STANTON, Neb. -- Stanton Community Schools purchased the United Methodist Church a year ago with plans to house an overflow of students. 

After a March assessment was done, officials with the school said the building does not meet codes to do so and announced plans to demolish the building.

CMBA Architects in conjunction with R O Youker assessed the facility on Mar. 24 to see if the building could be renovated.

In the lower level, some of the doorways were experiencing cracks in the upper corners as well as moisture infiltration on the south and west wall.

The cracks continued on the main floor of the building, on the ceiling and walls in the office, as well as moisture damage around the bell tower.

The bell tower floor showed signs of water damage and weathered mortar joints and could be the origin of the moisture damage throughout the building. The report said the bell tower requires repair to prevent further damage to the building.

The ceiling of the bell tower is wood framed and has fallen from the framing.

The large concern of the report is due to the exterior, the lack of sealant applied, and deterioration around the windows.

In order to be used by the school district, the building would have to be brought up to ADA requirements.

Those requirements would force the school to build new bathrooms for men and women, installing a new elevator, and a ramp.

A total renovation of the building would be necessary and is estimated to cost around $1.25 million to $1.6 million. The estimation does not include costs of design fees, furniture, and surveys.

The church is no longer in use and held its last service in June.

According to the superintendent of Stanton Community Schools Darren Soucie, the school is giving an opportunity for people to buy items in the church in an online auction. The auction ends on July 24 at 9:00 a.m. and can be found on the school's website.

Soucie said the school has not set a date for the demolition of the church.