Construction crews have fenced off a historic dormitory at the University of Georgia to prepare for its demolition.

University spokesman Tom Jackson said the demolition of 159-bed Rutherford Hall will probably begin in the first full week of June.

In November, a Board of Regents' committee approved plans to tear down the 72-year-old dorm to build a new residence hall.

UGA President Michael Adams has said the historic building isn't a good candidate for renovations and needs to be razed.

Rutherford Hall was built in 1939. It was named after Mildred "Millie" Rutherford, principal of a secondary school for girls in Athens.

The new four-story dorm, which will also be called Rutherford Hall, is set to open in time for the fall semester of 2013.

Tags: University of Georgia, UGA, Rutherford Hall, Demolition, historic dorm