Built on what was the then-eastern border of the campus along Avenue I, the complex was one of five individual housing units, extending south to the Departmental Dorms along 20th Street. During the early 1980s the university began demolishing these housing structures between 19th and 20th streets to make room for much needed academic classroom buildings.  The remaining structures - the Frels and Wilson buildings - were last used for student housing in the early 1990s before being converted into offices for various campus departments.

Long-rumored for demolition, it was announced in September 2004 that Frels would be razed before decade's end; demolition occurred over the winter 2006 break. With the buildings gone, the area will be converted into Bearkat Plaza, an expanded mall area.