(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.