By Adam Hartmann
Arizona Daily Wildcat
The Ina E. Gittings Building is going to rise from the ashes soon.
A report issued recently by the Arizona Board of Regents outlines a plan to rebuild the damaged building, estimating the cost of the project to be about $1.9 million.
The fire, which tore through the building last August 21, was started by wayward sparks from welders' torches as they were reinforcing some cracked roof beams. Officials said the fire scorched about half of the $8.5 million building, causing an estimated $1 million in damages, but no injuries.
The three-hour blaze destroyed the gymnastics practice area, forcing the University of Arizona gymnastics team to train at a gymnasium on the far east side of town. It also damaged classrooms, some dance equipment and both the men's and women's locker rooms.
The gymnastics team was scheduled to re-occupy the building about a week after the fire occurred.
According to the board's report, the western gymnasium at the Gittings building will be completely rebuilt, including a new wooden floor, a better roof and reinforced walls. The eastern gymnasium, which according to the report bore the brunt of the damage, will be replaced with office space.
A sprinkler system will also be installed, said Steve Holland, director of UA Risk Management and Safety. A sprinkler system was not available previously because one was not required when the building was constructed, he said.