Rice Family Pavilion and the Warren Administrative Building remain closed due to issues with air quality and mold detected during Fall 2021.
In September 2021, Rollins investigated the Rice Family Pavilion after occupants noticed elevated humidity levels, which caused mold growth in parts of the facility. The investigation of the building’s air quality led to its closure. The Rice Family Pavilion serves as a classroom space and event venue for the Rollins community and private vendors.
In a previous interview in October 2021 with the Assistant Vice President of Facilities Services Jeremy Williamson, it was projected that the Rice Family Pavilion would reopen for use at the beginning of the year. The reopening date is now set for mid-March.
Two months later, the Warren Administrative Building faced temporary closure in November due to similar microbial issues and the need for a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit. The Warren Administrative Building, located between the Sandspur Field and Bush Science Center, is home to the offices of various Rollins administrators, including President Cornwell and Provost Susan Singer.
According to Williamson, the Warren Administrative Building is not projected to reopen until early Summer 2022 due to “worldwide supply chain issues” that have impacted the accessibility of necessary equipment needed to replace the current HVAC unit.
To address both of these issues, Kustom Restoration, a local contracting company, was hired to evaluate the extent of repairs needed for both the Rice and Warren facilities.
For administrators and employees located in Warren, the closure has forced temporary relocation to buildings across campus, primarily Kathleen W. Rollins Hall.
Although both the Warren and Rice facilities have experienced similar instances of microbial growth, Williamson said that the Rollins community should not be concerned about mold issues in additional buildings.
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