June 3, 2004
For Immediate Release
To: News Directors and News Editors
From: Veronika Avery, Assistant Director of Media Relations, 342-5444

Olin Hall Could Come Down This Fall

Olin Hall, built in the late 1960's, has been a landmark on the campus of the University of Louisiana at Monroe for years. The now obsolete building, which many ULM male students have called "home" will likely be imploded this fall. Neither the exact method of demolition or the date has been determined, but Sept. 25 or Oct. 16 are two possibilities for a possible destruction.

Both dates fall on the days of ULM home games. Arkansas State University is scheduled to play at Malone Stadium on Sept. 25 and Florida International is scheduled for Oct. 16.

Vice President for Business Affairs at ULM Dr. Nick Bruno said plans to bring down Olin have been in the works for months. "The building has not housed students since Fall 2000 due to its deteriorating condition. The removal of Olin will contribute to the university's plan to systematically reconfigure the campus appearance."

Most of the negotiations and planning for Olin's demolition were handled by the state. Anderson Excavators of Omaha, Nebraska holds the contract for the demolition work, and Bruno said representatives of the company could arrive on campus within the next month to begin planning the demolition.

Other buildings are scheduled for demolition this summer, including Sherrouse and Hudson Halls. A firm date has not been set for the demolitions.

Renovations on Madison and Ouachita halls will begin this summer.