Harvard officials said this week they are negotiating with the Episcopal Divinity School to purchase graduate student dormitories the religion school owns at 37-39-41 Kirkland St.

Sally H. Zeckhauser, president of Harvard Real Estate (HRE) Inc., called the discussions "tricky and sensitive" at this stage and would reveal no details about a potential sale.

If Harvard buys the structure, the University would use the 32 apartments for graduate or undergraduate housing. "The building is in a very good location for Harvard," said Zeckbauser, who would not disclose the building's sale price.

Officials at the Episcopal Divinity School also declined comment on the negotiations.