Hastings City Hall construction delayed after more asbestos found

HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) - The Hastings City Hall construction phase has been delayed after more asbestos were found in the building.

Lee Vrooman, the director of engineering for the city, said that while they were removing asbestos, they found more of the harmful chemical which has slowed down construction. According to Vrooman, they are still working on removing it.

“[There is] Still a little of asbestos that they’re doing that they found during demolition,” Vrooman said. “We’re completing the interior demolition hopefully this week and then they’ll be starting on the construction.”

The building will receive multiple security upgrades, as well as new technology. Some upgrades will even save the city money on electricity and resources.

“[There will be] Security badging, of course,” Vrooman said. “With the Council Chambers, there will be new audio visual systems. It will be a more energy efficient building because of the windows instead of some of the single pane. A new HVAC that is more efficient.”

Demolition is scheduled to wrap up over the next few weeks, and as soon as it does, construction will begin.

The project is still expected to finish on time, at the end of 2025.

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