University of Kansas students moved back into Stephenson Hall Friday afternoon after spending the week in temporary housing. Severe storms on Monday caused structural damage and flooding at the men’s scholarship hall, home to around 46 residents.
The basement began to flood on Sunday, but the residents were able to bail the water out. Amid storms on Monday, a large section of brick siding along the attic fell off, crushing an emergency staircase. Residents were evacuated that morning.
Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, a spokesperson for KU, said Monday that outside engineers and contractors would evaluate the damage to Stephenson to determine if it would be possible for students to safely return for the rest of the spring semester.
A new fire escape has been installed and the rubble cleared, though some gutter pieces remain, and a tarp covers the damaged attic wall. KU Housing addressed the flooding in the recreation room with vacuums and fans to dry the foundation and painted over water-damaged areas.
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A strong mold smell lingered as recently as Tuesday, resident Chris Guion said.
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“I went in on Tuesday, and I didn’t even go down to the bottom floor, where it had been a lot of water logged,” Guion said. “The entire building reeked. It smelled like a zoo. It smelled like a penguin enclosure.”
By Friday, the odor was gone, replaced by air freshener.
Residents must be fully moved out of their temporary housing by noon Monday, prompting some backlash about moving three times in the final weeks of the semester, including out for the summer by noon Saturday, May 16.
Residents also reported that communication from KU was vague, with no detailed timeline of what needs to be repaired and when it will be until an email Thursday evening informed residents that they would be moving back in Friday.
Previously, residents noted fears that the underfunded hall might be condemned. The recent fixes signal restoration efforts, but specifics on summer repair plans remain unknown.
KU added $50 to residents’ dining plans three times as compensation, Guion said.
Stephenson’s sentimental value shines through: Students are glad to return home, he said.
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Courtney Lane (she/her), staff reporter, has worked with The Lawrence Times since April 2026. She can be reached at [email protected].
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