BOZEMAN – A day after the roof collapsed on the South Gym of the Marga Hosaeus Fitness Center at Montana State University, officials are reportedly concerned about a second building.
On Friday, almost two dozen structural engineers from companies across southwest Montana were commissioned to evaluate more than 30 flat-roofed buildings on campus.
According to MSU, there are no concerns about the stability of other buildings on campus outside of the fitness center area.
A team has also worked on the roof of the North Gym of the fitness center, which is adjacent and connected to the collapsed roof in the South Gym. Officials said the North Gym is part of the same structure and was built at the same time using the same methods and type of materials as the South Gym.
An assessment of its structure indicates the North Gym’s roof is likely to fail as well.
In a press release, officials stated: “There is no reliable way to predict when–or if–a failure may happen, but the university is preparing for this possibility.”
Officials said utilities will be isolated to prevent disruptions and a team will continue to monitor and assess the surrounding portions of the fitness center.
Grant Street past the fitness center is now closed.
The fitness center, including the Shroyer Gym, remains closed at this time. All activities and classes in the building are canceled for Friday.
Classes based in the building have been rescheduled and relocated through March 15. Students and instructors will be contacted by email with the details of the course changes.
The Brick Breeden Fieldhouse remains open. Its structure has been assessed and determined to be safe. Please note that, for the time being, only the south entrance is open. The north and west doors are closed.
Saturday’s basketball game against Portland State will go on as planned.
-Reported by Ken Spencer/MTN News
