Mayo Hall is saying good-bye to Texas A&M University. Unfortunately for the 72-year-old building, administration has decided the only option the building has is to be torn down.
“Through the years, the administration has explored options to re-use it. In 2003, there was a study prepared by VAI Architects to adaptively re-use it for faculty housing,” Jim Patton, facilities project manager, said.
The estimated cost to get rid of the hazardous materials and renovate the building was in the range of $3 to $4 million. The architects reviewed and updated their 2003 study last year and the costs had gone up from their previous estimate.
“After consulting with the State and System Offices, the president determined that it wasn’t economically feasible to try to renovate the building,” Patton said.
Because of the age of the building there were a number of problems with hazardous materials such as floor covering, pipe insulation, and roofing materials contained asbestos. Asbestos, according to the National Safety Council, is a natural fiber that can pollute air or water and can cause cancer or asbestosis, scarring of the lungs, when inhaled. The EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, has banned its use in manufacturing and construction.
“Almost all of the paint on the walls, ceilings, windows, doors and wood trim were painted with lead-containing paint. As of last Friday, the elimination of those materials was complete, so they are no longer a problem,” Patton said.
As for students on campus, there are no hazardous materials outside the building but there is always a risk of walking around a building project, whether construction or demolition.
“The contractor will be installing a fence soon to keep people away from the building to prevent injury from falling dubris and accumulated material on the ground. But in the meantime, no one should approach or enter the building,” Patton said.
Mayo Hall is the fifth oldest building on campus and was first occupied in 1936 while being used as a boy’s dormitory. It was later used as ROTC headquarters and faculty offices until its closure almost 25 years ago. Ferguson Social Sciences Building was first occupied in 1923 followed by Heritage House in 1928, Hall of Languages in 1929, and Whitley Gymnasium in 1935.
There are currently no plans for a new building in Mayo Hall’s place. However, after the building has been demolished, the east lawn of the Hall of Languages will be developed into a park-like setting with the addition of plants and possibly seating.