A new sprinkler system is being installed in Mulvane Science Hall.
“We really had no choice,” Director of Physical Plant Gary Walbridge said. “They could have just shut the building down.”
Walbridge said the building is not in compliance with fire codes and the university has been requested to make changes to meet those codes for about three years. While the original plan was to add to the building, the budget deficit does not allow for such extensive changes.
The administration decided last summer to add sprinklers over the main stairway in the building to comply with fire codes.
Walbridge said a majority of the work will be completed over winter break, and remaining work will be completed around class schedules.