While walking from the Financial Aid office to the North Campus Main Building, or vice versa, students, faculty and staff will undoubtedly notice that the North Campus Classroom Building has been demolished.

On behalf of the campus administration, President John L. Crain wrote to the University of Louisiana System (ULS) and asked for approval for the demolition on Feb 7, 2011. In his letter Crain described the building as having “sick building syndrome,” which he characterized as extensive mold and mildew problems.

These problems posed a serious health risk and were caused by several major leaks and heating, ventilation and air conditioning problems. The building was in desperate need of repairs and renovations to remain functional.

However, the university concluded that the cost of maintaining the building was too high.

“This building configuration does not adapt to other space needs, and the cost to repair and reconfigure the building for a useful purpose exceeds the cost of new construction,” stated Crain. “Finally, the building has no architectural or historical significance and could present a liability as a health hazard.”  

The demolition was approved by the ULS on Feb 25, 2011, began in June and took about 30 days to complete. Workers from the Office of Physical Plant Services began the deconstruction by tearing down the walls and their metal supports, leaving only the concrete foundation. Once the foundation is cleared away, the site will be leveled off and seeded.

According to Director of Physical Planning Kenneth Howe, there are no plans to replace the building at this time and there will be no interruption of classes or services because of the project.

The 8,754 square foot steel building was built in 1983 as part of the Parish School System.  It was assimilated into Southeastern’s campus in 1993. Before the demolition, only a few offices and a phone bank/call center occupied the building. These functions were relocated to the North Campus Main Building.