UPDATE: Columbia Building Closure Information and Possible Relocation of Classes for Week of Monday, October 30
Chicago, IL (5:30 pm, Thursday, October 26, 2006) -- Columbia College Chicago has developed a contingency plan for the relocation of classes and administrative and student services for the week of Monday, October 30.
A detailed schedule for relocated classes is expected to be completed by Friday afternoon, October 27. Students, faculty, staff and concerned citizens should go to www.colum.edu/students for daily updates on affected classes, as well as temporary locations for student services and administrative offices.
The relocation plan will be put into effect should the city of Chicago's Office of Emergency Management (OEM) determine that the college will not have access to the sidewalks in front of 623 and 619 S. Wabash, directly across from the demolition site of the burned structure at 630 S. Wabash.
The 623 and 619 buildings have been closed since late Tuesday, October 24, when the fire escalated around 4 pm. Classes in the 623 building and administrative functions in 623 and 619 have been suspended since that time.
Columbia's Office of Safety and Security, Campus Environment and other administrative departments have been working closely with OEM officials to monitor the situation as it affects college operations and the safety of the college community.
Late Thursday afternoon, OEM officials informed Columbia administrators that Wabash Avenue between Harrison and Balbo will remain closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic at least through Saturday, October 28, as crews will be working around the clock to demolish the severely fire-damaged structure.
OEM will meet again on Friday, October 27 to assess demolition progress and will advise the college as updates become available.
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