The Limestone College Theater Department will move into its own place when students return for classes this fall.

Limestone College acquired the 50-year-old Limestone Elementary building in a property swap with the Cherokee County School District. In exchange for the building, the college agreed to allow the district's students permanent use of the college swimming pool.

The college is converting the elementary school into a theater department wing and athletic department offices this summer. The new facility is called "Limestone Center" and is located on Leadmine Street behind the college lacrosse fields. The project is scheduled for completion in August.

Limestone College President Dr. Walt Griffin did not disclose a cost for renovations to the Limestone Center. This is the first new academic classroom project since the college built a $1.7 million physical education center in 2005.

The construction project will result in a multipurpose classroom, theater rehearsal space, costume storage area and offices for theater faculty members, Limestone College theater department chairman Tim Baxter-Ferguson said. Volunteers are helping the college build a new auditorium stage.

The theater department is sharing the space with the college's athletic department.

Athletic director Mike Cerino will move his office from the Timken Gymnasium into the Limestone Center. The center will house coaching offices for the lacrosse, soccer, baseball, and softball programs.

Future plans include adding team meeting rooms and locker rooms.