An unknown number of people vandalized drywall last weekend in the new Human Services Building, causing $1,600 in damage.

The vandal, or vandals, kicked and poked multiple holes into drywall on the first and second floors of the new building, which is located between Thomas and Klehm halls.

Mike Carter Sr., a project coordinator for Human Services, said the vandalism will stall progress for at least three days.

“We have to put on three layers of drywall mud and tape, and each layer will need one day to set,” Carter said. “Right now, we’re cutting and patching.”

First-floor damage, which will be the future site of Clinical Services and Career Services, consisted of at least four holes created by a boot.

“Looks about a size 11 boot to me,” Carter jokingly said while pointing out a section of drywall that had been crushed.

The vandal(s) reached the second floor and put at least 10 indentations in the drywall with a broom or stick. Carter said the object was confiscated by the University Police Department when it investigated the incident Monday morning.

The gates surrounding Human Services are fenced off when work concludes for the weekend, but Carter said a co-worker told him a section of fence had been pulled down in the northeast section that borders Seventh Street.

Carol Strode, interim director of facilities planning and management, said she doesn’t understand why a person would tear up a building, new or old.

“The reason for such types of vandalism will remain a mystery until the individual or individuals are caught and questioned,” Strode said.

The UPD filed a police report Monday afternoon, but the chances of finding the vandal is slim.

“There is no way to know what time it was – it was over the weekend,” said Art Mitchell, an officer from the UPD. “There is going to be an ongoing investigation.”

The pushed back date will prevent Hannig Construction workers from finishing floor work, but the setbacks are minor, Carter said.

“It’s not a big deal, but we have enough problems already,” he said. “There’s no way to secure (Human Services). If someone wants to get in, they’ll get in until we get doors and windows.”