University administrators are speaking with state legislators to prioritize the repair of the dilapidated ceramics studio, which saw a concrete panel fall from the ceiling over Thanksgiving break.
LSU President F. King Alexander said discussion will determine what action needs to be taken in the next few months.
“It’s another example of the deferred maintenance backlogs,” Alexander said.
After the incident, the College of Art and Design responded by contacting Facility Services. Assistant Director of Long Range Planning Ken Courtade said the state decides the appropriation and timing for repairs, but this can be funded in July 2014 at the earliest.
The building has been on the capital outlay budget since 1999 and the delay has increased the price of repairs, Courtade said. He said the estimated cost of the repairs is now more than $15 million.
Jason Droddy, director of External Affairs, said because the repairs would be state-funded, the University is waiting to see if more money will be allocated to repair not just this building, but others on campus.
The repairs will depend on the money the state has for the projects, he said.
Earlier this year, Droddy said administrators took some legislators through the ceramics studio to educate them on the conditions of the facilities.
Alexander and Droddy both said there are many other buildings on campus   — like the Huey P. Long Fieldhouse and buildings in the Quad — in need of repair.
The new Building Use Fee was established this year to help fund accrued repairs at the University and Droddy said this money could possibly help fund repairs in the ceramics studio.
Although the status on repair projects may change after this incident, Droddy said it all depends on funding from the state.

Gallery • 3 Photos

Connor Tarter

Trees bathe in sunlight Tuesday afternoon in front of the Studio Arts Buildings on campus.