The province will pay to restore the outside of the former Monsignor Feeney Centre, the "jewel" of London's heritage buildings, ending years of uncertainty about its future.

But who will own the Old South landmark, now owned by the province, and how it'll be used, remain unknown.

Restoration of the crumbling exterior of the former London Normal School -- one of Ontario's first teachers' colleges built in 1898 -- will begin in late summer or early fall and take up to two years to complete, London West MPP Chris Bentley said yesterday.

"The essential thing is the heritage and the grounds will be preserved," Bentley, Ontario's colleges and universities minister, said on the steps of the towered building fenced off to keep the public away from falling masonry.

"Taking care of the exterior will help us find a tenant and it will protect the inside of the building from the elements."

The building and surrounding grounds, where the annual neighbourhood Gathering on the Green takes place June 2, are protected under the Ontario Heritage Act.

The protection also extends to the two-storey entry hall and the main stairs inside the building.

Repairs will be overseen by Carlos Ventin, one of Canada's leading restoration experts for heritage buildings, who previously worked on the building and evaluated its condition.

Other projects Ventin has worked on include the Ontario legislature building, Toronto's old city hall, the Aylmer town hall and the Woodstock jail.

Ventin was unavailable for comment yesterday.

The cost of outside repairs to the building aren't known yet.

Previous estimates have put needed repairs and upgrades at $4 million.

The London District Catholic school board occupied the building 20 years until late 2005, when it moved to Wellington Road South. Ownership then reverted to the Ontario Realty Corp., the province's property arm.

The neighbourhood had been worried the site might fall into disrepair or a non-compatible use.

Fraser Petley, a director and past president of the Old South Community Organization, has handled the issue more than a decade. "It's a great day," said Petley. "It really unclouds the waters . . . this is a decisive commitment from the government."

Heritage enthusiasts said the building, with its 40-metre-tower and distinctive architecture, should be a top priority for the province.

Bentley said the interior, which also needs upgrades, won't be touched until a tenant is found and their needs determined.

Coun. David Winninger said the province should spare no expense. "This is known as the jewel in the crown of architectural heritage in London. . . I don't know how much it will cost, but certainly not a penny too much."