Proposed demolition of the Uptown Theater to make way for an alumni facility saw opposition Wednesday, as Missouri S&T students voiced concern over the plan.
About 30 people, mostly students gathered to call for a halt of the Miner Alumni Association’s plan to tear down the theater and adjacent law offices at the corner of Pine and 11th streets and build what has been named the Hasselmann Alumni House.
“We are not opposed to the sale, we don’t agree with its proposed use,” said Josh Spehn, an S&T senior, who was handing out petitions.
Plans to demolish the theater so an alumni facility could be built was reported last week, after the MAA purchased the property in December.
Opposition to the plan is focused in two ways: Preserving the building and making sure students can still use the space for events.
“We feel student needs are not being met beyond drinking, fraternities, resident hall support,” said Margret Powell, public relations officer for the university radio station 89.7 KMNR, which helping to lead student opposition. Several KMNR employees were at Havener, passing out petitions, while DJ equipment was brought to provide background music.
