Inside Iowa State: Iowa State University

February 27, 2004

Steps to be redone

Two and a half years after they were installed, the new front steps of Beardshear Hall will be replaced this summer, due to a defect in the manufacturing process.

Dean McCormick, assistant director of construction services with facilities planning and management, said the work will be done between May 10 and July 1.

While most people probably don't notice any problem with the steps, there has been some cracking and some thin pieces have peeled off the concrete surface. There will be no cost to the university to replace the steps, McCormick said.

Contractor Harold Pike Construction, Ames, is anxious to "do it right," McCormick added.

Only the steps will be replaced, from the sidewalk to the landing at the doors. The substructure will not be affected, he noted.

The original, limestone steps were built in 1906. They were replaced in 2001 when the ground and first floors of Beardshear Hall were remodeled.