Several buildings and barns on the University of Massachusetts-Amherst campus are no longer in use, and in September the University paved the way for them to be torn down to put up new ones. That move, while popular with most students, struck a chord with former professors and alumni who say the barns are a part of history and should be kept.

"We're really asking for the university to make a change in attitude towards historic buildings on state and national level," said Joseph Larson, a UMass alum and retired professor.

Part of the battle includes a cow barn built in 1909 and a horse barn constructed in 1894, among other buildings. Demolition of the cow barn has already begun, and campus officials doubt they can salvage what is left of the dilapidated structure.

Larson, who is a part of Preserve UMass, a group dedicated to preserving old university buildings, says the buildings are on the state historical registry, and the group named it one of the 10 most endangered resources in Massachusetts.

"I'm very interested in the history of this campus," said Larson. "I'm loyal to this institution and it bothers me to see the university going in this line."

Some of the demolition has already been started. Demolition work ceased in October while environmental crews began their investigation. However, the university says the longer the project is halted, the more it is going to cost. The price tag of the new student recreation center started at $50 million. Some students say the new addition to the campus is worth more than money.

"Right now we have a promise of a new rec center. There's signs and promises and a lot of students want it now," said one student who attended Wednesday's meeting.

Students cited concerns of limited space in current recreation buildings.

Construction crews were still working on the site while the buildings remained untouched. State environmental officials will look at all the complaints and meet again on December 26 to decide what to do next. One suggestion is to physically move the barns to another part of campus.