On Friday, Jan. 8 as everyone was getting settled into their first week of winter term classes, a water main burst in the corridor between the KM Theatre’s (KMT) ground level entrance and the main tunnels, submerging floors of the KMT, Theatre B and two Loeb computer labs with several inches of water, as well as leaking into Loeb C164 and C264.
Most of the water, however, found its way to the KMT’s dressing rooms, the theatre office directly beneath the stage, and further down to the carpentry shop and costume areas. These lower spaces were practically inaccessible because of the sheer volume of water pouring down the stairwells.
Noticing water flowing into her office, KMT’s production coordinator, Nina Karhu, alerted Facilities Management Planning (FMP) who informed her that they were aware of the situation and were taking action. FMP brought in Xpertek, a water damage restoration company equipped to clean up, repair damage and remove the water.
There was pressing concern for that evening’s performance, a graduation recital by jazz musician MacKenzie Di Millo, as well as another weekend event scheduled in the KMT. Although these events had to be postponed or relocated, all energy was turned to ensuring that learning spaces were fully operational for classes on Monday morning. Working diligently throughout the weekend with industrial strength dehumidifiers, generators and ventilation systems, Xpertek was able to work with FMP to make certain that this was the case and all classes ran as scheduled.
Damage assessment and refurbishment continues for the KM Theatre’s spaces that were impacted.