DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) – Loras College officials say a beloved building must be demolished because it would be too expensive to make repairs that maintain the structure’s historic value while making it more accessible to people with disabilities. A March 16 fire severely damaged the 126-year-old building, which was part of the Loras College Visitation Complex in Dubuque.

The Telegraph Herald reports officials intended to rebuild, but Loras President Jim Collins announced Monday that “fiscally it would have been irresponsible to move forward.” Collins wouldn’t say how much it would cost to fix the building, and officials are still determining how much it will cost to demolish the structure.

Officials think the fire was caused by a lightning strike.