Former pupils at Mersey Street Primary School have returned to the classroom - but this time, they have moved in.
The school in east Belfast closed in 2006 due to dwindling numbers but as a Grade B listed building, regulations meant the facade could not be significantly altered. Nevertheless, this did not deter developers from converting the school into 30 two-bedroom apartments, with a combined value of £33m.
Now, several people have returned to live in their former school after falling for the charming new development.
Ex-pupil Karen Massey, whose mother and two sisters also attended the school said it was "weird" to be living in one of her old classrooms.
"It's strange but I have very fond memories of the school and it's just great to be back in it", she told the BBC.
"Everyone wants to see it. When they come in the door they're shocked because everything has gone. Now it's a beautiful courtyard with lovely flowerbeds and trees."
Another resident, who was also a former pupil and returned as an adult to work as a dinner lady, said the developers had done a "really good job".
"My two children both attended the school too and it does seem strange when you tell people 'I live in the school'," she said.