(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved authorization to submit a letter of intent to apply for a 2024 Civic & Community Center Financing Grant when they met Tuesday evening.
The City could apply for up to $562 thousand from the fund under the direction of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to use toward a Falls City Recreation & Wellness Center.
City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum informed the Council members that the Rec Center study has been completed and that Alley-Poyner Architects in Omaha will attend the January 16 Council meeting to review the initial plans.
A letter-of-intent to apply for the grant funds is due by January 15, with the actual application for funds due in February.
The current study is concept designs of what could be done by refurbishing the old City Hall building and Prichard Auditorium.
Falls City is only eligible for the grant funding because the community has a creative district formed. Nussbaum says that will put Falls City on a short list of communities eligible to receive the grant funds.
The estimated project cost based on potential rehab costs of the two building is more than $13.9 million.
Mayor Mark Harkendorff said he feels the project could be done for less money, he said he was hopeful the cost could be less than $10 million.
The initial plans call for retention of the current basketball and volleyball court at Prichard Auditorium and renovation of the buildings surrounding areas to include group workout areas, space for youth, a modernized kitchen, lounges gathering zones and additional restroom facilities allowing for activities that could include classes for senior and children, meeting facilities and rooms for party rentals.
The former City Hall building would be transformed into an event center and banquet hall.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Three former Atchison Co employees arrested on felonies
Effingham woman killed Friday in Atchison wreck
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack
Atchison man involved in fatal NW MO crash
Rural Horton man arrested on multiple drug charges
Services set for Effingham woman killed in crash
Street lights to be discussed at Monday city meeting
Barricaded fugitive arrested in Jackson County
Meteorologist Spencer: Geometric Watch means electronic disruptions
Two file to challenge local legislator
USD 430 Board accepts resignations, approves new hires
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
U.S. 36 work in Doniphan Co to impact motorists
USD 415 board select new member
Results from SE Nebraska contested Primary Elections
Truck fire at CGB facility in Falls City
Date set for signals switch at Hiawatha intersection
LATEST STORIES
Senator Slama won't endorse candidate in legislative race
Local author book launch event in Falls City Saturday
Tax foreclosures approved in Richardson County
Pawnee County Commissioners approve program funding
Falls City PD to take part in Make It Click campaign
Doniphan Co to seek funding for five bridge projects
USD 115 board approves funding for FBLA trip
Doniphan Co Attorney files for re-election