The town's 200-year-old stonehouse is being renovated, but it may not be completed until next year because of practical difficulties. The work is being delayed due to bad weather conditions and extended time taken in the fermentation of lime mortar. Five months ago, work started, but it will take one more year for the work to be completed. The heritage building currently houses the Ooty government arts college. Based on their request, the government sanctioned 823 crore to renovate the building. At least five departments functioning in one section of the heritage building were shifted to an annexe building temporarily. The principal of the college, Jehinezer, said that the renovation work is being speeded up to complete it by the end of May. One more section of the old building housing the principal's room and office is yet to be handed over to the PWD. Lime mortar which was the original plaster of the building is used while renovating the heritage building, and skilled people with experience of over 30 years are being involved in the work.
