[citation needed] This three million dollar project was completed at the end of 2001 and received final inspection February 2002.

It stands in the median of McKinley Avenue on University Green, the northern quadrangle of campus.

A narrow staircase in the tower leads to the control room of the carillon, which has 48 custom-made bells.

If manual operation is not desired, Shafer Tower is also ready to play over a hundred of already programmed songs.

Completion was delayed as a result, however Ball State University didn't have to pay any reconstruction cost.