Cutting Hall temporarily closed after low levels of asbestos found

A performance and a recital scheduled for this weekend at the Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center both were canceled after an area backstage tested positive for a low level of asbestos, according to a Palatine Park District commissioner.

Sue Gould said she and her fellow commissioners received a memo from park district staff members on Friday.

The 1928 building, which is the former location of Palatine High School, is operated as a performing arts center by the Palatine Park District.

The park district board learned Tuesday that an inspector had recommended testing after discovering broken tiles in a 24-square-foot area in the backstage area and similarly sized area above the catwalk, Gould said.

"Past water damage had created the flaking of some tiles," she said.

Gabriel Environmental Services reported Friday that the backstage area had tested positive for low levels of asbestos, Gould said.

The park district is receiving bids for abatement, she said, which could take from 10 days to four weeks.

"Obviously, the safety of staff, participants and the general public is of the utmost importance," she said. "We don't want to alarm people. This is not a safety issue to the general public. As far as we know, nobody has been affected."