PIKEVILLE, Ky. — The University of Pikeville’s demolition of a 105-year-old mansion on its property has sparked outcry from many in the community, but the school now says it was necessary due to safety concerns.

The Creekmore Mansion was demolished without advance notice this week.

In a statement released to Mountain Top News, the university says the building was unable to be saved.

“The University of Pikeville acquired the home known as ‘Creekmore’ several years ago and hoped to renovate the building for use as a campus facility,” the statement says. “However, due to extensive damage and deterioration, the building and surrounding area has become a safety concern for campus and the surrounding neighborhood. The university has made the difficult decision to remove the structure.”

The statement continues to say that the school removed many of the architectural elements from the mansion’s interior and plans to incorporate them on campus in honor of its history.

The mansion was built in 1918 by Augusta Dils York and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.