The University News

Issue date: 12/4/06 Section: News

Media Credit: Mohammad Al-Kassim Asbestos removal continues at Twin Oaks. Demolition should begin before next semester.

Students hoping to snap photos of the wrecking ball at work on Twin Oaks before the end of the semester will have to wait. The demolition, originally scheduled for the first weeks of December, has been pushed back slightly.

"The project is on schedule, but the order in which things happen has changed," said Bob Simmons, director of Campus Facilities. "When students return from the break, they can expect to see the wrecking ball already in action."

The demolition of Twin Oaks is complicated by the presence of asbestos. Workers must wear protective suits and masks when they are inside the areas of containment. Window coverings are pushed outwards to create lower air pressure inside, guarding against any potential leaks. In areas where the windows are open to the elements, abatement of the asbestos has already been completed.

"The abatement of the asbestos is ahead of schedule," said Simmons. "That is why the parking decks haven't been dug up yet. It was decided to keep working on the asbestos instead."

Twin Oaks will be replaced by the Oak Street West residence, with space for more than 500 students. The new housing is scheduled to open in fall 2008.

dsimons@unews.com

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