KU says severe storms damaged student dorm, engineers to evaluate possibility for return

LAWRENCE, Kan. (KCTV) - A dorm at the University of Kansas was damaged by severe storms that hit Lawrence early Monday morning.

KU officials said high winds around 4 a.m. Monday caused a section of brick on the upper south side of Stephenson Scholarship Hall to fall from the building and onto portions of the fire escape and ground.

No one was injured and no student spaces inside the dorm were impacted by the falling section of brick.

Students inside the dorm were relocated out of the damaged building and to Crawford Community Center, KU officials said.

As of Monday evening, KU said all students have been given a temporary room assignment in another on-campus facility, and students who lived at Stephenson Scholarship Hall were allowed access to retrieve their belongings.

KU Housing & Residence Life officials are working with the University’s facilities personnel and outside engineers and contractors to evaluate the damage to the building and determine whether it’s possible for students to return to the dorm for the remainder of the spring semester.

KU said it would update student residents as soon as more is known.

“We are thankful that no one was hurt in our community during this morning’s severe weather. We are also appreciative of the quick response of staff and cooperation of students inside our buildings,” said KU’s Director of Housing & Residence Life, Sarah Waters.