Partial ceiling collapse at Le Mars community theater prompts asbestos testing and repair planning

City staff reported that a portion of the ceiling in the Le Mars community theater collapsed over the Fourth of July holiday, and the city is awaiting lab results and structural recommendations before work can proceed.

City staff said a structural engineer inspected the damage and provided written recommendations. Environmental sampling crews (identified in the meeting as EOC) took nine samples of fallen material to test for asbestos; the city is awaiting results to determine whether a hazardous-material cleanup is required before further removal or repair can begin.

The staff member said roughly one quarter of the auditorium ceiling fell; the remainder appears to be the same construction and is considered at risk. The building dates to 1914, the staff member said, and the structural engineer described a wire-lapping system with metal staples supporting plaster, which may require removing the entire ceiling in the affected area and replacing it with more durable materials. Staff also described a separate “roof shell” that is still protecting the building from weather, so at present there is no reported water infiltration.

Staff discussed interim options for the theater company while repairs proceed. Potential alternate venues mentioned included the convention center and the KC Hall; staff said the museum is likely not an option and that the theater company is reviewing the basement condition where costumes are stored. The theater organization is said to be exploring other venues and possible formats such as a dinner-theater arrangement to keep productions close to their props and costumes.

City staff said they will wait for the asbestos testing and for the engineer's written recommendations before soliciting repair bids or returning a contract to the council.