The days are numbered for a housing complex towering over the University of Kentucky. UK trustees approved a plan Tuesday to begin moving toward demolition of the Kirwan-Blanding complex on the Lexington campus.
University officials say the demolition price tag is estimated at $15 million, compared to an estimated $126 million to renovate the 50-year-old complex.
The complex — which includes two 23-story towers, eight low-rise buildings and a dining hall — sits on nearly 13 acres (5 hectares) on UK's central campus.
In the past five years, UK has constructed nearly 7,000 new residence hall beds as well as modern dining facilities.
Along with the demolition, UK officials say about $5 million to $6 million will be spent to create green space in the area where the towers now stand.