On April 3, 2025, a large storm struck Union University, bringing heavy rain and winds up to 100 miles an hour. At around 8:30 p.m., an exterior wall and part of the roof of the west wing of the Pennick Academic Complex (PAC) collapsed. The water line for the fire suppression system and a gas line were severed, causing the wing to begin flooding. First responders quickly shut off the gas line and determined that no one was injured in the incident. Demolition began immediately to tear down the compromised wall, preventing further damage to the building.
For the remainder of the spring semester, classes were moved from the PAC into the new Ethos Forum in order for the semester to finish smoothly. Contractors began working the next day to remove water from the building and to begin tearing out water-damaged sections of the building. By early May, demolition was complete and reconstruction began.
Construction had to begin quickly for the campus to be ready for summer camps, such as Centrifuge, to use the gym spaces. The floors of the small gym were completely removed and redone because the water seeped underneath them.
“The construction team had nine days to finish the gym floors before camp began,” Rick Taphorn, vice president of business affairs said.
Once the gym areas were reconstructed and repaired, the focus was to finish getting classrooms ready before classes began. The biggest goal for the construction was to have the building ready by August.
“We wanted to have classrooms together in time for classes to start,” Taphorn said.
Finishing touches and furniture were still arriving and being put into place a week before classes began.
“We’re still working through a couple of small, minor items as they appear,” Taphorn said.
Towards the end of the summer months, the construction was focused on finishing the interior of the PAC.
“Along with reconstruction, we added in updates to the west wing, including new lighting and tiles down the main hallway,” Taphorn said.
When classes started in August, the PAC was completely back in use. All classrooms are restored and in use. The remaining parts of the reconstruction are all exterior, such as painting the brick exterior walls, and replacing the sidewalks and landscaping around the west entrance.
“The goal if weather cooperates and everything works, by the end of September, the exterior should be completed,” Taphorn said.
