In a message to the campus community Friday, the university said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved its abatement and demolition plan for the building. The plan calls for Poe Hall to be fully demolished and replaced with a new facility for students, faculty and staff in the College of Education.
NC State leaders said the decision follows recommendations from environmental experts and is part of ongoing efforts to address contamination inside the building.
Poe Hall has been closed since November 2023, when testing revealed the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs -- toxic chemicals linked to increased health risks, including cancer.
The discovery prompted a series of environmental studies, federal reviews and legal action, as well as concern from students, faculty and former employees about possible health impacts.
In its latest update, NC State said preparation work will begin soon. Fencing will be installed around Poe Hall starting next week, and activity is expected to increase around the site in the coming weeks as the abatement process begins.
University officials said the timeline for this next phase was shaped by the construction planning process, EPA approval, and efforts to minimize disruptions to the academic calendar.
Once demolition is complete, NC State plans to construct a new facility on the site to serve the College of Education.
The university said it will continue to provide updates through email and on its Poe Hall updates website as the project moves forward.