Hancher demolition to be slowed by asbestos removal

Removal of asbestos is expected to slow the demolition of flood-damaged Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City.

University of Iowa president Sally Mason first mentioned the demolition delay in her annual meeting in April with the UI's Faculty Senate.

The 135,000-square-foot fine arts building and its surrounding complex were damaged by the 2008 flooding.

A timetable calls for the project contract to be awarded by September and the demolition of the Hancher, Voxman and Clapp complex to be complete by August 2013.

Asbestos was commonly used for piping, insulation and sound proofing. But experts say asbestos particles can cause lung cancer and other illnesses. Removal of it requires special procedures.

The university has been awarded $6.7 million in federal aid for tearing down Art Building East and the Hancher, Voxman and Clapp complex.

The replacement auditorium will be rebuilt uphill and north of the old building.