University of Nevada, Reno won’t demolish historic dorms

RENO— In response to pleas from historic preservationists, University of Nevada, Reno officials have dropped a proposal to demolish a pair of residence halls built more than a century ago.

UNR President Marc Johnson announced Thursday that Lincoln and Manzanita halls would be preserved.

Johnson, in a statement, said the decision came after “constructive dialogue” with students, alumni, historic preservationists and others.

He says the residence halls will no longer be used to house students after June 30, 2015, and the university will consider options for uses of the buildings.

Lincoln and Manzanita halls are among 13 buildings on campus that are part of a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

UNR officials have raised concerns the halls built in the 1890s don’t meet modern construction standards for earthquake safety.