Former Cambridge school transformed into apartment buildings [Video]

A former elementary school in downtown Cambridge has gotten a modern makeover.

The classrooms at Dickson Public School have been transformed into 10 freshly-renovated apartment suites.

The building, at 65 Andrew Street, was built in 1877. The school was in operation for 134 years before it closed due to declining enrollment.

Dickson Public School in an undated photo. (Courtesy: City of Cambridge Archives)

Tom Mitchell, who was Dickson’s principal from 1969 to 1972, is impressed with the new look.

“I think they’ve done a very nice job in here, considering where the classrooms were,” he told CTV News. Pointing to one of the suites, he added: “This was a kindergarten room right up above the coal bin.”

Former staff and students got a tour of the building at an open house and BBQ on Wednesday.

• PHOTO GALLERY: See more of the before and after transformation

Sheryl Bell, a former Dickson …