PEORIA ( 25News Now ) - It’s not every day an old building is getting a second chance, but that’s what’s happening to the Peoria County Jail after decades of wear and tear.

Sheriff Chris Watkins said the facility was built in 1985, and since then, some areas haven’t been renovated.

The renovations will include the kitchen, jail cells, mechanical repairs, and a new space for mental health needs.

He said these renovations are critical as the jail holds around 300 inmates.

“Phase one is dealing with the kitchen, and we’ll do the mechanicals throughout the old sections of the jail,” he said.

Watkins said it’s more cost-effective for the county to renovate instead of rebuilding, as it will save taxpayers money. Even demolition would be costly.

“Issues with tearing down the 1980s section

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