Barge Hall will continue to be closed for the week of February 22-26 while the university assesses damage caused when a fire suppression system failure last Saturday (February 13) resulted in significant flooding throughout the east end of the historic structure.

Since the failure was discovered, the Facilities Management Department (FMD) has been continuously working to clean-up the building and ensure it will be safe for re-entry. As part of that process, water was drained and extracted from walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture.

Complete damage will not be identifiable until all materials are dry. This process may take another week. The Department of Information Services has identified affected electrical equipment and this equipment is also being evaluated.

The Capital Team is working through Cabinet to procure emergency funds from the state for repairs. An architectural and engineering consulting firm will need to be brought in to ensure there was no structural damage. This firm also will be required to have qualified team members who can properly address the historic nature of Barge Hall, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For more information contact Shane Scott, Associate Vice President, Campus Planning and Facilities Management, shane.scott@cwu.edu, 509-963-1289.