Fox 10: This morning the City of Fairhope turned to its citizens to ask them what they see for the future of the K-1 Center property. The city agreed to purchase the K-1 Center in March, taking on a project that has been a long time in the making.

After some complaints about lack of public input in the project, and a high level of interest from former students of the former school, city officials turned to the public in what will be the first of a series of public input sessions.

The civic center was packed, as alumni, city leaders, and community members brainstormed ideas for the future of the property. Volunteer facilitators lead small group discussions, making sure every voice was heard. FOX10 News spoke with the most recent principal of the former K-1 Center, who says she’s looking forward to having a part in bringing the beloved property back to life.

I’m kind of here to speak for the children, since they’re not represented. It was a magical place, right in the center of town, visitors from across the world would come by and remark on what a neat experience it was for the children,” said Pat Carlton, principal of K-1 School from 2005 to 2011, the year the school closed. Watch here>>