Cash and Burn

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It was quite a week for everyone invested in the new Marquette University Law School.
Fundraising for the project crept closer to its $85 million goal with the announcement that the Northwestern Mutual Foundation (NMF) pledged $1 million on Feb. 6.

But four days later, anyone associated with the construction likely held their collective breaths after a fire broke out on the site at 13th and Clybourn streets.

The propane blaze was quickly contained by firefighters and no lasting damage was reported. Construction resumed and Eckstein Hall is expected to be ready as planned for the fall 2010 semester.

For Law School Dean Joseph D. Kearney the last seven days were a rollercoaster.

“Things could have been a lot worse,” said Kearney, who visited the site the day of the fire.

While the financial impact of the fire, if any, is unknown, Kearney said the fire was outside the shell of the building.

Any significant damage to the site, which consists of mainly underground construction of parking space at this point, could have made future fundraising troublesome.

Kearney conceded that the economy has likely slowed contributions, but he is hopeful that the entire cost of the project can be raised by 2010. So far, approximately $67 million has been raised for the new law school.

Officials from Marquette had been in contact with NMF for almost a year, said Kearney, but it was worth the wait.

“They are one of those companies not in the business of taking big risks, so if there was any doubt in the matter, there is no question they would not be doing it,” said Kearney, who added that no similar pledges are pending.

Officials remain in touch with several potential donors, Kearney said.

“Nothing is imminent, but we’re ever hopeful,” Kearney said.