BEL-NOR, Mo. (AP) — Plans to tear down a historic convent on the edge of the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus are on hold.

University spokesman Bob Samples says Chancellor Thomas George wants to meet with area leaders to determine the best way to move forward. The chancellor has not set a timetable for a decision.

The university previously said it planned to demolish the vacant Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word convent. The university had hired a demolition company and began asbestos removal as part of a $1 million plan to tear down the building and turn it into green space.

Several residents who live nearby began an effort to preserve the convent, including an online petition and rallies to convince UMSL to change course.