Durham, N.C. — Noth Carolina Central University will spend $650,000 to repair its aging student union, a building that is scheduled to be torn down in 2012.

Chancellor Charlie Nelms told members of the N.C. Central Board of Trustees Executive Committee Tuesday that  significant repairs to the Alphonso Elder Student Union are needed immediately, despite the fact that the building, which opened in 1968, faces demolition.

According to a proposal presented by Louis Velez, assistant vice chancellor and dean of students, and Constance Roberson, director of the student union, the building needs several new air handling units and new pipes to replace rusted pipes above the student union's bookstore ceiling.

"The age of the building with no major renovations has generated the need to repair the HVAC, electrical systems, asbestos abatement, and plumbing," the proposal stated.