The state Board of Regents on Wednesday approved the demolition of 109 River St. as a part of the art-building-replacement project.

The building was originally built for use as a fraternity house. The regents purchased it for the University of Iowa in 1999. It is currently the facility for the School of Art and Art History Graduate Painting Program, which will be temporarily located to the Studio Arts facility during construction of the new art building. The programs will move into the new art building once construction is complete.

The demolition project will cost roughly $500,000. Federal funding, flood-insurance proceeds, donations, academic building revenue bond proceeds and university building renewal funds will cover the cost.

— by Asmaa Elkurti