The University of Kentucky plans to proceed with razing eight buildings over the summer to make way for new construction.
The Lexington Herald-Leader reports the move comes despite some objections from preservationists, who have noted that some of the buildings are historic and iconic.
The school expects to spend $4 million to demolish buildings including Hamilton House, who was built in 1880 and Wenner-Gren Research Laboratory, which housed UK's early aeronautic research.
UK Vice President for Facilities Bob Wiseman says officials try to save historic buildings when possible, student recruitment and retention is hurt by aging and defunct dorms.