid they received, at its Springfield meeting last Thursday.

"They've done a lot of work here, so the campus is familiar with them," said Gary Miller, associate director of operations with the Division of Campus Recreation.

The next step is to send the contracts and the notice to proceed to William's Brothers, who will then begin construction on CRCE.

"It usually takes 30 days but we're trying to get it shorter," Miller said.

CRCE's renovations and the first phase of updating facilities at IMPE, Gym 1, will be completed during the fall 2004 semester. Renovations on the rest of IMPE will start when the first phase is finished.

"Once (the full renovation) begins, IMPE will be closed," said Adam Wolgamot, customer service representative for the Division of Campus Recreation.

Many people who regularly used CRCE have been coming to IMPE, Wolgamot said.

"They ask a lot of questions, like where things are, because they aren't used to it," he said.

Andrew Brown, senior in LAS, said he has started going to IMPE to work out even though he lives in an apartment in Urbana.

"I love WIMPE and I'm sad it's closed, but that doesn't stop me from working out," said Brown.

Brown also said it was inconvenient exercising at IMPE before they brought over the strength and conditioning equipment, particularly the free weights.

"It's a really nice place but it's hard to come here at night (from FAR)," said Joon-Soo Kyu, junior in engineering. "I usually take my friend's bike because the (22 Illini bus route) takes so long."

Blake Beanblossom, a graduate student, doesn't like having to come to IMPE to work out.

"CRCE had its own atmosphere, and was better organized," Beanblossom said. "IMPE is very macho-ish. I used to go out of my way to go to CRCE, now I don't have that choice."

Miller said he thinks students will be excited when renovation of CRCE is complete. As a result of CRCE's upgrades, the building will triple in square feet, feature a leisure pool and a slide, a spa, sun deck, three racquetball courts, three basketball courts, fitness areas, more multi-purpose activity rooms and courts, and locker rooms.

But Beanblossom and Brown said they won't be able to take advantage of the improvements to CRCE as they will likely graduate before the construction is completed.