Wrap-up of roof repairs is expected shortly and some construction noise will persist until they are finished, but disruption inside Fulkerson will be minimal.
Crews are also completing installation of a dimmer system in connection with the student-led Humboldt Energy Independence Fund project. All of Fulkerson’s lighting is operational except for stage lighting reliant on the dimmer. Pending completion of that work, performances will be suspended, but hall and stage facilities will be open for instruction effective Sept. 23.
For safety reasons, university officials closed the hall immediately in late August when an engineer discovered a cracked truss (beam), possibly caused by seismic activity. The discovery prompted a parallel inspection of other buildings and revealed no issues. Facilities are inspected regularly.
Originally the Fulkerson repairs were projected to take four-to-six weeks but the design and construction planning and resulting work proceeded swiftly, allowing the earlier reopening. Estimated costs are $200,000.