The original, dilapidated York Institute building in Jamestown, Tennessee will be demolished after Fentress County commissioners turned down the state's offer to deed the 81-year-old building to the county, citing too many unknowns.

The private agricultural school was founded by World War I hero Alvin C. York in the 1920s. It was later transferred to the state.

Its original building has been unoccupied for years and is in danger of collapsing.

Restoration was estimated to cost more than $3.5 million.

Only the original high school building will be demolished.