An old elementary school that's been empty for nearly two decades is getting a makeover.
Windows have been shattered, graffiti covered the walls.
Now crews are donating their time to clean it up and renovate it just in time for the new school year.
It will soon be the home to a new private school.
For years, vandals have targeted the old Adel Elementary school. Now a major renovation on a wing of the school is underway and it will soon be the home of the Community Christian Academy.
"There's something very inviting for vandals to come in create havoc so this school has been going down hill for a very long time so it's great for Community Christian Academy to come in here and do work to refurbish and rehab this school," said Adel-Cook County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jerry Connell.
Some of the repairs include replacing windows vandals have shattered.
"There was graffiti painted," said Melissa Kostyu, a Community Christian Academy teacher. "Floors covered in paint."
The old Adel Elementary school shut down in 1995. Liz Thomas taught at the school for some 20 years.
"When it shut down the whole neighborhood went down around it and I could see it happening," said Thomas. "It was real sad."
Now crews are installing new air conditioning unitsm fire alarms, painting and putting in new carpet.
"As far as set up for a school it's perfect in every way." said Kostyu.
It's a $300,000 project and crews have given discounts on materials and have donated their time.
"We just feel like we're giving it a new life," said Kostyu.
August 17 some 50 kids will walk through the doors of what soon will be a state of the art building.
They'll have a state of the art security system and nine classrooms.
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