After more than half a century, Trimble Residence Hall is being demolished to make way for a larger, more sustainable freshman residence hall.

The demolition of the three-story structure, that once had the capacity to house 72 students, prepares the way for the fifth phase of the freshman housing complex, envisioned in Emory’s Master Plan as a means of consolidating freshman near the core of campus and enhancing their shared, overall freshman experience.

The new residence hall — currently referred to as Freshman Hall Phase 5 — is slated to open for occupancy in August 2014 as a five-story, LEED Silver Certified building with an ability to house up to 341 students.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a building rating system that provides standards for environmentally-friendly construction.

The demolition of Trimble Hall, which began in late July, is anticipated to take between two to three weeks. During this period Asbury Circle in front of Trimble Hall will remain open to traffic, and flagmen will assist with directing the flow of trucks hauling large debris from the building.

Reusable materials are being salvaged and will be used for the new facility.