Cather, Pound implosion is a go

Craig Chandler | University Communication

Ark Wrecking employees hang a protective fabric over a mesh wall along 17th Street on Aug. 21 as part of preparations for the razing of Cather and Pound halls. The wall is designed to keep dust and debris from reaching Knoll Residential Center and Cather Dining Center. The residence hall towers are scheduled to be imploded at 9 a.m. Dec. 22.

Nebraska’s fall semester, which started with the celestial spectacle of a total solar eclipse, is closing with one big bang.

At 9 a.m. Dec. 22, Cather and Pound residence halls on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s City Campus will be razed simultaneously via controlled implosion. The 13-story towers, which opened in 1963, are Nebraska’s first high-rise student housing facility.

Cather-Pound implosion map. Click to enlarge.

The university community and public should be aware of the event as it will effectively shut down all access to a 16-square-block area around the two buildings from 6 a.m. to noon.

The event will include a public viewing area atop the 19th and Vine streets parking garage as well as live coverage online and via Facebook.

Updates on changes in the countdown status will be available online and through Nebraska’s Facebook and Twitter feeds.

Learn everything you need to know about the implosion.