Kimberly, Idaho (KMVT-TV) Community members have joined together to refurbish the L.A. Thomas gymnasium in Kimberly.

The 1944 building is ready for an interior and exterior makeover.

"It was completed around 1943-1944 and served as the High School gymnasium from that time till 2001 once our new High School was built. This building is probably utilized more than any building within the district, not only does the school use it but the community uses it” said Luke Schroeder Superintendent, Kimberly School District.

The L.A. Thomas gym started as a WPA project during the great depression.

But, just days after the building was approved, Pearl Harbor occurred.

This and many other WPA projects were halted in the U.S.

"At that time 60% of the project was completed, they had purchased most of the material, but they loss to the war effort was the man power and the machinery” said Schroeder.

The building has never been completed. It’s something the community wants to change.

The District plans on replacing windows, installing stucco, air conditioning, and other building repairs. The total cost of the project will cost $800,000.

The committee hopes to raise more than $32,000 from fundraising efforts.

A popular building that will be updated in phases as funds are accumulated.

Something many in the community hope will happen sooner rather than later.

For more information go to, www.kimberly.edu