This emergency/quick purchase was required due to a situation in which immediate repairs were needed to prevent further loss or damage to University property.

On May 21, 2019 the results of a structural analysis and testing of a concrete ceiling slab of the mechanical room of The Pennsylvania Avenue Residence Halls complex in Urbana, Illinois were presented to the University. A concrete slab, which acts as a roof and supports multiple utilities, was deteriorated to the point of overstress. Actions were taken by Housing to prohibit any pedestrians and employees from walking on top of the slab, and limit access by housing personnel in the mechanical room. Delaying repairs puts employees that need to maintain the equipment in the mechanical room in danger of injury from an increased risk of a slab or utility failure. In addition, should the slab fail, utilities and critical systems in the mechanical room would be damaged and would render the Pennsylvania Avenue Residence Halls complex to be unoccupied. Students currently living in the 1053 available dorm rooms would require temporary housing at considerable expense to the University. Failure of the slab would result in substantial costs to repair the affected damaged utilities and critical systems in the mechanical room and to temporarily house the students currently living in 1053 available dorm rooms. Lastly, should Housing would have significant loss of revenue from events that have been booked in this facility.

This emergency purchase is necessary to maintain operations in a continuously-occupied student dormitory complex, to protect university property, pedestrians, employees, and prevent further damage to the structure or affected utilities.

The slab is overstressed and must be shored to prevent the potential for collapse and utility failures. Emergency repairs to ceiling concrete slab, and affected utilities. All utilities supported by the slab shall be resupported and/or relocated.

See attached Emergency Purchase Statement.