The Early Learning Center is scheduled to close for the summer due to the demolition of Bishop Hall.
Facilities Management Associate Vice President Joe Haupt explained that they do facilities condition assessments to assess everything that needs to be done in a building to make it safe and usable. According to Bishop’s assessment, it would cost more money to repair the building than demolish it, so it is beyond its useful for the university.
The hall used to be home to the Early Learning Center but hasn’t been used since August when they moved into their new facility next door. Since the ELC is in such close proximity to Bishop, they will be closed during the demolition, starting on May 3.
“We didn’t want the potential for anyone to get hurt while the demolition activities are going on,” Haupt said. “The likelihood of that happening is very small but we want to eliminate all possibilities.”
The first step of the demolition process was removing and redistributing all furniture from the building to other departments on campus, so this was done over the last two weeks.
Since there is asbestos in the building, it must be removed before demolition can begin. The process of removing the asbestos will begin in the middle of March and is planned to be completed by May 10.
After the asbestos removal, local law enforcement will use the facility for training.
“Most of the time those departments don’t have a facility like Bishop for them to properly train their staff for active shooter situations or breaking into a locked space,” Haupt said. “It’s a unique opportunity for Ferris to give back to those law enforcement that are on campus or in the community and give them the treatment they need.”
These trainings will take place May 13 through May 17, with demolition planned to begin May 20 and finish at the end of July. The area will then be converted into a green space for students to enjoy when they return in the fall. The ELC currently plans to reopen at the beginning of the fall semester.
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