(Stephenville, Tx) – One of the oldest buildings at Tarleton State University will be demolished beginning this week.

Built in 1936, Davis Hall, named for Tarleton’s 10th and longest serving president J. Thomas Davis (1914-1945), has stood at the front entrance to the Stephenville campus for more than 80 years. The Stephenville Empire Tribune reports starting today (Thursday), the red brick structure will increasingly fade away. The tear down is expected to take about four weeks.

The Davis Hall footprint will become additional greenspace adjacent to the new Texan Trace pedestrian mall.  Tarleton says several of the building’s decorative stone accents from the four doorways and façade will be preserved and the bronze “Davis Hall” plaque will also be saved for nostalgia.