CHRISTIAN COUNTY, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – A former school that was constructed in 1939 in Christian County is currently on the market by the private owner, permitting an investor or developer to transform the space into something fresh and new.

In the heart of the Fearsville community in Christian County sits the former Lacy Elementary School. It was in operation first as a high school almost 90 years ago when it was built, and later as an elementary school under Christian County Public Schools with only around 300 kids attending before it was shut down in 2015.

Overgrown vacant lot with dense bushes, a metal streetlight in the center, and a brick building along the back wall.
Left panel shows a red brick wall with climbing vines and a small window, backed by a chain-link fence and overgrown plants along a sidewalk edge.

Local resident Shannon Hathorn is currently the owner of the school and property. After CCPS closed it down, the school was put up for sale instead of being demolished. Hathorn initially purchased the school with the intention of turning it into a facility for foster youth, but a series of life events prevented her from seeing the project through.

As a result, the property has spent the past decade sitting vacant at 12015 Greenville Road. After dealing with occasional thefts, vandalism and the overwhelming nature of figuring out next steps, she has decided to put it on the market.

“Life can just turn a different way, but it’s going to be alright,” she told Christian County Now. “This school is a big pillar in this community and people really would like to see something good come out of it.”

Despite the overgrown exterior surrounding the building, Hathorn says the school has good bones with incredible potential. She has heard several pitches for the best way to utilize the property over the years, ranging from a haunted house to senior living homes to storage units. However, Hathorn is hoping that someone finds a way to create something for local kids.

“It could be anything if you’ve got enough money and time…it’s still a very solid building,” she said.

The property is currently zoned for commercial development and includes the 34,000 square foot building along with just over six acres of land. It is currently listed for $163,000 with the hopes that she connects with a buyer who will be the perfect fit.

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