Poe Hall will soon disappear from North Campus after the University received Environmental Protection Agency approval to tear down the building that has been closed since 2023.

The building’s current site will eventually feature a new home for the College of Education following its demolition. Next week, fencing will be erected around the building and Stinson Drive as the University prepares to demolish the building.

The University stated that individuals in the area will begin to see movement around the building in the coming weeks. Plans for the next phase of environmental abatement and demolition will aim to reduce disruption during the academic year.

Jim Pfaendtner, executive vice chancellor and provost, posted a statement to the University’s website dedicated to Poe Hall updates.

“We are pleased that we have received approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the abatement and demolition plan associated with the building. As part of that plan, NC State will fully demolish Poe Hall and construct a new space for our students, faculty and staff in the College of Education following the recommendations from expert consultants,” the statement said.

Poe Hall was shut down in 2023 after testing showed the public was exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls contaminants (PCBs) The closure prompted environmental reviews and legal action.

A lawsuit claims the contamination caused cancer in numerous individuals. The University filed to dismiss the lawsuit in February. 

Both former staff, students and family members as well as the University have filed lawsuits against Monsanto, alleging responsibility for PCB exposure.

NC State pursued a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health evaluation that did not conclusively say whether contamination led to cancer, though rates of several forms of cancer were higher than expected.The University has not responded to a request for comment.