The repair bill could reach half-a-million dollars. North Dakota State University has filed a $500,000 insurance claim after the collapse of a portion of the oldest building on campus this weekend.
Construction crews worked until 1:00 Monday morning to refill the 25-foot pit near Minard hall. It was recently dug out in order to lay foundation for a new $18-million addition. It became the reason the northwest wing of the building collapse to the ground.
Bruce Franz, director facilities management told us, "If the pit hadn't been there we wouldn't be experiencing this at all." He says this is the first step in shoring up this building.
"Tomorrow we're going to send some folks up in a bucket to take a closer look at the structural beams," Franz said. "At this point it's still in good shape. But we don't want to risk it not being in good shape."
They're going to try to place large clamps on the end of the beams to maintain the roof's integrity. Next they will try to stabilize the walls of the building.
The professors won't be able to go back to their offices, but faculty and staff are hoping they'll still be able to retrieve some of their personal items, like books. Franz says it's fortunate the damage was limited to one wing of the building.
Experts say the rest of the building is completely stable; they're trying to get the classrooms ready for spring semester. The spring semester begins January 11. Officials hope to hold classes in the undamaged portion of the building by then.
