NC State University has received approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to tear down Poe Hall, and is preparing to do so in the coming weeks.

Jim Pfaendtner, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, delivered a message on the NC State Poe Hall Updates website on May 29, 2026.

“We’d like to share a brief update with you regarding Poe Hall. We are pleased that we have received approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the abatement and demolition plan associated with the building. As part of that plan, NC State will fully demolish Poe Hall and construct a new space for our students, faculty and staff in the College of Education following the recommendations from expert consultants.”

NC State will prepare for the demolition of Poe Hall next week by adding fencing around the building. They shared that they have a preference to “reduce disruptions to our academic calendar.”

The building, located in the Main Campus of NC State on The Court of North Carolina, has been closed since November 2023, as hazardous levels of chemicals known as Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) were found inside.

According to WRAL News, over 200 members of staff, faculty and students using Poe Hall have reported cancer diagnoses. Students and faculty that claimed to have been affected have filed large lawsuits against NC State since the discovery that linked the chemicals to Poe Hall.