FARGO (AP) - A North Dakota State University committee has decided to raze the president's house on campus.

The state Board of Higher Education last September endorsed new president homes on both the NDSU and University of North Dakota campuses.

The NDSU committee had been debating whether to remodel the existing home or build a new one. The decision to raze the home came after committee members toured the residence and determined the extent of work to remodel, said Sherri Schmidt, associate executive director for the NDSU Alumni Association.

An engineering firm also recommended the home be torn down because of structural deficiencies.

Habitat for Humanity will have an opportunity to secure items such as light fixtures and cabinets, Schmidt said.

The NDSU Foundation plans to use donations to pay the estimated $900,000 cost of a new president's home. The current house cannot accommodate large groups, and presents health and safety problems, according to the foundation.

Construction of the new house is expected to begin in late summer or early fall and wrap up in the summer of 2009.