07-10-05
Knapp-Storms Implosion
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the implosion?
Iowa State plans to implode Knapp Hall and Storms Hall on July 19
at approximately 10 a.m. The exact date is subject to change by the
contractor. Watch for updates at:
http://www.public.iastate.edu/~nscentral and
http://www.fpm.iastate.edu/Knapp-Storms.
How can the public view the implosion?
On television, online (via a delayed video stream on the ISU web
site), or in person.
ISU does not encourage spectators at the demolition site, but we
know that implosions are not everyday events, and many people will
want to watch. Interest in the Knapp-Storms implosion is especially
high because these two residence halls have been "home" to
approximately 42,000 occupants since 1966.
The public will be allowed to view the implosion a safe distance
away from the site -- either to the east or west of the Towers,
depending on weather conditions and wind.
Where can the general public park?
Spectators may park at the Iowa State Center lots. There will be
NO PARKING near the viewing area, and traffic will be restricted
throughout the Campustown area. Hayward Avenue will be closed between
Mortensen Road and Little Street; Welch Avenue will be closed south of
Little Street; Stanton Avenue will be closed south of Baker Street;
and Storm and Donald streets will be closed west of Lynn Avenue.
Mortensen Road will close from Ash to State at 9:45 a.m. on July 19
until the "all clear" is sounded at approximately 10:15 a.m.
How early may the general public arrive?
General public will be allowed on site after daylight on Tuesday,
July 19. University policy prohibits alcohol and overnight camping on
the premises.
Please note there are no restroom facilities at the demolition
site.
Why are these buildings being demolished?
Both buildings have significant deferred maintenance, including
irreparable fagade damage. Storms closed in 2003 and Knapp closed in
2004. They are two of four residence halls in the Towers neighborhood
on the ISU campus. Wallace and Wilson halls and the Knapp-Storms
commons area will remain.
What is being done to prepare the buildings for implosion?
- All furnishings, tile, plaster, doors, fixtures, carpeting,
lights, smoke detectors, pipes and electrical wiring have been
removed. Essentially, the buildings are concrete "shells."
- Key structural supports are being exposed and interior
walls are being removed.
- More than 1,000 small holes are being drilled at specific
locations. Explosives will be placed inside the holes and equipped
with internal, non-electric timing devices that will fire on cue.
Once these "charges" have been placed, they will be covered to prevent
flying debris.
- Explosives will be brought on site 48 to 72 hours before
the event. Once the explosives are on site, Iowa State University
Police and the Ames Police Department will secure the site.
- Final wiring will occur the morning of the implosion.
What's the implosion plan?
The towers will implode almost simultaneously. There will be a
planned, slight delay between the implosion of the first tower and the
second. The implosion will cause the interior structure of each tower
to rotate outward and away from the commons food service facility
between the two towers. Knapp Hall will collapse to the east and
Storms Hall will collapse to the west.
How long will the implosion take?
Less than 60 seconds.
What will it cost?
Key components of the project break down as follows (all figures
are approximate):
- Removal of furnishings: $35,000
- Hazardous material abatement: $1 million
- Demolition, hauling and site grading: $1.475 million
- Replacement of boilers and piping in the commons:
$440,000
What will be left after the implosion?
A pile of rubble approximately 40 feet tall will remain for each
tower. The contractor immediately will begin to remove the debris, a
process that is expected to last for five weeks. Most of the
demolition debris will be concrete, which the university will store
and later crush into gravel to be used as base material in driveways
and parking areas at the new dairy facility south of Ames. The
remaining demolition debris belongs to the contractor, who typically
recycles eligible materials and landfills what's left.
Will there be dust?
Heavy dust may linger in the area for four to six minutes. If you
find dust uncomfortable or irritating, or if you have any respiratory
conditions that would be aggravated by dust, please do not come to the
site.
What's the plan for the building site?
The site will be returned to green space, including grass, trees
and additional sidewalks to provide access to the food service
facility in the Knapp-Storms commons.
Are the Towers the tallest buildings in Ames?
Almost. The tallest building in Ames is an apartment building at
119 Stanton that stands 131.4 feet. The Towers buildings are the
tallest on campus, at 129 feet.
Who is the contractor?
The general contractor is Peterson Contractors Inc., of Reinbeck,
Iowa. The implosion subcontractor for the project is Controlled
Demolition, Inc., of Phoenix, Maryland.
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