25 years ago: Hoch to stay open in spite of fire code violations

From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for May 3, 1988:

  • A historic Kansas University building was in violation of several fire codes, it was revealed this week. Paul Markley, chief of the fire prevention division in the fire marshal’s office, said today that KU officials should have corrected the serious flaws in Hoch Auditorium, but he added that it was unlikely that the building would be closed soon because of the hazards. The building’s deficiencies included inadequate emergency lighting and the absences of a sprinkler system for the stage area. The old auditorium, which was being used for classes, lectures, and performances, hadn’t enjoyed many updates in its 60-plus year history. “Hoch has been like it is now since Naismith was playing there,” said Tom Anderson, KU director of facilities operations. A follow-up inspection was planned for later this year.
  • Several construction workers and a front-loader were featured in a photograph today on their work site at the Naismith Drive drainage ditch. The $155,172 project involved replacing eroded material in an underground pipe, replacing broken concrete, and removing the 21st Terrace crossing.
  • President Reagan today denied that any policies or decisions that he had made while in office had been influenced by astrology. Published reports had recently claimed that First Lady Nancy Reagan had used astrology to help determine the president’s schedule.