PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — City and school leaders gathered Wednesday afternoon in Providence to break ground on renovations to Mount Pleasant High School.

The 85-year-old building will get $110 million in upgrades as the school turns into Mount Pleasant Early College & Career Academy.

"We have taken a hybrid approach to maintain the facade that we have here for Mount Pleasant, but making sure that the inside is 21st century ready, that our students have a beautiful building to come and learn, that they utilize the facilities as part of the learning process," R.I. Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green said.

At one point, the school district was mulling tearing the building down, among other proposals for its future.

The planned renovations include a bigger gym, new air systems,

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