Water main break forces 450 University of Illinois students into temporary lounge housing

Students in converted lounge rooms are living in cramped conditions with lounge furniture that university officials will not allow them to move. The relocation was necessary after a water main break in Snyder Hall's basement flooded the mechanical area within six inches of the ceiling. The flood damaged the elevator, electricity, water heater, water pump, data tower, and card access system beyond repair. University Housing closed the residence hall for the rest of the semester, displacing 450 residents. To accommodate the students, University Housing used existing dorm vacancies from students who transferred, graduated or studied abroad. These vacancies provided half of the necessary placements. The remaining students were moved into temporary housing created by converting lounge spaces into rooms that hold up to six people.