BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — An old school building is being repaired to its former glory.

What was most recently known as the Little Rock Cannery used to be the Historic Hammock Consolidated School, originally built in the 1940s. Now, under new owners, the building is being refurbished into a private school.

It’s bringing back memories for those connected with the area.

For the first time in years, a fresh coat of paint goes on these walls that have seen their fair share of history.

“People have just stopped their cars to ask what is happening to the old building," said Tishia Wingate, owner of Roots Academy Brooksville. "I’ve had Facebook messages about what’s happening to the building, so I think it’s 50% people are excited about the building becoming a school again, and then 50% of the parents who are excited to be a part of it.”

The building, formerly known as the Little Rock Cannery, is getting a makeover, making space for the new Roots Academy Brooksville.

“Instead of desks, you’re going to see big oak tables, comfortable seating space so the kids can kind of find areas where they’re comfortable doing their work," said Wingate. "Our motto is kind of, ‘A private school that feels like a home school,’ so it’ll be a cozy space.”

It is bringing new life — and new students — to a building that dates back to the 1940s. It originally functioned as the Historic Hammock Consolidated School. Very few of its original students are alive today.

“I was thrilled to death when I heard it was going to be used for something like that, because we need something like that out here in the Hammock,” said Lois Booth, a former student at Hammock Consolidated School.

Booth is one of those students who walked these very halls.

“We had math, spelling, we had reading, we had writing, all what the kids used to start out with," says Booth. "It’s not like it is today.”

Returning to the school brings back memories, with the underlying desire of making new ones.

“When this building came to me, I toyed with the idea for about a year and then I just got the inspiration that I would put the word out and just see if there was any interest, and within three weeks, we’re almost at full," said Wingate. "So, we’re just steaming full speed ahead at this point."

And backing from the community — and Booth — has been helpful. Something the school will need to carry on.

“I think it’s wonderful that they’re going to restore it back into a school," said Booth. "That’s what it was originally made for, for school.”

Educating a new generation of Hernando County students.

Wingate says there are still a few spots open for students to register. Plans are to have the school open Sept. 1.