Missouri to close 2 dorms because of declining enrollment

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- The University of Missouri said two residence halls already scheduled for demolition will not be used this fall because of declining enrollment.

University spokesman Christian Basi said closing Laws Hall and Lathrop Hall will save the university about $200,000 a year in utility costs. The halls, part of the Dobbs Group constructed in 1959, each have 340 beds.

The Columbia Daily Tribune reported Laws was scheduled to close for demolition in January 2017. Basi said closing the halls this fall could move up construction and demolition work.

He said the campus will gain 220 beds when the halls are replaced.

The university estimates freshman enrollment will decline by 900 or more in the fall, after the Columbia campus was roiled by student protests last November over racial issues.