Purdue News

December 11, 1998 University Hall cupola will stay put WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Purdue University workers have made temporary repairs that will allow the University Hall cupola to remain atop the wind-damaged building until permanent repairs are completed. Download Photo Here "We've already started repairs on the roof," said Joseph Woody, construction superintendent for physical facilities. "We've braced the cupola, and it looks like it will be able to stay in place. We expect to have the hole in roof covered with sheathing today (Friday, 12/11) and have the roof weathertight over the weekend." High winds Sunday evening (12/6) stripped away about one-quarter of the building's roof and damaged the cupola. A broken water-sprinkler pipe caused water damage throughout the building. Physical facilities staff initially thought the cupola would have to be removed for permanent repairs, but further inspection showed that the work could be done with the unique structure in place. Classes and final exams scheduled for the building's 16 classrooms were reassigned to other facilities after the wind damage. Faculty and staff with offices in University Hall were able to return to the building Wednesday (12/9). Classrooms will reopen Jan. 11 at the start of the spring semester. University Hall, completed in 1877, is the oldest surviving building on the West Lafayette campus. The Victorian-style, spired building overlooks Memorial Mall and the gravesite of the university's founding benefactor, John Purdue. In addition to classrooms, the building houses the Department of History. Source: Joseph Woody, (765) 494-7342 Writer: J. Michael Willis, (765) 494-0371; e-mail, mike_willis@purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page