ALBANY, N.Y. -- School starts next week and students at Albany's Hackett Middle School will get to see the new and improved historic building.

The updated facility maintains many of the classic architectural elements from when it was built more than 80 years ago. It still features exquisite marble, ornate plasterwork and a back-lit stained-glass panel above the majestic central staircase. Complete upgrades have been done to the building's mechanical infrastructure and academic wings.

Officials who took part in the renovation said the improvements will benefit both the students as well as the community.

Shawn Hamlin of Hamlin ARC Group said, "One is the auditorium which is spectacular, and we're working on that and we believe that will be great asset to the community at large. Then there's a wonderful library we have in this building that we've provided, as well as a very fun cafeteria for the kids."

Principal Ken Newman said, "We're very excited about coming back home. It's a new beginning for Hackett Middle School, and we're going back to our community and we're excited about partnering and re-partnering with our parents, our students, our staff, and most importantly our community."

A ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand reopening celebration will be held Wednesday.