UMD News Releases

TODAY, February 26, 2013 at 1 pm, UMD officials will be in the Malosky Stadium Parking Lot on University Drive at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD).

John Weiske, Housing and Residence Life and John Kessler, project manager for Facilities Management, who have been working together in planning the Stadium Apartments demolition, will be available for questions.

DULUTH, MN – UMD began taking down the Stadium Apartments structures on Tuesday, February 25. The Stadium Apartments, built in 1972, provided apartment style housing for 312 students. Each apartment featured two single bedrooms and one double bedroom. A hallmark of the Stadium Apartments was the spiral staircase to connect the lower and upper levels of a limited number of two-story apartments. The upper floors of Stadium Apartments also provided viewing of sporting events at Malosky Stadium.

The buildings are being torn down because UMD determined the financial burden of bringing the buildings up to code was too great. To continue being used, the apartments needed elevators installed, handicap accessible bathrooms, and major maintenance. Expansion was not an option because of the proximity to Tischer Creek, a protected trout stream.

John Rashid, associate director of Facilities Management, said, "After exploring options to correct fire code deficiencies, ADA deficiencies, and building moisture problems, UMD determined it was more cost effective to demolish Stadium Apartments than refurbish them."

John Weiske, director of UMD’s housing, explained, “Back in 2008, we contracted with an architectural firm for a renovation study to see how much it would cost to bring Stadium Apartments up to code. The answer was $12-millon.”

UMD planned ahead for the housing needs created when Stadium closed in summer of 2013. Ianni Hall, a certified LEED Silver, state-of-the-art residence hall, was constructed and opened in 2011.

“The demolition is being done as sustainable as possible,” explained Kessler. Stadium Apartment's materials are being donated, recycled, or reused.

Fire alarm panels and water heaters were re-used. Many desks, couches, and chairs were used in other UMD buildings and many semi loads of dressers, wardrobes, coffee tables, lamps, and dining room tables went to Goodwill. In the current phase of the demolition, cement blocks and bricks are being ground and recycled.

"The site will remain green space within 100 feet of Tischer Creek," said Rashid. The use for the remaining space left by Stadium Apartments is still in the planning stage.