UI to demolish vacant fraternity house

MOSCOW (AP) - The University of Idaho has purchased a vacant fraternity house on campus and the building will be demolished to make way for use by a new student organization.

The Lewiston Tribune reports the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity moved out of the house in 2007. Though a few student organizations temporarily used the home afterward, it has been vacant since 2011.

UI purchased the house from the fraternity's national organization in September for $75,000. The university's real estate officer, Gerard Billington, said the 1960's-era home contains asbestos; school officials expect to pay about $200,000 for demolition.

Once the demolition is complete and the lot is restored, UI will make the property available to another fraternity or sorority.