Lawrence streets will be temporarily closed for McCollum implosion


Mon, 11/09/2015

author

Erinn Barcomb-Peterson


LAWRENCE — McCollum residence hall at the University of Kansas will be demolished at 9 a.m. Nov. 25, the first day of KU’s Thanksgiving Break.

The 600-foot evacuation perimeter around the implosion site will also include street closings near the vicinity of McCollum Hall from about 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Barricades are expected to be removed, and normal traffic is expected to resume by 10 a.m. Roads that are expected to be closed, or partially closed, include (see map below):

15th and Iowa

  • Iowa Street will be closed from 21st to 15th streets
  • Although the northbound lane of Iowa from 23rd to 21st streets will be open, traffic must exit onto Constant Avenue at 21st Street.
  • The intersection at 15th and Engel Road will be closed.

West Campus
KU’s west campus employees should enter the parking lots from Bob Billings Parkway and Crestline Road or by driving through the Park and Ride lots at 23rd at Iowa Street.

  • There will be barricades at 19th and Constant Avenue and Irving Hill and Constant Avenue.
  • Irving Hill Bridge will be closed, and Irving Hill Road will be blocked from south of Jayhawker Towers to the bridge.

19th Street

  • 19th Street westbound will be closed from Naismith Drive to Constant Avenue.
  • Barricades will be at Bagley Drive, Stewart Avenue, Ellis Drive, Anna Drive and Ousdahl, which will effectively close those streets. Ousdahl residents will be able to exit their homes headed east on 19th St.

A public viewing area, but no scheduled activities, has been designated for the Oliver residence hall parking lot, 19th and Naismith Drive. Oliver and McCarthy Halls will not be open to the public but will be available to residents who have their KU Cards.

Visitors should be aware that the implosion will demolish the building in a matter of seconds; however, the atmosphere will be very dusty for 10 to 15 minutes following the implosion. Those with respiratory ailments should take precautions.

Built in 1965, McCollum Hall has been home to thousands of students. It was replaced by two residence halls, Charles W. Oswald and Madison A. and Lila M. Self, which opened in August.

What happens to McCollum Residence Hall?

  • McCollum’s current location will become a surface parking lot.
  • Furniture or other interior accessories were removed and re-used.
  • The building was abated of any hazardous materials.
  • Metal materials are being recycled.
  • Concrete and masonry materials will be crushed and used for gravel fill for parking lots, road development and other projects.
  • The amount of waste that will be taken to the landfill will be minimized to the greatest extent possible.

 

History of McCollum Residence Hall

  • Located on Daisy Hill at 1800 Engel Road.
  • Opened spring semester 1965.
  • 10 residential floors plus basement.
  • Traditional two-person rooms with built-in closet, dresser and mirror.
  • Original capacity for 910 co-ed residents.
  • Each floor had living and study areas. Large main floor lobby, academic resource center, and living room for studying, recreation, and educational programs.
  • Student kitchen on the first floor.
  • Named for brothers Elmer V. and Burton McCollum, alumni and distinguished scientists who grew up in Lawrence. Elmer discovered vitamins A and D; Burton pioneered the use of seismography mapping for oil drilling companies.

Mon, 11/09/2015

author

Erinn Barcomb-Peterson

Media Contacts

Erinn Barcomb-Peterson

KU News Service

785-864-8858