This story is developing and will continue to be updated.
Penn’s Graduate School of Education buildings were forced to close Thursday morning after a water main broke on Walnut Street.
The incident disrupted multiple classes and flooded nearby sections of Locust Walk. Signs posted on the building’s doors directed students to check their email for updates on canceled and rescheduled classes.
A request for comment was left with Facilities and Real Estate Services.
In messages sent to students, a number of professors indicated that scheduled midterm examinations may have to be postponed due to the building issues.
Several Penn buildings reported leaks and other water-related issues early in February, which FRES attributed to extremely low temperatures. At the time, concerns included a water main break near the ARCH building, which caused flooding and ice accumulation that obstructed several building entrances.
That month, students also reported icy conditions near 1920 Commons due to a leak near the corner of Locust Walk and 39th Street.
Weeks later, Houston Market shut down for two days after two water main breaks near Spruce Street and 34th Street. The incident affected traffic near the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, and the Clifton Center for Medical Breakthroughs.
Senior reporter Lavanya Mani covers legal affairs and can be reached at mani@thedp.com. At Penn, she studies comparative literature. Follow her on X @LavanyaMani_.
