Lumpkin flood repairs could cost up to $235,000

Lumpkin Hall was damaged in January when a burst pipe on the 3000-level and sprayed thousands of gallons of water into the basement. The flooding led to the cancellation or relocation of all classes on the 1000- and 2000-level floors.

The flood did extensive damage to the carpet, computers, desks and other school equipment.

Now, almost two months later, Steve Shrake, associate director of design and construction for Facilities Planning and Management, has an estimated cost for the repairs.

“The estimated cost for the lower level of Lumpkin Hall can run up to $235,000,” Shrake said. “We get a $25,000 deductible that will be covered by the insurance.”

The $25,000 deductible will not cover all of the costs and it will cost Eastern around $200,000 to repair the damage from the flood.

Since the flood, classes were relocated to the basement of McAfee Gym and Coleman Hall. It was supposed to be a temporary move, but the damage was worse than expected.

“I don’t believe the classes will be back before the end of the semester since everyone has settled into their temporary locations,” Shrake said. “Carpet is the longest lead item and that won’t be here before April.”

Many classes had to be relocated, and some were canceled because necessary equipment was damaged in the flood. The equipment that was damaged in the flood will be replaced before the fall semester so classes can resume.

The pipes in Lumpkin froze over winter break. When the building was reheated at the start of the semester, the pipe thawed, leading to the flood.

Dan Somenek can be reached at 581-7942 or ddsomenek@eiu.edu.