WHEELING, W.Va.-- A lot can break down in a school building over the course of 97 years, and over the last three years, contractors working inside of Madison Elementary School on Wheeling Island noticed some problems. They were issues that meant a $4 million project had to change along the way.

Changes range from brand-new tile ceilings at the top to fresh, clean carpets at the bottom. In between, there are new fixtures that brighten classrooms and hallways with a new-age illumination that advances the school light years from the 1920s to today.

Even restrooms have been upgraded to a new, modern design with brand-new facilities-- sinks, dryers, vents and a fresh coat of paint.

All of the work is a huge facelift for Madison Elementary School, but during years of work, contractors addressed some issues they noticed while completing the project.

"For example, taking out the radiators and replacing them with bookshelves, just make it more conducive for what's happening during the school day," said Dr. Dianna Vargo, superintendent of Ohio County Schools.

The cosmetic changes are a bonus, but the gem of the renovation is actually found in what used to be a teacher's lounge and home economics room. It's the school's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Window air-conditioning units have been replaced by a modern climate-control system.

Everything actually came in just under the $4-million dollar price-tag.

Vargo said the finished deal didn't come without some changes along the way.

"Ohio County Schools works very closely with the school building authority in the funding, and the architect for the project was McKenley and Associates, so we worked very closely with them in the design of the project."

"We're very appreciative of the school building authority, as well as our Ohio County Board of Education, our administrators and especially Ms. Kashmarek, principal of Madison Elementary School, and her staff that endured all of the renovation," she added.

The Madison School, originally approved for construction in 1915, opened its doors to some 600 kindergarten through ninth-grade students in 1916.